Humantay Lake

The Humantay Lake is a popular destination for travelers visiting Cusco who enjoy hiking and mountain landscapes. Located beneath the snow-covered Humantay Mountain in the Peruvian Andes, this turquoise lake is known for its clear water and impressive glacial surroundings.

The journey takes you through the Apurimac Valley to Soraypampa, where the hike begins. As you follow the mountain trail, the landscape changes to rocky slopes, open Andean terrain, and snow-covered peaks.

Located at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level, Humantay Lake offers a challenging walk for visitors. The uphill section takes around 1.5 hours, depending on your walking pace and physical condition. Proper acclimatization before the excursion is important because of the elevation.

Tour Overview

Our Humantay Lake Tour begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel toward Mollepata, where you will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant before continuing to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.

From here, the trail climbs through the high Andean landscape toward Humantay Lake, located beneath the glacier-covered mountain of the same name.

Once at the lake, you will have time to enjoy the views, take photographs, and learn about the surrounding mountain environment before walking back to Soraypampa.

After the hike, we return to Mollepata and continue by vehicle to Cusco. The excursion combines a challenging high-altitude walk with a visit to one of the best-known natural attractions in the Cusco region.

Tour Highlights

Admire the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake beneath its glacier-covered mountain.
Travel through the scenic Apurimac Valley.
Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata.
Hike from Soraypampa through the high Andean landscape.
Reach approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level.
Enjoy views of Humantay Mountain and the surrounding peaks.
Explore one of the most recognized glacial lakes near Cusco.
Experience a full-day mountain hike without overnight camping.

Humantay Lake Tour at a Glance

04:10 AM: Hotel pickup in Cusco and departure toward Mollepata.
06:30 AM: Breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata.
Morning: Continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.
Hiking Time: Approximately 1.5 hours uphill to reach Humantay Lake.
At the Lake: Enjoy the turquoise waters, mountain views, and time for photographs.
Return Hike: Walk back to Soraypampa and continue by vehicle to Mollepata.
05:00 PM: Approximate arrival in Cusco and drop-off at your hotel.

Why Book with Manu Jungle Tour?

Explore Humantay Lake with a local team familiar with the Cusco region.
Travel in organized tourist transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa.
Enjoy the assistance of a professional mountain guide.
Discover the natural landscapes of the Apurimac Valley.
Visit Humantay Lake without spending a night on the mountain.
Travel with group or private service options, subject to availability.
Receive information about altitude, hiking conditions, and departure arrangements.
Get assistance before your excursion and throughout your travel arrangements.

Included

Pre-tour briefing with your guide before the excursion.
Hotel pickup in Cusco.
Private tourist transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa and back.
Professional English-speaking guide.
Entrance fee to Humantay Lake.
Breakfast in Mollepata.
Lunch after the hike.
Oxygen tank available during the excursion.
All applicable local taxes.

Not Included

Horse rental (optional).
Dinner.
Walking poles.
Personal hiking equipment.
Hotel accommodation before or after the tour.
Travel insurance.
Tips for guides and drivers.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa – Cusco

Highlight of the Day: Visit Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 ft), surrounded by turquoise waters, glaciers, and high Andean mountains.

Your day starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:10 AM. We travel for around two hours to Mollepata, where you will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant. After breakfast, we continue by vehicle to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.

From Soraypampa, we begin the uphill hike toward Humantay Lake along a mountain trail known as Camino Real. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on your walking pace.

Some sections are steep, and the high altitude makes the hike more challenging, so we recommend walking slowly and taking breaks when necessary.

Once at the lake, located at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 ft), you will have around one hour to enjoy the views, take photographs, and rest. After the visit, we return to Soraypampa along the same trail and board our vehicle for the journey back to Cusco.

We expect to arrive in Cusco at approximately 5:00 PM, where you will be dropped off near your hotel.

Duration: Full Day, 4:30am- 5pm
Distance: 5 km (3.1 Miles) Round Trip
Elevation: 3,869m (12,690 ft) / 4,200m (13,779 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

💰 Prices

We offer flexible departure dates and operate the Humantay lake daily, subject to availability.

USD $49 per person

✔ Small-group experience for greater comfort and personalized service
✔ Professional guides and full Tour logistics included

Private Service

A more personalized experience with flexible pacing and tailored logistics.

2 Persons: $159 per person
3 Persons: $149 per person
4 Persons: $129 per person
5 Persons: $99 per person
6 or more Persons: $89 per person

* All our tours are priced in US dollars.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your reservation, a 40% deposit is required.

Deposit: 40% of the total tour price to secure your booking.
Balance: The remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) before the tour begins.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and bank transfers. Please note that online credit card and PayPal payments are subject to a 5% service fee.

Rentals

Hiking poles – US$10.00.
A horse – US$45.00.

What to Bring

Hiking to humantay lake is like any other high altitude trek, so it is essential to be well prepared. As it begins in the dead of night morning, consider to pack the following Items:

Passport.
A down and rain jacket.
A pair of gloves.
A hoodie/hut and sun glasses.
A good pair of hiking shoes.
Rain poncho.
Hiking poles.
Water bottle or camelback.
Sunscreen.
Snacks.
Camera.
Extra Cash.
Lip balm.
Portable charger or power bank.
Reusable water bottle.

Important Travel Information

At Manu Jungle Tour, we want your visit to Humantay Lake to be safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. This full day adventure takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the southern Andes, traditional rural communities, and one of the most impressive natural attractions in the Cusco region.

Please review the following information before your tour to ensure you have the best possible experience. A little preparation will help you enjoy the hike, the scenery, and the high altitude environment with greater comfort.

Hotel Pick Up

We provide complimentary hotel pick up from accommodations located in Cusco’s Historic Center.

✓ Pick up begins according to the confirmed tour schedule.
✓ Our team will confirm your exact pick up time the day before your tour.
✓ If your hotel is located on a narrow street or in an area with limited vehicle access, we’ll arrange the nearest convenient meeting point. This helps ensure a smooth start to your tour.
✓ Please be ready in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pick up time. This helps avoid delays for the group.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Humantay Lake reaches an altitude of approximately 5,200 m (17,060 ft) above sea level. The high elevation can make the hike feel more demanding, even for travelers with previous hiking experience.

We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before your tour to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, getting enough rest, and maintaining a comfortable pace during the hike can help you enjoy the experience.

Weather Conditions

Weather in the southern Andes can change quickly throughout the day. Conditions at Humantay lake can vary because the route reaches high elevation, where temperatures, wind, sunlight, and rain can change within a short period.

Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho. Warm clothing is especially important during the early morning and while hiking at high elevation. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also essential because sunlight can be strong in the Andes.

Food and Dietary Requirements

Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour. Meals are planned to provide you with the energy you need for the journey and the hike to Humantay lake.

If you have vegetarian, vegan, allergy related, or other dietary requirements, please let us know when booking. Informing us in advance allows our team to coordinate your meals and make the appropriate arrangements for your tour.

Health and Safety

Your safety is our priority throughout the excursion. Humantay lake is located at high elevation, so proper acclimatization and a comfortable walking pace are important during the hike.

Our guides carry a First Aid Kit and emergency oxygen during the tour. We recommend informing your guide if you feel unwell at any point during the excursion. If you have concerns about traveling to high altitude, we also recommend consulting your doctor before the tour.

Weather or Route Changes

Weather conditions and road situations in the Andes may occasionally require minor itinerary adjustments. Mountain conditions can change during the day, and road conditions can also affect travel times.

If a change becomes necessary for safety reasons, your guide and our operations team will choose the best alternative according to the conditions. Our priority is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and well organized adventure while adapting to local conditions when necessary.

Lost Objects

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. Please check your surroundings and make sure you collect all your items when leaving our vehicles, tents, restaurants, and other stops.

Avoid leaving belongings unattended during the trek. Before moving on to the next stop, check that you have your phone, camera, passport, money and other personal items with you.

Frequently Asked Questions – Humantay Lake Tour

Humantay Lake is located in the Cusco region of southern Peru, near the community of Soraypampa. It lies at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 ft) above sea level, at the foot of Humantay Mountain.

The lake is part of the Vilcabamba mountain range and is commonly visited on a full-day excursion from Cusco.

The hike is considered moderate to challenging because of the steep uphill sections and high altitude. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on your physical condition and walking pace. You should be comfortable walking on uneven mountain trails and taking breaks when necessary.

The excursion takes approximately 12 hours, including transportation from Cusco, breakfast, the hike, time at the lake, and the return journey. Pickup is usually around 4:10 AM, with arrival back in Cusco expected at approximately 5:00 PM. Times may vary depending on road and weather conditions.

Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 ft) above sea level. The altitude can make physical activity more demanding, especially during the uphill hike. We recommend spending time acclimatizing in Cusco before taking this excursion.

Yes. We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before the hike. Proper acclimatization helps your body adjust to the altitude and may reduce the risk of altitude sickness. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical advice before continuing.

The dry season, generally from May to September, offers more stable weather and better chances of clear mountain views. From October to April, rain is more frequent, and trails can become muddy or slippery. The tour operates throughout the year, but conditions depend on the weather.

The main access to Humantay Lake is on foot from Soraypampa. Travelers who prefer assistance during the uphill section may be able to arrange a horse locally, subject to availability and local arrangements. The final approach and access around the lake may still require walking.

The hike may be demanding for young children, older adults, and anyone who is not accustomed to walking at high altitude. The steep trail and elevation should be considered before booking. Each traveler should assess their physical condition and consult a healthcare professional if they have concerns.

Yes. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, particularly during the rainy season. Rain, snow, strong winds, or poor visibility may affect hiking conditions and access to the lake. Your guide will assess local conditions and follow safety recommendations during the excursion.

We do not recommend combining Humantay Lake with another full-day excursion. The hike requires an early departure from Cusco and several hours of travel and walking at high altitude. It is better to dedicate the entire day to this visit and allow enough time to return and rest.

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Starting From:

USD 49 per person

Trip details:

Tour Type: Full Day Hiking Tour
Season: All Year Round
Duration: 1 Day
Group Size: Small Group or Private Service
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Destinations: Cusco, Mollepata, Soraypampa and Humantay Lake

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   David D 
 
 
 
 Verified 2day 1night Inca trek
What an amazing experience from start to finish! Our experienced english speaking guide Raul made the whole journey so much more enjoyable from his knowledge, wisdom and his sense of humour! Highly recommend the guys from info Machu Picchu !!
  
 
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   Robin F 
 
 
 
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Absolutely excellent service! Despite a mix-up where we were picked up by the wrong bus and missed our original tour, the travel agency handled everything with great professionalism and flexibility. They took responsibility right away and made rebooking a new tour incredibly easy and stress-free. We really appreciated how understanding and accommodating their team was throughout the process. Thanks to their quick response, we were able to enjoy an equally fantastic tour, and their willingness to resolve the issue left a lasting positive impression.Overall, a great example of excellent customer service. We’ll happily book with them again!
  
 
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   Melania C 
 
 
 
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Wonderful experience in the Manu jungle!! We could observe capuchin monkeys, the cock of rocks, macaws, AMAZING! Super recommended! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  
 
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The Tours Inca trail 2 days very pleasant, they are very available and professional. Manu Jungle I love! and I recommend it!
  
 
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We had an amazing experience hiking the short Inca trail with Dayan. He provided us with a box lunch which was delicious and had plenty of food to fill us up! Highly recommend Info Machu Picchu! It was a great experience and Dayan made it unforgettable. She was very knowledgeable and kind.
  
 
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   Keyko Victoria P 
 
 
 
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Nice guided experience through the city and surroundings of Cusco... Everything was wonderful. And above all with the security that the agency provided us. Ready to come back...

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