Humantay Lake Peru Day Trip
Experience the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake on this full-day trek from Cusco, surrounded by snow-capped peaks at 4,200 meters above sea level.
Discover Your Adventure
Humantay Lake Peru Day Trip is a popular full day trip from Cusco. Peru Humantay Lake Trek is a high altitude trek to the turquoise lake tops the bucket list of many travellers as to the Rainbow Mountain or Sacred Valley.
Laguna Humantay nestles at 4200 meters above sea level. Lake Humantay is a glacial lake snuggled between the snow capped peaks of Mount Salkantay and Humantay Mountain. The melting snow of Humantay Mountain feeds the lake.
To the Andean people, the lake is Sacred. Even today, the Shamans (Andean priests) hike up to offer their prayers or Apacheta. It is a process of piling stones, each on top of the other. Furthermore, the Shamans seek blessings of the Apus (Sacred peak) using three coca leaves (K’intu).
Lake Humantay is the first stop on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. The only way to visit the lake is by hiking or by renting a horse from the nearby village. We highly recommend you to spend some time in Cusco before the full day tour to acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
We operate Peru Lake Humantay Trek both as a private tour and as small group tours. Also, we highly recommend you to wear a pair of sturdy hiking shoes as the terrain gets a little rough towards the top.
Why Travel with Us?
All of our guides are locals with excellent knowledge of Andean traditions. They are mountaineers and passionate about sharing their culture. To enhance your day trip to Laguna Humantay, breakfast and lunch are included in the package.
Wondering if you can swim in Laguna Humantay? Yes, you can take a dip in this turquoise lake. But beware, the water is icy cold!
- Departure: Every day
- Total Duration: Approximately 14 hours
- Walking Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,460 feet)
Highlights
Early morning hotel pickup from Cusco (4:30 AM)
Scenic 2-hour drive through the Limatambo Valley
Traditional Andean breakfast in Mollepata
Guided hike to the glacial Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters
Stunning views of Mount Salkantay and Humantay Mountain
Learn about Andean traditions and the sacred Apacheta ritual
Option to rent a horse for the hike
Small group or private tour options
Breakfast and lunch included
Available every day
Day by Day Journey
Day
1
CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – LAGUNA HUMANTAY – CUSCO
Day 1
CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – LAGUNA HUMANTAY – CUSCO
Day 1At 4:30 AM, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. The journey is impressive, and during the trip, you will pass through high Andean communities, seeing fields of various crops, and cross the Limatambo Valley. The trip takes about 2 hours to reach the community of Mollepata, where you can enjoy breakfast and stock up on water and snacks.
Afterward, we’ll continue to Soraypampa for 1 more hour. Soraypampa is at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,460 feet), and from there, we’ll start our hike uphill to Laguna Humantay. Along the way, your guide will point out the local flora and fauna, and you’ll get stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
At the top, you will be rewarded with the beautiful turquoise lagoon, also known as Laguna Humantay, surrounded by the magnificent glaciers of Humantay. You’ll have time to take in the unforgettable views.
Afterward, we’ll descend back to the starting point of the hike, and then we’ll drive for 1 hour to Mollepata, where a delicious lunch will await us. We’ll finish the day sharing our experiences.
Finally, we’ll return to Cusco by private transport, which takes about 2 hours.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Hotel Pickup
- Round-trip Transport
- Bilingual Professional Guide
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Snacks (1L Mineral Water, Coca Candy, Chocolate Bar, Banana)
- Entrance Ticket
- First-Aid Kit
Not Included
- Extra Costs
- Horse Rental (if desired, you can request it directly in the area)
- Travel Insurance
Luggage & Recommendations
Travel Tips for the Humantay Trek:
- Altitude: You will be hiking at a high altitude (up to 4,200 m / 13,779 feet), so it’s important to stay hydrated, walk slowly, and listen to your body. Consider spending some time acclimating in Cusco before the trek.
- Packing: Wear warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly from December to March. Also, it’s advisable to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket (plastic poncho).
- Health: Keep your energy up with snacks like nuts and chocolate. Don’t forget personal medications or anything you need for altitude sickness.
- Meals: We provide a nutritious breakfast and lunch, but if you have specific dietary needs, please let the guides know in advance so we can accommodate them.
This trek offers stunning views of some of the highest and most sacred mountains in Peru while providing a good balance of adventure and comfort in the Andes. Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance in planning your trip! We’d be happy to help!
Through the Lens
6
Photos
4.9★
Rating
100%
Authentic
Frequently Asked Questions
Tour Details
Duration
1 Day
Price
Inquire For Price
Max Group Size
1 to 16 People
Difficulty
Moderate
Starting Point
Your Hotel In Cusco
Altitude Max
4,200 m
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