Included for the Humantay Lake Hike
-
Transportation to the trailhead
-
Professional guide
-
Breakfast and lunch
-
Entrance fees to Humantay Lake
-
Oxygen tank
-
Return transfer to Cusco
Humantay Lake Full Day Hike
This full-day Humantay Lake tour is an epic day hike, ideal for those who love trekking. Humantay Lake offers a unique mountain landscape in the Cusco region; this area is home to some of the most sacred mountains, such as Salkantay and Humantay itself. You will be left in awe while enjoying a magical moment on the shores of this incredible turquoise lagoon.
This hidden Humantay Lake is located at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay mountain, beneath the glacier. To get there, you will hike from Soraypampa, tracing the beginning of the popular Salkantay Trek before following the trail up to Humantay Lake. This formidable day hike is primarily recommended during the dry season (April – November); during the rest of the year, you might encounter unexpected rain due to the rainy season.
Humantay Lake Hike
-
Beautiful mountain scenery
-
Stunning rock formations
-
Excellent views of the sacred mountains
-
Flora and wildlife
-
Visits to local villages
-
Hiking along the Salkantay trail
-
Visit to the majestic Humantay Lake
Overview / Summary
Humantay Lake Full-Day Hike
-
Day 01: Full-day Humantay Lake hike
Language
English, Spanish
Altitude
4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Transportation
Round-trip by tourist van from Cusco.
Difficulty
Moderate
Day 01: Full-Day Hike to Humantay Lake
Itinerary
Humantay Lake Full-Day Tour At 4:00 a.m., we will begin with hotel pickups to start a 2-hour drive to the town of Mollepata. Here, we will make a brief stop to have breakfast at a local restaurant, and then we will follow the route for another hour until we reach Soraypampa. Once we arrive at the bus parking area, we will begin our uphill hike toward the famous Humantay Lake.
We will walk along a beautiful path that forms part of the Salkantay trail, which is mainly uphill. After a short walk, we will see a small settlement where Salkantay trekkers are gathered. From there, we will hike for another hour and a half, ascending 387 meters over 3 km along a steep trail. Upon crossing the final moraine, Humantay Lake will come into view with its beautiful turquoise color. This lake is fed by the meltwater of the impressive, snow-capped Humantay mountain.
On the way to Humantay Lake, you will enjoy magnificent views of Mount Salkantay, one of the highest mountains in Cusco at 6,300 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.), which is deeply respected and revered by the local people. The impressive, snow-capped Mount Humantay stands at 5,900 m.s.n.m. and is also visible most of the time. Once at the shores, we will enjoy some time to relax, have snacks, and walk around this magical place.
When you feel ready to head back down, we will descend to Soraypampa to enjoy a good lunch. Afterward, we will return to Cusco on a two-hour drive and drop you off at your hotel, bringing our tour to an end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Train companies (PeruRail and Inca Rail) only allow one carry-on bag or backpack not exceeding 5 kg (11 lbs) and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Larger luggage can be stored for free at your hotel in Cusco.
Yes, all of our standard shared guided tours are conducted with a maximum of 8 to 10 people per guide in Machu Picchu to ensure a close, personalized experience and optimal resolution of your questions.
Government entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets are personal and non-transferable, and their dates are rigid according to official policies. Therefore, rescheduling is subject to penalties and the availability of new tickets at the time of requesting the change.