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Discover Humantay Lake, an impressive mirror of turquoise waters surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains and stunning Andean landscapes. During this day trip, you will enjoy an experience designed to connect with nature, contemplating one of the most spectacular natural settings in the Andes.
Humantay Lake tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the journey. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your adventure with complete confidence.
- Meals included: Buffet breakfast and lunch before and after the hike, for a more complete and comfortable experience.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
Programme summary
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Mollepata – Cusco
Discover the spectacular Humantay Lake on a one-day adventure departing from the city of Cusco. Along the way you will enjoy sweeping views of the South Valley until you reach Soraypampa, where the hike to the lake begins.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hiking distance | 9 km / 5.6 miles, round trip |
| Hiking time | Approx. 3 hours, ascent and descent |
| Maximum altitude | Humantay Lake: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Mollepata: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperature | Dry season (April to September): stable, clear days averaging 18 °C / 64 °F; very cold nights that can drop to –10 °C / 14 °F, especially in June and July. Rainy season (October to March): mild, sunny days averaging 19 °C / 66 °F; milder nights between 4 °C and 6 °C / 39 °F and 43 °F, but with frequent rain. |
Highlights
- Mollepata: a traditional Andean village surrounded by mountains. It is the usual stop for breakfast and lunch, and the gateway to the Humantay and Salkantay routes.
- Soraypampa: a camp at the foot of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped peaks, and the starting point of the hike.
- Humantay Lake: a spectacular turquoise lake surrounded by the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers, one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
- Mount Salkantay: an imposing sacred mountain of 6,271 m / 20,574 ft, considered one of the most important apus in the Andean worldview.
Humantay Lake 1-day tour itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Mollepata – Cusco
Get ready for an unforgettable day among some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Cusco. Humantay Lake is a unique experience of connection with nature.
- The adventure begins very early, between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., with the pickup from your hotel in the city of Cusco. The journey is made in tourist transport, crossing the landscapes of the South Valley and watching the sunrise, until reaching the village of Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) after almost 3 hours on the road.
- In Mollepata we make a short stop for breakfast and to recharge before the journey ahead.
- We continue to the Soraypampa camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), the starting point of the hike. Along the way you will admire impressive mountain scenery and, weather permitting, privileged views of the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers, sacred mountains in Andean culture.
- The hike up to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) takes a little over 2 hours. It is of moderate difficulty, mainly because of the steady climb on the final stretch. For those who wish, horses can also be hired to cover part of the route.
- On arriving at the lake you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and admire the beauty of its turquoise waters framed by imposing mountains.
- We then begin the descent back to Soraypampa, where our tourist transport will be waiting. As on the way up, we make a short stop in Mollepata for lunch.
- The return to the city of Cusco is scheduled for around 6:00 p.m., bringing to a close an unforgettable experience in one of the most impressive natural landscapes of the Andes.
What the Humantay Lake tour includes
Guaranteed entrance
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake, included in the service, so you can avoid the long payment queues on site.
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- Waterproof backpack cover, to protect your belongings from the sun, the rain and the conditions of the trail.
- 1 pair of trekking poles, which provide greater stability and support on the ascents and descents, reducing the effort required.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Meals
- Buffet breakfast and lunch in Mollepata, before and after the hike. The menu combines traditional Andean flavours, prepared with local ingredients and accompanied by a selection of typical regional desserts.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour.
Not included
- Horse hire (optional). Local villagers offer horses to reduce the effort of the climb. It costs around 100 soles, paid in cash directly to the community muleteers on the day.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Humantay Lake tour price
Rates by group size
| Your group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 39 USD |
| 3 people | To be confirmed |
| 4 people | To be confirmed |
| 5 people | To be confirmed |
| 6 or more people | To be confirmed |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings, more time for photographs and the freedom to stop whenever you wish. |
| Ancestral walk with llamas | On request | A private, exclusive service accompanied by llamas from the local community that carry part of the luggage during the hike, with moments shared with Andean families and a traditional herbal drink from the region. |
The best time to visit Humantay Lake
The dry season, from April to October, offers clear skies and a lower chance of rain, which lets you appreciate the turquoise colour of the lake at its best and makes for a safer hike.
What to bring to Humantay Lake
These are the most important items for this high-altitude excursion.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and a snack.
- Cash, preferably in small notes, for purchases and souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Trekking shoes or boots with good non-slip soles.
- Layered clothing: a breathable base layer, a warm layer and a down jacket, as it gets very cold at the lake.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Woollen hat and gloves for the morning.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- Bandana or buff to protect yourself from the wind, dust and solar radiation.
- A special outfit for your photographs at Humantay Lake.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
- Energy snacks: chocolate, nuts or bars.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- Acclimatise for at least 2 days in Cusco before this tour.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about Humantay Lake
How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
It is considered moderate, mainly because of the altitude of the lake, at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft above sea level. The trail is not technically complex, but the gradient of the climb and the altitude require basic physical fitness and proper acclimatisation in Cusco beforehand.
How long is the hike from the starting point?
The hike from Soraypampa up to Humantay Lake takes between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes. The first stretch is gentle, while the final section is steeper. The total round trip is approximately 9 km / 5.6 miles.
Could I suffer from altitude sickness?
Yes, altitude sickness (soroche) is possible, as the hike takes place above 3,800 m / 12,467 ft and reaches 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, where there is less oxygen. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, fatigue or dizziness. To prevent it we recommend good acclimatisation, staying hydrated and resting properly before and during the hike.
Can older adults or people with special medical conditions take the tour?
Yes, as long as the person can move about unaided and is in adequate physical condition. We recommend that travellers over 70 and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition have a medical check-up beforehand.
Because of the altitude and the effort involved, in these cases we suggest the private service, which allows you to go at your own pace and take the breaks you need.
Can I hire a horse for part of the route?
Yes. Local villagers offer horses to reduce the effort during part of the climb. It is not included in the tour: it costs around 100 soles, paid in cash directly to the community muleteers on the day. The horses do not reach the shore of the lake: they leave passengers about 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the final point.
Can someone weighing more than 91 kg use the horse service?
No. By decision of the local muleteers, the service is allowed for passengers of up to 90 kg. From 91 kg it is not authorised, as a measure to protect the welfare of the animals given the demanding altitude and terrain. In these cases we recommend the private service, which lets you climb at a calm pace and take all the breaks you need.
Does the agency provide an oxygen tank during the tour?
Yes. We carry an oxygen tank for the group during the tour and an additional one in the vehicle. Even so, we recommend that each passenger brings a portable oxygen inhaler, especially if you are sensitive to altitude.
The best prevention is still proper acclimatisation, staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals before the tour and telling your guide about any discomfort from the outset.
When is the best time to hike to Humantay Lake?
The dry season, from April to October or November. In those months the sky is clear and there is less chance of rain, which lets you appreciate the turquoise colour of the lake at its best and makes for a safer hike.
How many people are in the shared group?
Groups have a maximum of 18 passengers, for more personalised attention. Those who prefer a more exclusive experience can request the private service.
How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?
It is approximately 120 km from Cusco. The journey in tourist transport takes around 3 hours to Mollepata, and then continues to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.
What should I wear?
The best approach is to dress in layers, to adapt to the intense cold, the wind and the strong sun. Essentials are a warm down jacket, comfortable trousers, high-ankle trekking shoes, gloves, a hat and a rain poncho.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
Your safety is our top priority and all our staff are trained in first aid. If you show symptoms of altitude sickness, fatigue or any other discomfort, the team will assess your condition and provide the assistance you need: depending on the situation, we will arrange your return with the driver or take you to the community first-aid point.
If specialised care is required, we have the support of a clinic near the start of the hike, which can arrange evacuation to Cusco.
Is there mobile phone signal or internet during the visit?
The signal is very limited and, in most cases, unavailable during the hike. At some higher points there may be intermittent signal, though it is not guaranteed. We recommend letting family or contacts know that you may be out of touch for around 5 to 6 hours.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides, porters and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
