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Discover Lake Humantay at dawn, when the first rays of light illuminate its turquoise waters and the imposing snow-capped mountains that surround it. Behold the grandeur of the Andes in a privileged natural setting and enjoy the tranquility of the early hours of the day in one of the most stunning landscapes in Peru. The experience includes an Andean breakfast and lunch prepared by a chef, served in exclusive domes or in picnic format, with privileged views of the mountains and snow-capped peaks. A proposal that combines nature, gastronomy, and comfort to enjoy the Humantay Lagoon from a different perspective.
Tour Humantay Lake at sunrise
Why choose this experience with us?
- A private premium experience for 2 to 6 travellers: You travel the route with your own group alone, with more privacy, flexibility and personal attention throughout the day.
- Humantay at sunrise: We leave Cusco at 3:30 a.m. to reach the lake first thing, watch the first light fall across its turquoise water and enjoy the landscape in peace.
- The Sakura Special Moment: Breakfast and lunch are prepared by our chef with fresh regional produce and served in geodesic domes or a picnic tent, surrounded by mountains and snow peaks.
- A local host: Your guide stays with you throughout and shares the landscape, the culture and the stories of the Andes, while we take care of every detail of the operation.
Programme summary
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Mollepata – Cusco
Discover the spectacular Humantay Lake on a day that leaves Cusco at 3:30 a.m. Along the way you take in the wide landscapes of the Valle Sur before reaching Soraypampa, where the hike to the lake begins. Breakfast and lunch, prepared by our chef, are served with views of the snow peaks.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Style of service | Private and tailor-made for your group, 2 to 6 passengers |
| Pick-up time | 3:30 a.m., from your hotel in Cusco |
| Return time | Around 5:00 p.m., in Cusco |
| Hiking distance | Approx. 9 km / 5.6 miles, round trip |
| Hiking time | Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes, up and down |
| Maximum altitude | Humantay Lake: 4,200 m above sea level / 13,780 ft |
| Minimum altitude | Mollepata: 2,900 m above sea level / 9,514 ft |
| Start of the hike | Soraypampa: 3,850 m above sea level / 12,631 ft |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Meals included | Andean breakfast and lunch, with a vegetarian option |
Temperature by season
| Season | By day | At night |
|---|---|---|
| Dry April to September | Settled, clear days averaging 18 °C. | Very cold nights, which can drop to –10 °C, especially in June and July. |
| Rainy October to March | Mild, sunny days averaging 19 °C. | Less cold nights, between 4 °C and 6 °C, but with frequent rain. |
Highlights of the tour
- Humantay Lake (4,200 m above sea level / 13,780 ft): a spectacular turquoise lake ringed by the Humantay and Salkantay snow peaks, one of the most striking natural landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
- Salkantay glacier (6,271 m above sea level / 20,574 ft): an imposing sacred mountain, considered one of the most important apus in the Andean world view.
- Soraypampa (3,850 m above sea level / 12,631 ft): a camp at the foot of the Humantay and Salkantay peaks, where the hike begins.
- Mollepata (2,900 m above sea level / 9,514 ft): a traditional Andean village ringed by mountains, the usual stop for breakfast and lunch and the gateway to the Humantay and Salkantay routes.
- Domes and picnic tent: where breakfast and lunch are served, with mountain views and depending on conditions on the day.
Humantay Lake tour Itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Cusco
A day that starts before dawn so you reach the lake as the light first touches its turquoise water, with breakfast and lunch prepared by our chef facing the snow peaks.
- The adventure begins early. At 3:30 a.m. we collect you from your hotel in Cusco. We travel by private tourist vehicle, enjoying the Andean landscape as the first colours of dawn accompany the drive to Mollepata (2,900 m above sea level / 9,514 ft).
- Andean breakfast with a view. We stop to refuel with a breakfast prepared by our chef from fresh regional produce, served in our domes or a picnic tent, looking out at the mountains and snow peaks.
- We continue to the Soraypampa camp (3,850 m above sea level / 12,631 ft), where the hike begins. Along the way there are striking mountain landscapes and, weather permitting, privileged views of the Humantay and Salkantay peaks, sacred mountains in Andean culture.
- The hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m above sea level / 13,780 ft) takes between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes. The first stretch is gentle; the final section is a steeper climb and moderately demanding because of the altitude.
- Arriving early means you have time to take in the landscape in peace, enjoy the first light on the turquoise water, take photographs and admire the imposing snow peaks that surround the lake.
- Andean lunch with a view. After the descent, a lunch prepared by our chef from fresh regional produce, served again in our domes or a picnic tent. A pause to savour Andean cooking while you take in the landscape.
- The return to Cusco is scheduled for around 5:00 p.m., bringing to a close a memorable day in one of the most striking natural landscapes in the Andes.
What the private Humantay Lake tour includes
Guaranteed entrance ticket
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake, included in the service.
Support and safety
- Pre-tour assistance. Before you set off, our team is available online to answer any question you have about the programme.
- Professional guide in Spanish, English and Portuguese. A team of guides with solid training in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout.
- First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder. Our guides receive continuous first-aid training, which means prompt assistance along the route.
- 1 pair of trekking poles, which give you more stability and support on the ascent and descent and make the hike less demanding.
- Waterproof backpack cover, to protect your belongings from sun, rain and trail conditions throughout the hike.
- 24/7 customer support, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Meals
- Andean breakfast, prepared by our chef from fresh regional produce and served in domes or a picnic tent with mountain views, before the hike begins.
- Andean lunch, prepared by our chef and served in the same setting, once the descent is over.
- Vegetarian option at both meals, on request when you book.
Transport
- Pick-up and drop-off by tourist service from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private tourist transport throughout the tour.
Not included
- Horse hire (optional). Local villagers offer horses to make part of the climb less demanding. It costs around 80 soles, paid in cash directly to the community muleteers on the day. The horse does not reach the lake: it leaves you about 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the viewpoint.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruption and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Costs arising from circumstances beyond our control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Humantay Lake Sunrise Tour Price
Rate by private group size
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 127 USD |
| 3 people | 99 USD |
| 4 people | 77 USD |
| 5 people | 74 USD |
| 6 people | 65 USD |
The private rate includes private tourist transportation, a professional guide, the Humantay Lake entrance ticket, an Andean breakfast and lunch prepared by our chef, a pair of trekking poles, and a backpack rain cover.
Shared service
| Rate | Price per person |
|---|---|
| From 2 to 18 people Group shared with other travelers | 39 USD |
The shared service follows the same route in a group of up to 18 passengers, with a fixed schedule and without the flexibility of the private service. Prices in US dollars are for reference only and subject to the current exchange rate: payment is made in soles.
Plan your visit
Pickup is at 3:30 a.m. and the return to Cusco is around 5:00 p.m., so it's a good idea to get a good night's rest beforehand and pack your bag the day before. To secure your spot, a deposit per person is required at the time of booking. We recommend booking in advance, especially on holidays and during high season, and bringing cash in soles, preferably in small bills, for purchases, souvenirs, and horse rental should you choose to use one.
Before you book
The best time to visit Humantay Lake is the dry season, from April to September, when skies are clear and rain is less likely, although nights and early mornings are the coldest of the year. The hike reaches 4,200 m a.s.l. (13,780 ft), so we recommend acclimatizing for at least two days in Cusco before the tour, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy meals the night before; if you have any altitude-related medical condition, consult your doctor before traveling. Cancellations or date changes can be requested up to 48 hours before departure, subject to an administrative fee.
What to bring to Humantay Lake
The departure is before dawn and the hike reaches 4,200 metres, so warm clothing and good footwear are what matter most on this excursion.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or national ID card.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre daypack or shoulder bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and a snack.
- Cash, preferably in small notes, for purchases and souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Trainers or hiking boots with good non-slip soles.
- Layers: a breathable base layer, a warm mid-layer and a down jacket, as it is very cold before dawn and beside the lake.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Woollen hat and gloves for the early hours.
- Sun hat or cap and sunglasses.
- Bandana or buff to protect you from wind, dust and solar radiation.
- A special outfit for your photographs in front of the 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 phone.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- Acclimatise for at least 2 days in Cusco before this tour.
- Pick-up is at 3:30 a.m.: pack the night before and get a good night's sleep.
- Travel light so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Keep your documents and valuables with you at all times.
- Mountain weather can change quickly: bring layers you can easily put on or take off.
Frequently asked questions about Humantay Lake at sunrise
The experience
Is this programme right for me?
Yes. Because it is a private service, you have more flexibility along the route and an experience shaped around your group. It is an excellent choice for couples, families, keen photographers and groups of friends who want to enjoy Humantay Lake with more privacy, comfort and personal attention.
What time does the experience start?
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco is at 3:30 a.m. The early start lets us reach Humantay Lake first thing and enjoy the first light on the water.
Is the experience private?
Yes. The programme runs privately for groups of 2 to 6 travellers and is not shared with other groups. If you would prefer a more economical alternative, we also run the same route as a shared service, in groups of up to 18 passengers and on fixed timings; both rates are in the Price tab.
Will I be able to enjoy the lake in peace?
Arriving early means we reach the lake at a quieter time. Even so, the number of visitors can vary with the date and conditions on the day.
Are breakfast and lunch included?
Yes. You will enjoy an Andean breakfast and lunch prepared by our chef from fresh regional produce, served in our domes or a picnic tent with views of the mountains and snow peaks. A vegetarian option is available if you let us know when booking.
What is the Sakura Special Moment?
It is a detail exclusive to Sakura, designed for enjoying and reconnecting with your surroundings: a pause in our domes, where you can savour Andean cooking surrounded by mountain scenery.
How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?
It lies roughly 120 km from Cusco. The drive by tourist transport takes around 3 hours to Mollepata, and from there you continue to Soraypampa, where the hike begins.
Physical demands and altitude
Do I need trekking experience?
No previous experience is needed. What matters is being in reasonable physical condition for walking at altitude and being ready for the effort the climb involves.
How difficult is Humantay Lake?
It is considered moderate, above all because of the altitude of the lake, at 4,200 m above sea level. The trail is not technically complex, but the gradient of the climb and the altitude call for basic fitness and proper acclimatisation in Cusco.
How high is Humantay Lake?
The lake sits at 4,200 m above sea level (13,780 ft). The hike begins at Soraypampa, at 3,850 m above sea level (12,631 ft).
How long is the hike from the starting point?
The climb from Soraypampa to the lake takes between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on your pace and acclimatisation. The first stretch is gentle and the final section is a steeper climb. The full round trip is roughly 9 km / 5.6 miles and takes about 4 hours 30 minutes.
Can older travellers or people with medical conditions do the tour?
Yes, as long as the person can move unaided and is in reasonable physical condition. We recommend that travellers over 70 and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition have a medical check beforehand. It is precisely because of the altitude and the effort that the private service is the best option in these cases: it lets you go at your own pace and stop whenever you need to.
Does the agency provide an oxygen cylinder during the tour?
Yes. We carry an oxygen cylinder for the group during the hike and a second one in the vehicle. Even so, we recommend each passenger bring 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.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
Your safety is our highest priority and all our staff are trained in first aid. If you show signs of soroche, exhaustion or any other discomfort, the team assesses your condition and provides the assistance needed: depending on the situation, we arrange the return with the driver or a transfer to the community first-aid post.
If specialist care is needed, we work with a clinic close to the start of the hike, which can arrange evacuation to Cusco.
Can I hire a horse for part of the route?
Yes. Local villagers offer horses to make part of the climb less demanding. It is not included in the tour: it costs around 80 soles, paid in cash directly to the community muleteers on the day. The horses do not reach the lake: they leave you about 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the viewpoint.
Can someone weighing more than 91 kg use the horse service?
No. By decision of the local muleteers, the service is allowed for passengers up to 90 kg. From 91 kg it is not authorised, to protect the welfare of the animals given the demanding altitude and terrain.
Weather, kit and communications
When is the best time to hike to Humantay Lake?
The dry season, from April to September, brings settled, clear days averaging 18 °C and less chance of rain, which brings out the lake's strong colour and makes for a safer hike. In those months the nights are very cold and can drop to –10 °C, especially in June and July. From October to March the days are mild and the nights less cold, between 4 °C and 6 °C, but rain is frequent.
What should I bring?
Warm clothing in layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a cap or hat, water and a small daypack. Mountain weather can change quickly. The full list is in the What to bring tab.
Is there mobile or internet signal during the visit?
Signal is very limited and, in most cases, unavailable during the hike. At some high 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 or 6 hours.
Bookings and payment
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Checking availability. Write to 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 in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. We ask for a deposit per person to secure your place. We recommend booking ahead, especially over public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed you receive the official invoice and your place is guaranteed 100 %.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change the date of your booking up to 48 hours before departure. In those cases an administrative charge applies, deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can reach 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 travel in Cusco and across Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe, high-quality experiences.
What sets us apart is responsible, sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personal attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning to delivery.
