Hike to the Andean Mountain Gem
The Humantay Lake 1-Day Tour is a highly sought-after excursion from Cusco, renowned for its stunning, turquoise glacial waters nestled beneath the towering, snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay peaks. The day begins with a very early pre-dawn departure from Cusco, followed by a scenic 3-4 hour drive to the village of Mollepata, where breakfast is usually served. The tour then proceeds to Soraypampa, the trailhead, located at approximately $3,900$ meters ($12,800$ feet).
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
During the Humantay day hike you will feel the energy of the mountains also knows as Apus who protect local people according of the Andean traditions. This beautiful lake is located 3 hours away of Cusco over 4200masl/13780ft. At Vidal Expeditions we offer an ultimate adventure day trip with all included to make your trip a great experience of the lifetime.
Highlights: Humantay Lake, Salkantay mountain, Humantay mountainHiking distance: 2:30hours round trip
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: April to November
Max. Altitude: 4200m/13780ft
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypamapa - Humantay Lake - Soraypampa - Cusco
Detailed Itinerary
Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypamapa - Humantay Lake - Soraypampa - Cusco
Humantay Lake: Very early in the morning (around 4:30-5am) your mountain guide and our driver will pick up you from your hotel.
The first stop of the day will be at Mollepata to have breakfast and fill us with the energy we'll need to continue our trip up to Soraypampa at 3950m.a.s.l. Here you will have the opportunity to know part of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. After a brief rest we will prepare ourselves to start the trek upwards until we reach the highest point of the trail, on our way crossing wonderful landscapes surrounded by a complex of mountains.
You will surely be impressed with the panoramic view of seeing the turquoise lake at 4200 masl. 13779 ft. close to an astounding glacier.
After we will return to Soraypampa where we will get our lunch. Our transport will be waiting for us to return to Cusco at 5pm approximately.
At Cusco Climbing we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your cultural tour.
WE INCLUDE
Cusco Climbing Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Sacred Valley of the Incas departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the famous sacred valley of the Incas
Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your adventure it will be for a specific date.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to each place to visit Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Salineras and Chinchero, the bus returning to Cusco once you done with this activity will drop off you at your hotel.
Equipment
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Cusco Climbing are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Cusco Climbing, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 1 buffet lunch during this tour of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour is for that we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
Humantay Lake Tour 1 Day
At Cusco Climbing we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?Important
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
- Trekking poles
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
Important Humantay Lake Tour FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about our day tours in Cusco
How high is Humantay Lake and how difficult is the hike?
The Lake is approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), starting from the Soraypampa trailhead (3,900 m). The trek is rated Moderate to Difficult due to the steep, rapid incline and the high altitude over a relatively short distance.
How long does the entire day tour take?
The entire tour is a full day, typically requiring 12 to 14 hours round-trip from Cusco. This includes approximately 3-4 hours of driving each way and 3-4 hours for the round-trip hike.
How should I acclimatize for the Humantay Lake altitude?
Acclimatization is essential. You must spend at least 2 full days in Cusco (3,400 m) or the Sacred Valley beforehand. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and use altitude medication (like Diamox) if advised by your doctor.
What is the actual hiking time to reach the lake?
The uphill hike from the Soraypampa trailhead to Humantay Lake generally takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the average hiker. The descent is much faster, usually taking 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Can I hire a horse if I find the hike too difficult?
Yes, horses (or mules) are available for rent at the trailhead in Soraypampa. This is an optional cash payment (typically S/60 to S/90 Soles) made directly to the local horse owners for the uphill portion.
What kind of weather should I expect and what should I wear?
Expect extreme temperature swings. Early mornings are freezing (near 0°C). You must wear Layers! Use a 3-layer system (thermal, fleece/down, and waterproof/windproof shell). Bring gloves, a warm hat, and sunglasses.
Is the entrance fee included in the tour price?
No, typically the entrance fee is NOT included in the base tour price. You must pay an entrance fee (Boleto Turístico Parcial) in cash (Peruvian Soles) to the local municipality, usually around S/20 Soles.
Are swimming or standing on the rocks in the lake permitted?
No. Humantay Lake is considered a sacred natural resource. Swimming is strictly prohibited. For safety and preservation, visitors must remain behind the established barriers.
What essential items should I bring for the hike?
Bring 1.5 to 2 liters of water, high-energy snacks, sturdy hiking boots (waterproof preferred), walking sticks (highly recommended), and sufficient cash for fees and horse rental.
Do the tours include food?
Yes. Most standard 1-day tours include both a simple **breakfast** and a **hot, filling lunch** (often served buffet style) at a local restaurant near the starting village (Mollepata or Soraypampa).
From: USD 55.00 per person
USD 45.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Cusco Climbing. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Cusco Climbing will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at cuscoclimbingperu@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Full Day
Humantay Lake Tour
Humantay Lake Tour One Day Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Cusco Climbing we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Climbing & Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art climbing and camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Climbing team: At Cusco Climbing we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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