Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco Overview
Join our Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco and spend a full day exploring one of the most memorable high-Andean landscapes near the Salkantay route. The journey takes you through the countryside south of Cusco to Mollepata and then to Soraypampa, where the hike toward the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake begins.
The walk is not technically difficult, but the altitude makes the experience more demanding than an ordinary hike. Moving at a comfortable pace gives you time to enjoy the mountain scenery, breathe, rest when needed and gradually approach the lake surrounded by dramatic Andean peaks.
This full-day experience includes tourist transport, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch and the entrance fee. It is a good choice for travelers who want to combine hiking, photography and high-altitude scenery in a single day from Cusco.
Tour highlights
- Travel from Cusco through the Andean countryside toward Mollepata and Soraypampa.
- Enjoy breakfast before beginning the hike and lunch after the visit.
- Hike from Soraypampa toward the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
- Walk for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on the ascent, depending on your pace and the conditions of the day.
- Enjoy views of snow-capped mountains and high-Andean landscapes along the route.
- Have time at the lake to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.
Why choose this tour?
Humantay Lake is one of the most popular day hikes from Cusco, but the experience is much more than simply reaching the lagoon. The road through Mollepata, the changing high-Andean landscape and the gradual climb from Soraypampa are all part of the day.
Our goal is to give you enough information before the hike so you know what to expect from the altitude and walking time. Once on the trail, the pace of the group and the conditions of the day determine how quickly we reach the lake. The reward is a striking mountain setting and time to enjoy Humantay before beginning the descent.
Full-Day Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary
04:00–04:30 a.m. | Hotel Pick-up in Cusco
We pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco during the early-morning collection window. Once the group is ready, we begin the journey through the Andean countryside toward Mollepata.
Approx. 2.5 Hours | Journey to Mollepata
Travel by tourist transport toward Mollepata while the landscape gradually changes from the Cusco valley to more rural mountain scenery.
Breakfast in Mollepata
On arrival in Mollepata, we stop for breakfast before continuing toward Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake.
Hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake
From Soraypampa we begin the ascent toward Humantay Lake. The uphill walk normally takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the pace of the group, weather conditions and how each traveler responds to the altitude.
The trail is not technical, but the elevation can make the climb feel more demanding. We recommend walking steadily, taking short breaks when needed and following the guide's recommendations.
Time at Humantay Lake
Once we reach the lake, you will have time to enjoy its turquoise waters, observe the surrounding mountains and take photographs. Your guide will provide information about the area before we begin the return hike.
Descent and Lunch in Mollepata
After the visit, we walk back toward Soraypampa and continue by vehicle to Mollepata, where lunch is included.
Approx. 06:00 p.m. | Return to Cusco
After lunch, we begin the drive back to Cusco. Arrival is expected at approximately 6:00 p.m., although the final time can vary depending on traffic, weather and the pace of the group.
Humantay Lake Tour Price and Booking Information
Choose the service that best fits your trip. Our Humantay Lake Tour is available as a group or private experience and includes tourist transport, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch and the entrance fee according to the current tour program. Current prices are shown below and may vary according to the selected service and number of travelers.
Humantay Lake is a high-altitude hiking experience, so we recommend acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour and booking in advance, especially during periods of higher demand.
Group Price
Private Price
What's Included in the Humantay Lake Tour?
Included Services
- Round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco.
- Professional guide during the tour and hike.
- Breakfast.
- Lunch.
- Entrance fee to Humantay Lake.
Not Included
- Optional tips.
- Personal expenses.
- Additional services or entrance fees not mentioned in the program.
- Travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Humantay Lake Tour
How difficult is the Humantay Lake tour from Cusco?
The hike is considered moderate. The trail is not technical, but the high altitude makes the ascent more demanding, particularly for travelers who have not had enough time to acclimatize in Cusco.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The uphill walk from Soraypampa usually takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. The actual time depends on your pace, the weather and how you respond to the altitude.
What is the maximum altitude on the tour?
The current tour information lists a maximum altitude of approximately 4,900 m above sea level. Because the excursion takes place at high altitude, acclimatization before the tour is strongly recommended.
What is included in the Humantay Lake tour?
The tour includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch and the entrance fee to Humantay Lake according to the current program.
Do I need to acclimatize before visiting Humantay Lake?
Yes. Spending some time in Cusco or another high-altitude location before the tour can make the hike more comfortable. The altitude often has a greater effect on travelers than the technical difficulty of the trail.
What should I bring to Humantay Lake?
Bring warm layers, comfortable hiking shoes, a waterproof or wind-resistant jacket, sun protection, sunglasses, water, personal snacks and some cash for personal expenses.
What time does the tour return to Cusco?
The tour normally returns to Cusco at approximately 6:00 p.m. The final arrival time may vary depending on traffic, weather and the pace of the group.