Full Day
Medium - Challenge
Min: 2 - Max: 8 people
Cusco - Perú
Join our Humantay Lake tour, a full-day journey to one of the most beautiful natural treasures in the Andes. We travel from Cusco in small groups, and our professional guides assist you every step of the way, so you can reach the turquoise waters of Humantay safely and at your own pace.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day 8 hours) |
| Departs from | Cusco, Peru |
| Max altitude | 4,200 m / 13,780 ft |
| Hiking distance | Approx. [X] km round trip |
| Hiking time | 1–2 hours uphill |
| Difficulty | Moderate (high altitude) |
| Group size | Small groups (max. 8) |
| Price | $120 USD per person |
We drive from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike. From there, a scenic trail climbs for about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. All the way up, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Salkantay mountain range, one of the highest and most sacred in the Cusco region.
At 4,200 meters (13,780 ft), Humantay Lake is considered a sacred place by local communities. Many visitors join a traditional Andean offering, giving coca leaves and corn to Mother Earth (Pachamama) and asking for health, peace and harmony with nature. This tour is not only a hike but a spiritual connection with the Andes and its ancient traditions.
Early pickup in Cusco. We pick you up in Cusco at [hora] and drive to Soraypampa, with a stop for breakfast along the way.
Hike to Humantay Lake. We walk uphill with your guide, taking breaks to adjust to the altitude.
Time at the lake. You’ll have time to enjoy the view, take photos and take part in the Andean offering.
Return to Cusco. We hike back down to Soraypampa, have lunch, and drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
One or two days before your Humantay Lake tour, we’ll meet with you to explain the full trip: the route, the altitude, what to bring and any questions you may have. Our goal is for you to travel well prepared and fully satisfied.
Humantay Lake is at high altitude, so spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the hike. Drink plenty of water and walk slowly (read about altitude sickness). Horses are usually available for part of the way up for those who need help.
If you loved Humantay, take the next step on our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This multi-day trek visits Humantay Lake on its first day and ends at Machu Picchu. Before your hike, acclimatize on our Maras Moray tour. For another high-altitude adventure, try the Rainbow
05:00 am – Departure from Cusco. We pick you up in Cusco and drive to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike, enjoying views of the Andes along the way.
Hike to Humantay Lake. With your guide, we walk uphill at a steady pace, taking breaks to adjust to the altitude.
Time at the lake. Enjoy the turquoise water and the Salkantay glacier, take photos and join the traditional Andean offering to Mother Earth.
01:30 pm – Lunch in Soraypampa. We hike back down to Soraypampa, where a delicious, fresh and hot lunch awaits us.
05:30 pm – Return to Cusco. We drive back to the city and end the tour at Plaza San Francisco, one block from Cusco’s main square.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting point | Soraypampa – 3,900 m / 12,795 ft |
| Max altitude | Humantay Lake – 4,200 m / 13,780 ft |
| Walking distance | 2 km / 1.25 mi uphill (4 km / 2.5 mi round trip) |
| Walking time | Approx. 3 hours (up and down) |
| Total time on the trail | Approx. 5 hours (including time at the lake) |
| Weather | Cold and windy |
| Difficulty | 2 – Moderate |
| Start time | 06:00 am |
| End time | 05:30 pm (Plaza San Francisco) |
| Total tour time | 11.5 hours |
