Humantay Lake Hike; a day trip from Cusco
1 day
Up to 8 people
Moderate
4200 m.s.n.m
Hike , adventure
Hike the Jewel of the Andes
Humantay is a dazzling turquoise and emerald glacial lake that´s fed by the imposing Humantay (5,473m/17,956ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,574ft) Mountains that tower above it. As you arrive at your destination you will hear the melodious sounds of the waterfall giving life to this breathtaking lake. The is one of the most popular daily hikes in Peru, dishing out challenge and reward in equal measure.
Join this unforgettable hike from Cusco to the most scenic region in Peru. Its the perfect acclimatization trek for those that plan to do a multiple day trek at high altitudes.
From 100 USD
Per personWhen booking through Orange Cares a percentage of the proceeds is used to finance our projects
You will be trekking at elevations above 4,000m on rugged terrain, so prepare for a strenuous hike. Pace yourself and hire a horse if you have to.
Day 1 Cusco: Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Without a doubt, reaching the lake and looking at the stunning scenery all around, specially the Salkantay Mountain Glacier.
Day out at the incredibly beautiful Humantay Lake.
We begin our day at first blush, we will pick you up from your hotel lobby around 4:30am. Our drive to Mollepata should take about 2 hours. On arrival, our private chef will prepare a hot nutritious breakfast to give us fuel for the hike before continuing on towards Soraypampa (3,900m/12,795ft).
Welcoming us at the trailhead is breath taking views of the Salkantay Glacier (6,271m/20,574ft) and a quick briefing from our guide. If you wish to rent a horse, this is the perfect location to get one from the locals. Your guide can you help you negotiate a price. We then begin our 2 hour ascent to the top. Please note that the terrain is ragged, uneven and steep. So your hiking time will highly depend on your fitness level and your ability to cope with the high altitude. It´s by no means an easy climb, but it´s well worth it.
At the top, the Humantay Mountain (5,473m/17,956ft) covered in pure white snow will be the first to make its presence felt before getting our first breath taking view of the lagoon that lies below. The scenery at the summit is indescribable, it really looks like something straight out of National Geographic. Walk around the lake or climb a bit higher for even more panoramic views.
Salkantay and Humantay Mountains are viewed as spiritual beings by the people of this region. They go on regular pilgrims to give thanks to the Apus (spirit of the mountains). Our guide will perform a simple ritual and thank Pachamama (mother earth) using coca leaves. Of cause you are not required or expected to partake, but if you wish to join, you can simply follow the guides lead.
We have an hour or so scheduled at the top for pictures and such. Once we´ve had enough, we head back down for a buffet style lunch also prepared by our own private chef. After lunch, we then drive to Cusco arriving at about 5pm.
- Meals: Breakfast And Lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walking Distance: 5 Km / 3.1 Miles
- Walking Time: 3.5 Hours Approx.
- Starting Elevation: 3,900 M / 12,795 Ft
- Humantay Lake Elevation: 4,200 M / 13,780 Ft
INCLUDED:
- Hot breakfast & lunch prepared by our chef
- Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco
- Fluent English & Spanish speaking expert trekking guide
- Fees to access private land
- First aid kit & oxygen for emergencies
- Small group experience (maximum 12 guests)
NOT INCLUDED:
- Water: please bring at least 1L per person
- Tips for guide, driver and cook
- Walking Poles: $10 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- No hotels
- Travel insurance
- Flight tickets
- ***We run our trips daily with a 2 person minimum. We take only small groups & private trips, to enhance the experience by giving you the full attention of our guides and staff.
BEST PRICE FOR THE HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR
PRICES
We just require a minimum of 2 people to book in Humantay Lake Tour.
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 people | $ 150 USD per person |
| 3 people | $ 125 USD per person |
| 4 people | $ 100 USD per person |
| 5 people | $ 80 USD per person |
| 6 people | $ 70 USD per person |
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include in your Peru Adventure.
- Rainbow Mountain: US$ 120.00
- Sacred Valley: US$ 55.00
What should you bring for the Humantay Lake Hike?
Essential
- Valid Passport
- Extra Cash in local currency ( Nuevo Soles) for tips, souvenirs and snacks
- Personal Medication
- Water Bottle Or Camelbak
- Sunblock: Factor 70 Or More
- Insect Repellent
Clothing
- Hiking Boots Or Shoes (Preferably Waterproof)
- Trekking Pants (*)
- Trekking Socks
- Pair Of Thermal Pants
- Warm Jacket
- Waterproof Jacket
- Raincoat Or Rain Poncho
- Sun Hat To Protect Neck And Face
- Wool Hat For The Cold
- Neck Gaiter Or Buff
- Sunglasses With UV Protection
Equipment
- Medium Trekking Backpack (15 – 25 Liter)
- Trekking poles (Optional: Can be rented from Orange Nation)
Recommended
- Camera And Charger
- Power Bank
Day Highlights Humantay Lake Hike
Included Experience
Where the lagoon unveils its enchantment.
This spell binding turquoise lake reflects the immaculate beauty found in the Andes.
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General FAQs Humantay Lake Hike
Humantay Lake is a picturesque turquoise glacial lake that is situated at the base of the glacier covered Vilcabamba Mountain Range. It gets its name from the majestic Humantay Mountain (5,473m/ 17,956ft) that towers above it. Humantay Lake is typically enjoyed and appreciated by nature lovers of different fitness levels.
From Cusco, you have to travel by car for about 3 hours to the trailhead in Soraypampa (3,900m/12,795ft). After Soraypampa it is a 1.5hr steep incline to the lake.
The trek starts at the base elevation of 12,795ft/3,900m. You then hike up to an elevation of 4,200m/13,800ft, gaining about 300m in elevation. The trek is also pretty uneven and rocky in some places. For these reasons the trek is regarded as moderate to difficult. Also note that during the wet season (December and March), the trail can get slippery and therefore becomes even more difficult to navigate. The total trekking distance is 5km round trip.
During the dry season, the weather is very cold in the morning, sunny during day and cold again as evening approaches. Bring plenty of layers to stay warm. If you visit Cusco during the rainy season the climate is a little warmer, however the path will most likely be muddy making trekking very challenging. Cusco’s average temperature ranges from 32 °F / 0 °C to 68 °F / 20 °C.
It is possible to rent a horse in the town of Soraypampa. The horses usually cost around S/ 120 one way. Tour agencies are not permitted to rent out horses. Horse rental is a community based business and tour agencies have no control in how horses are treated
