Adventure Tours Peru
18 people
1 Day
The Humantay Lake Full Day tour is one of the most popular excursions from Cusco and a must-do experience in Peru. This impressive glacial-origin lake is located at more than 4,200 meters above sea level and stands out for its intense turquoise color, surrounded by the majestic Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and unique landscapes in just one day.
Throughout the journey, you will enjoy panoramic views, Andean villages, and local wildlife, along with a challenging yet rewarding hike. Humantay Lake is considered a sacred place in the Andean worldview, making this excursion from Cusco an unforgettable natural and cultural experience.
The tour begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to Mollepata and continues to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake. During the ascent, the trail offers high-Andean landscapes, imposing mountains, and sightings of animals such as alpacas and llamas in their natural environment.
Upon arrival at the lake, you will appreciate its extraordinary natural beauty, with the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake surrounded by the imposing presence of the Humantay snow-capped mountain. Afterwards, you will return along the same route, enjoying panoramic views of Nevado Salkantay and the impressive Andean scenery that makes this full-day tour a truly memorable experience.
Day 1 – Cusco | Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Cusco
You will depart early from Cusco between 04:30 and 05:00 a.m. heading to Mollepata for breakfast. Then, you will continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of the guided hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Humantay Lake, with the option of horse or motorcycle. You will have time to take photos and receive the guide’s explanation. Afterwards, you will descend to Soraypampa, have lunch in Mollepata, and return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 05:30 p.m.
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The Humantay Lake tour from Cusco starts very early in the morning, between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., when we will pick you up in our comfortable and safe tourist transport. From Cusco, you will embark on a scenic journey of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, crossing Andean landscapes, fertile valleys, and small traditional villages until reaching Mollepata, situated at 2,790 meters above sea level.
In Mollepata, you will enjoy a traditional breakfast, ideal to acclimate and prepare for the hike. Then we will continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake.
Before starting the guided hike to Humantay Lake, there will be a brief informational and safety talk by the professional guide, who will provide recommendations for a comfortable and safe ascent.
Optionally, if desired, you may rent a horse or use the motorcycle service, both offered by local residents in Soraypampa. These services are not included in the tour price and are paid directly on site, making them an ideal alternative for those seeking more comfort during the ascent.
The hike lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, passing through trails surrounded by impressive mountains, local farms, and typical highland landscapes. Along the route, it is common to see alpacas and llamas in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy privileged views of the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba range.
Upon reaching the highest point, you will be rewarded with the spectacular view of Humantay Lake, famous for its intense turquoise color and considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru. You will have free time to take photos, rest, and connect with the natural energy of the place, while the guide explains the cultural and natural significance of Humantay Mountain, which reaches 5,450 m a.s.l.
After this unforgettable experience at Humantay Lake Full Day, you will begin the descent to Soraypampa, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain, one of the most imposing mountains in Cusco.
Afterward, you will return to Mollepata to enjoy a delicious lunch, prepared with local ingredients. Finally, we will head back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m..
The Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco is ideal for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and unique landscapes in a single day. If you want more information about this Humantay Lake excursion, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you plan your trip.
The Humantay Lake Full Day tour from Cusco is carefully organized so you can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and worry-free experience, combining nature, adventure, and Andean culture. These are the services included during the tour:
Although the tour covers the main services, there are some expenses that are not included and should be considered when planning your visit:
Below is a complete and organized list by category of everything you should bring to enjoy your Humantay Lake Full Day excursion safely and comfortably, considering the altitude, climate, and hike.
The weather on the route to Humantay Lake can change quickly, with cold, wind, and strong sun in the same day.
If you are planning to take the Humantay Lake Full Day tour, it is natural to have questions. Below, we answer the most common questions to help you prepare and enjoy this unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Humantay Lake is located in the Cusco region, Anta province, near the village of Soraypampa, in the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is at an approximate altitude of 4,200 m a.s.l., surrounded by the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains.
The tour starts and ends in the city of Cusco, Peru’s historical capital. Pickup is from hotels within Cusco’s urban area between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.
The best time to visit Humantay Lake is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is more stable and the turquoise color of the lake is more intense.
Yes, the tour can be done between November and March, but you should consider frequent rain, fog, and slippery trails. During this season, the Andean landscape is greener and less crowded.
The hike has a moderate difficulty level and lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes uphill. It starts in Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), located a few hours from Cusco.
Yes, it is recommended to spend at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before the tour for proper altitude acclimatization and to reduce the risk of altitude sickness during the hike.
In Soraypampa, a community located on the Cusco – Mollepata route, you can rent horses or motorcycles offered by local residents. These services are optional and not included in the tour.
The approximate distance of the route is 6 to 8 km, considering the round-trip hike between Soraypampa and Humantay Lake, plus the ground transfers from Cusco.
The weather is cold to temperate Andean, with temperatures ranging between 5 °C and 18 °C. At the lake area, located above 4,000 m a.s.l., the wind is usually strong.
The tour can be done by children and seniors in good physical condition. However, due to the altitude of Cusco and Soraypampa, it is recommended to assess physical fitness and consider using a horse.
It is not allowed to swim or enter the water. Humantay Lake is a sacred place for Andean communities and the water is extremely cold due to snowmelt from the glacier.
During the hike in the high-Andean area of Soraypampa, it is common to see alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and high-Andean birds, typical of the Cusco region.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 soles per person and is paid directly at the Humantay Lake communal checkpoint, managed by the local community.
Cell phone and internet signal is limited or nonexistent in Soraypampa and Humantay Lake. It is recommended to inform family or friends before leaving Cusco.
Return to the city of Cusco is approximately between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic and weather conditions on the Mollepata – Cusco route.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
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