Lake Humantay day hike is a wonderful way to explore the peruvvian andes. If you have a day in Cusco, this trip is well worth the time and effort! Lake Humantay is an glacier lake surrounded by Andes giants like Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay. These mountains are towering, sheer, icy peaks that provide a breathtaking backdrop to our destination, the turquoise-colored waters of Lake Humantay!
A Turquoise Jewel of the Andes
Hike to Humantay Lake, one of the most stunning glacial lagoons in Peru. Framed by the snowcapped Salkantay mountain, this full-day trek from Cusco rewards every step with turquoise waters, Andean scenery, and fresh mountain air.
Humantay Lake Full-Day Tour is one of the most unforgettable adventures in the Peruvian Andes. This spectacular hike takes you from Cusco through charming villages and into the high mountains, where the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake rest beneath the towering Salkantay Glacier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy delicious Andean cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and expert guidance, making this a perfect experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers alike.
Pick-Up and Drive to Mollepata
Your adventure begins early, with hotel pick-up between 4:30 and 5:00 am. From Cusco, we drive for about 2 hours to the town of Mollepata, where we’ll stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious breakfast (approximately 1 hour).
Drive to Soraypampa (Trailhead)
After breakfast, we continue by car for 1 more hour to reach Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the hike. Here, we’ll pass the control point and pay the community entrance fee (20 soles for foreign visitors, 10 soles for Peruvians).
Hike to Humantay Lake
From Soraypampa, we begin the uphill hike of 2 to 2.5 hours (3 km) to reach the breathtaking Humantay Lake. Along the way, enjoy stunning Andean landscapes and snow-capped peaks.
Time at Humantay Lake
Once at the lake, you will have 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to take in the spectacular turquoise waters, capture amazing photos, listen to your guide’s explanations, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Depending on the weather (sunny, cloudy, foggy, or rainy), your stay may vary for comfort.
Return Hike and Lunch
After exploring, we hike 2 hours downhill back to Soraypampa, where our car awaits. We then drive for 1 hour to Mollepata to enjoy a buffet lunch.
Return to Cusco
Following lunch, we continue the 2-hour car ride back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 pm.
| Per Adult | Per Child |
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| From: $120 USD | From: $USD |
Book this tour as a private departure, with friends or family with your own Tour Leader and all the benefits of an Andean Diaries group tour.
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I was born in Cusco, region that shaped my passion for travel, nature, and cultural exchange. For more than two decades, I have dedicated my career to helping travelers discover the incredible diversity of Peru. Throughout my professional journey, I have worked as a tour leader, local guide, operations specialist, and tourism entrepreneur, always committed to delivering exceptional experiences and personalized service. My goal is simple: to help every traveler experience Peru in a genuine, safe, and unforgettable way. When you travel with Andean Diaries, you are not booking with a large corporation. You are working directly with a local expert who understands Peru, values every guest, and personally oversees every detail of your journey.
