Humantay Lake Day Trip From Cusco

Guided Hike

1 Day

From

45 USD

per person

Duration

FULL DAY

Tour Type

DAILY TOUR

Group Size

2 - 18 PEOPLE

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Language

ENGLISH SPANISH

DESCRIPTION

Humantay Lake Day Trip

Discover the turquoise gem of the Peruvian Andes on our Humantay Lake Day Trip from Cusco, one of the most magnificent natural day hikes in the Cusco region. Sitting at 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 ft) at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay mountain and near Mount Salkantay, this glacial lake is renowned for its vivid turquoise waters and high-alpine scenery. Your journey begins with a morning pickup at your Cusco hotel, transferring in a comfortable tourist vehicle toward Mollepata.

In Mollepata, enjoy a nutritious buffet breakfast designed to energize you before hiking. We then proceed to the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) to start our walk. Along a gradual trail surrounded by Andean landscapes, you will hike alongside our certified official tour guide, who offers steady assistance and insight into local geography until reaching the Humantay Lake viewpoint.

Mountain Safety & Local Operational Support:

At Cultural Perú, passenger safety on high-altitude trails is paramount. We provide certified guides equipped with first-aid kits and medical oxygen bottles, a return transfer to Mollepata for a rewarding buffet lunch, and return transport to central Cusco. We also offer all-inclusive Rainbow Mountain Day trip from Cusco. Consult our operators for more information.

WHY

Why Visit Humantay Lake with an Official Guide

📌 Continuous Assistance & Emergency Oxygen Gear

Hiking above 13,000 feet requires professional supervision. Our guides constantly monitor group pace and carry portable oxygen equipment to handle altitude fatigue promptly.

🥗 Buffet Breakfast and Lunch Included

Refuel with complete buffet dining: fresh local dishes, hot soups, vegetables, and herbal teas formulated to aid digestion at high elevations.

⚡ Optional Local Horse Rental Support

At the Soraypampa trailhead, local community members provide optional horse rentals for guests needing assistance during the uphill trek (paid directly to locals).

🏆 Transparent Pricing & Direct WhatsApp Support

Booking with Cultural Perú guarantees direct local pricing without third-party commission markups, alongside direct communication with our local team in Cusco.

LET YOURSELF BE INSPIRED!

Humantay Lake Hike

OUR

Humantay Lake Day Trip Itinerary

Trip Summary:

Duration: Full-day guided hike (Approx. 12 Hours)

Difficulty Level: Moderate (Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft)

04:00 AM – 04:30 AM – Hotel Pickup in Cusco: Picked up directly at your hotel in central Cusco.
06:30 AM – Buffet Breakfast in Mollepata: Stop at our partner restaurant for hot drinks, grains, fruit, and bread.
08:00 AM – Trailhead Arrival in Soraypampa: Brief safety orientation at 3,900 m (12,795 ft) before starting the hike.
10:00 AM – Humantay Lake Arrival: Reach the main viewpoint at 4,200 m (13,779 ft), enjoy guide commentary and photo opportunities with the glacial lake.
11:30 AM – Return Descent Walk: Walk back down along the same path to Soraypampa parking area.
01:30 PM – Buffet Lunch in Mollepata: Return by transport to enjoy a hearty Peruvian buffet lunch.
04:30 PM – Final Return to Cusco: Arrival back in central Cusco (near Plaza de Armas or hotel drop-off).

TOUR

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

Pick up from your Hotel.
Round-trip tourist transport (Cusco – Soraypampa – Cusco).
Certified Official Mountain Guide (English/Spanish).
Nutritious Buffet Breakfast in Mollepata.
Full Buffet Lunch in Mollepata (vegetarian choices included).
Humantay Lake entrance permit.
First-aid kit and medical oxygen bottle.
Trekking poles (upon advance request).
A unique experience, created by Cúltural Perú Tours.

Exclusions:

Optional horse rental (80 to 100 PEN paid directly to community horse handlers).
Personal expenses and gratuities.

Essential Travel Recommendations

Prior Acclimatization: Rest in Cusco for at least 1 to 2 days prior to this hike to adapt to the elevation properly.
Layered Clothing: Wear windproof jackets, thermal layers, beanies, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes with grip.
Sun Protection & Hydration: Apply FPS 50+ sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and drink coca tea or water during the journey.
Wear warm clothing.
Sunglasses.
Cap.
Canes
In the rainy season a water poncho.
Hiking shoes (hike / trekking).
Water.

Before travelling

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking time, as well as stairs.
Some of the places you will visit are about 3800 meters above sea level, higher than the city of Cusco.
There will be stops at local artisan souvenir shops so you can browse and shop, if you like.

CONSULT

Prices

The price is per person. Request our seasonal offers and promotions for last minute bookings. If you have questions regarding prices, destinations or the tour, we will be happy to assist you. Write to us at info@culturalperu.com, you can also contact us at:

Cell phone – WhatsApp: +51 974 306885.
Cell phone – WhatsApp: +51 974 995090.

IMPORTANT

For reservations 3 months in advance request a special discount.
For groups larger than 4 people, contact us to send you a special price.

OFFERS

Check out our offers

TOUR IN GROUP SERVICE - Minimum 02 people

(Per person rates including tourist transport, buffet meals, guide, oxygen gear, and entrance fees)

Group Service

45.00 USD

Consult

Private Service

170.00 USD

Consult

👑 Prefer an Exclusive Private Tour?

We organize private vehicle tours with tailored schedules and a dedicated private guide for your group upon request.

Check Availability and Book via WhatsApp Here

CONTACT

Reservation Form

From

45 USD

Contáct us

You have a question?

Do not hesitate on calling us. We are a team of experts and we are happy to speak with you.

QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions: Humantay Lake Day Trip from Cusco

What is the exact elevation at Humantay Lake?

The lake sits at 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 feet).

How long does the hike take?

The uphill walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and the return downhill walk takes about 1 hour.

Is hiring a horse necessary?

No, horse rentals are optional and available at the trailhead for hikers seeking physical assistance.

What food is served during the buffet lunch?

The buffet includes soups, chicken, beef, vegetables, rice, legumes, fresh salads, and hot herbal teas.

What happens if I feel altitude sickness symptoms?

Our guide carries a portable medical oxygen tank and first-aid equipment to assist you immediately.

What is the best season for this hike?

The dry season (April through November) provides clearer skies and best visibility of the mountain pigments and turquoise waters.

Why book directly with Cultural Perú?

We offer direct ground operation in Cusco, small group management, certified mountain guides, modern vehicles, and transparent local rates.

QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions: Humantay Lake Day Trip from Cusco

"Unforgettable day hike in the Andes" "The Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco was incredible. The color of the water under the glaciers is unbelievable!"

"Great organization and delicious food" "Punctual pickup, comfortable transport, and great buffet meals in Mollepata. Our guide was very patient during the hike."

"Excellent oxygen support on the trail" "The elevation is real, but having a professional guide with emergency oxygen gave us total peace of mind."

"Direct and reliable local agency" "We booked everything through WhatsApp with Cultural Perú. Everything agreed upon was delivered perfectly."