Humantay Lake Tour | Best Day Trip from Cusco

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Humantay Lake Tour is one of the most spectacular day trips from Cusco, taking you to a breathtaking turquoise lake nestled among the towering peaks of the Peruvian Andes. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, Humantay Lake has become one of the most visited natural attractions in the Cusco region.

This unforgettable excursion combines a scenic journey through the Andean highlands with a rewarding hike to one of Peru’s most beautiful alpine lakes. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and stunning Andean landscapes.

Whether you are visiting Peru for the first time or searching for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, Humantay Lake Tour offers the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and extraordinary scenery of the Andes in a single day.

Overview

Discover one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences in the Cusco region on this full-day excursion to Humantay Lake. Combining a scenic drive through the Andean highlands with a moderate hike to a stunning glacial lake, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, nature, and breathtaking scenery.

Your journey begins early in the morning with a drive through traditional villages and mountain landscapes before reaching Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.

From here, follow a spectacular trail leading to Humantay Lake, where you will have time to admire the vibrant turquoise waters, take photographs, and enjoy the incredible surroundings.

Tour Highlights

Experience one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the Cusco region.

Visit the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Peruvian Andes
Hike through stunning mountain landscapes
Admire panoramic views of snow-capped peaks
Capture unforgettable photographs of the lake and surrounding mountains
Experience the beauty of the Andes in a single day
Travel with an experienced local guide
Enjoy breakfast and lunch during the excursion

Humantay Lake At a Glance

04:00 AM – Hotel pickup and departure from Cusco
06:30 AM – Breakfast in Mollepata
08:00 AM – Arrival at Soraypampa and start of the hike
09:30 AM – Guided visit to Humantay Lake
12:30 AM – Return hike to Soraypampa
02:00 PM – Lunch in Mollepata
03:00 PM – Return journey to Cusco
06:00 PM – Arrival in Cusco

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking adventure, nature, and breathtaking scenery in a single day.

Visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru
Enjoy spectacular Andean mountain landscapes
Experience a rewarding high-altitude hike
Perfect day trip for nature lovers and photographers
Travel with professional local guides
Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off
Ideal for travelers looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure
Enjoy breakfast and lunch included in the tour price

Included

Pre-tour briefing before the Humantay Lake Tour
Hotel pickup in Cusco
Comfortable tourist transportation
Entrance fee to Humantay Lake
Breakfast and lunch
Professional guide (English, Spanish, and Quechua)
Emergency oxygen tank
First aid kit
All local taxes
24/7 customer support

Not Included

Horse rental (optional)
Walking sticks (available for rent)
Dinner
Hotels and accommodation
Domestic flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips for your guide and driver

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Humantay Lake Tour – Hike to the Stunning Turquoise Lake

Highlight of the Day: Hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake and admire its crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes.

Your adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel through the scenic Andean highlands to the village of Mollepata, where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing toward Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.

Upon arrival in Soraypampa, your guide will provide a brief orientation before beginning the ascent to Humantay Lake. The trail gradually climbs through beautiful mountain landscapes, offering impressive views of valleys, glaciers, and towering Andean peaks. The hike takes approximately two hours and is considered moderate, making it suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness.

As you approach the lake, the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay come into view, creating one of the most spectacular natural scenes in Peru. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the lake offers incredible opportunities for photography and unforgettable views of the Andes. You will have time to explore the area and learn about the cultural significance of this remarkable destination.

After enjoying this remarkable destination, we begin the descent back to Soraypampa and continue to Mollepata, where a delicious lunch awaits. Following lunch, we board our transportation for the return journey to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon with unforgettable memories of one of the most beautiful day trips in the Cusco region.

Duration: Full Day (04:00 AM – 06:00 PM)
Distance: 7 km (4.4 miles) round trip
Elevation: 3,869 m (12,690 ft) – 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

💰 Prices

We offer flexible departure dates and operate the Humantay Lake Tour daily, subject to availability.

Price: USD $49 per person

✔ Small-group experience for greater comfort and personalized service
✔ Professional guides and full Tour logistics included

Private Service

A more personalized experience with flexible pacing and tailored logistics.

2 Persons: $169 per person
3 Persons: $139 per person
4 Persons: $119 per person
5 Persons: $89 per person
6 or more Persons: $79 per person

* All our tours are priced in US dollars.

Rentals:

Hiking poles – US$10.00.
A horse – US$45.00.

What to Bring for the Humantay Lake Tour

Proper preparation is essential when visiting Humantay Lake due to the high altitude, changing mountain weather, and hiking conditions. We recommend bringing the following items for a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

Original passport
Comfortable hiking shoes
Warm jacket or fleece
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Gloves for cold mornings
Reusable water bottle
Hiking poles (optional)
Snacks for the hike
Camera or smartphone
Small day backpack
Personal medications
Extra cash for optional expenses

Travel Information

We want your Humantay Lake Tour to be as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. The information below will help you prepare for your adventure, understand important tour details, and answer the most common questions travelers have before visiting one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the Cusco region.

How Many Days Do I Need to Acclimatize Before the Tour?

Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. To fully enjoy the experience, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the tour. Proper acclimatization helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and makes the hike more comfortable.

Before your Humantay Lake Tour, you may also enjoy exploring Cusco, visiting the Sacred Valley, or taking one of our Cusco Day Tours.

Can I Store My Luggage?

Yes. If you have luggage that you do not need during the tour, you can safely leave it at your hotel. Most hotels in Cusco offer complimentary luggage storage before and after your stay.

We recommend carrying only a small day backpack with essential items for the excursion.

Hotel Pick-Up

Please note:

Hotel pickup is included from hotels located in Cusco.
Our team will confirm your pickup time the day before the tour.
Due to traffic conditions, pickup times may vary by 10 to 20 minutes.
Some hotels are located on narrow streets with limited vehicle access, so you may be asked to walk a short distance to the nearest pickup point.

Group Tours

This tour is shared with travelers of different ages and fitness levels. During the hike, everyone is free to walk at their own pace and take breaks whenever necessary.

Some participants may hike faster than others due to the altitude and trail conditions. Our guides will ensure that the group enjoys a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the excursion.

Weather Conditions

Weather in the Andes can change quickly. Mornings are usually cold, while daytime temperatures can be warmer under direct sunlight. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing rain protection, especially during the rainy season.

Horse Rental

Horses are available for rent through local residents near the trailhead. This optional service is ideal for travelers who would like additional assistance during the ascent. Horse rental fees are paid directly to the horse owners on the day of the trek.

Lost Items

Please keep track of your personal belongings during the tour. Before leaving the vehicle, restaurant, or any stop along the route, make sure you have collected all your items. Travelers are responsible for their personal belongings throughout the excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Humantay Lake Tour is considered a moderate hike due to the altitude and uphill sections of the trail. While no technical experience is required, travelers should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for hiking at high elevation. Taking your time and staying hydrated will help make the experience more enjoyable.

Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. Because of the high altitude, we strongly recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco before the tour to allow your body to acclimatize properly.

Yes. The tour includes breakfast before the hike and lunch after returning from Humantay Lake. Both meals are served at local restaurants along the route and provide the energy needed for a full day of adventure in the Andes.

Yes. Horses are usually available for rent at Soraypampa for travelers who would like assistance during the ascent. Horse rental is arranged directly with local horse owners and is not included in the tour price.

We recommend bringing comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, and a small day backpack. Weather conditions in the Andes can change quickly, so dressing in layers is highly recommended.

Yes. Children who enjoy outdoor activities and are accustomed to walking can join the tour. Parents should keep in mind that the hike takes place at high altitude, so proper acclimatization is important before participating.

Humantay Lake can be visited throughout the year. The dry season, from May to September, generally offers clearer skies and excellent hiking conditions, while the rainy season brings greener landscapes and fewer visitors.

Yes. The entrance fee to Humantay Lake is included in the tour price, allowing you to enjoy the experience without worrying about additional entrance costs on the day of the excursion.

Absolutely. Humantay Lake is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions near Cusco and one of the most popular day trips in Peru. The combination of breathtaking mountain scenery, turquoise waters, and a rewarding hiking experience makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty of the Andes in a single day.

The only way to reach Humantay Lake is by hiking from Soraypampa. However, horses are usually available for rent at the trailhead for travelers who prefer additional assistance during the ascent. This option can make the experience more accessible for those concerned about the altitude or physical effort.

Book Your Adventure

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Starting From:

USD 49 per person

Trip details:

Tour Type: Small-Group Tour
Season: All Year Round
Duration: Full Day
Group Size: Up to 10 People
Tour Language: English & Spanish
Destinations: Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake

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   David D 
 
 
 
 Verified 2day 1night Inca trek What an amazing experience from start to finish! Our experienced english speaking guide Raul made the whole journey so much more enjoyable from his knowledge, wisdom and his sense of humour! Highly recommend the guys from info Machu Picchu !!
  
 
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   Robin F 
 
 
 
 Verified Humantay & 🌈-Mountains Absolutely excellent service! Despite a mix-up where we were picked up by the wrong bus and missed our original tour, the travel agency handled everything with great professionalism and flexibility. They took responsibility right away and made rebooking a new tour incredibly easy and stress-free. We really appreciated how understanding and accommodating their team was throughout the process. Thanks to their quick response, we were able to enjoy an equally fantastic tour, and their willingness to resolve the issue left a lasting positive impression.Overall, a great example of excellent customer service. We’ll happily book with them again!
  
 
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   Melania C 
 
 
 
 Verified Three days Manu Forest Wonderful experience in the Manu jungle!! We could observe capuchin monkeys, the cock of rocks, macaws, AMAZING! Super recommended! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  
 
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   Ian P 
 
 
 
 Verified Inca trail tours 2 days Excellent!! The Tours Inca trail 2 days very pleasant, they are very available and professional. Manu Jungle I love! and I recommend it!
  
 
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   Cusco Journeys 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Experience on the Short Inca Trail We had an amazing experience hiking the short Inca trail with Dayan. He provided us with a box lunch which was delicious and had plenty of food to fill us up! Highly recommend Info Machu Picchu! It was a great experience and Dayan made it unforgettable. She was very knowledgeable and kind.
  
 
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   Keyko Victoria P 
 
 
 
 Verified Immortal Cusco Nice guided experience through the city and surroundings of Cusco... Everything was wonderful. And above all with the security that the agency provided us. Ready to come back...

      EXCELLENT  
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   Yunior laurente cusihuaman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esta fue una experiencia verdaderamente cambiante. Mis expectativas estaban por las nubes, sin embargo Machu Picchu no solo las cumplió, sino que las superó con creces. Hay una energía espiritual indescriptible aquí, un zumbido que parece conectar el pasado y el presente. Cuando toqué las antiguas paredes de piedra, sentí como si la montaña misma estuviera cantando. Las vistas eran increíbles, el clima era perfecto, y la gente que conocí solo aumentó la magia. Esto no es solo un destino, es una transformación. Gracias por todo Info Machu Picchu Agencia Recomendado

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3.7 3.5 stars 1 Reviews

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Info Machu Picchu is a trusted travel…

Info Machu Picchu is a trusted travel agency specializing in tours to the iconic Machu Picchu. With a focus on creating unforgettable experiences, they offer well-organized tours of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, guided by knowledgeable locals who share rich historical insights. Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail or taking the scenic train route, Info Machu Picchu handles all logistics, including permits, transportation, and accommodations, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Their dedication to excellent customer service and seamless travel makes them an ideal choice for anyone planning a visit to this breathtaking wonder.

Humantay Lake Tour From Cusco