From US$137 per person.
Humantay Lake Day Trek from Cusco
- 4,200 m at the lake, reached in 90 minutes to 2 hours of steep uphill from Soraypampa at 3,900 m.
- About 13 hours door to door from Cusco, of which three to four are walking.
- Easier than Rainbow Mountain: 800 m lower and a shorter climb, and it still works in the rainy season.
- Turquoise comes from glacial silt off the Salkantay icefield, not from minerals.
- Horses available at Soraypampa from local families for the climb.
- Do it after two days acclimatising in Cusco. The path is steep from the first metre.
Humantay Lake sits at **4,200 m** under the Salkantay glacier, and getting there means **90 minutes of steep uphill walking** from Soraypampa at 3,900 m. The day runs about 13 hours from Cusco, of which three to four are walking. The lake is a hard turquoise that does not photograph the way it looks, because the colour comes from glacial silt suspended in the water.
**The day.** Pickup between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. Three hours by road to Mollepata for breakfast, then on to Soraypampa. The walk starts around 8:30 a.m. You climb roughly 300 vertical metres on a path that gets steeper in the last third. Most people take between an hour and two hours up, and about an hour down. You get around 45 minutes at the lake, have lunch in Mollepata, and are back in Cusco between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
**How it compares to Rainbow Mountain.** Humantay is 800 metres lower and the walk is shorter, so it is the easier of the two by a clear margin. It is also the better choice in the rainy season: Rainbow Mountain is often hidden in cloud between November and March, while Humantay is a lake in a glacial bowl and still works in flat light. If you only have one day and one pair of legs, most people enjoy Humantay more.
**Do this trek if** you have had at least two days in Cusco and can walk uphill at your own pace without a deadline. **Think twice if** you arrived yesterday. Four thousand two hundred metres is high enough to cause real altitude sickness in someone who has not acclimatised, and the walk is steep from the start.
**Horses** are available at Soraypampa from local families, hired directly, and take you most of the way up. The final stretch to the lake is on foot for everyone. This is what makes the trek possible for a lot of people, and there is nothing wrong with using one.
**What to bring.** Layers, because Soraypampa is cold at 8 a.m. and you will be warm within twenty minutes of walking. Sunscreen and a brimmed hat: at this altitude the sun burns through cloud. Water, and more than you think. Waterproof jacket in any month. The ground at the lake edge is loose, so shoes with grip matter more than boots.
Transport, breakfast, lunch, a licensed guide and the community entrance fee are included. We run this one in small groups, and the guide sets the pace for whoever is slowest, which on a steep climb at altitude is the only sensible way to do it.
At a glance
- Days: 1
- Highest point: 4200 m
- Price: From US$137 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco Humantay Lagoon Cusco
Altitude: 3900 a 4200 m · Meals: Breakfast and lunch · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
The tour begins with hotel pickup between 04:00 and 04:30 hrs to travel from Cusco to the picturesque town of Mollepata, crossing the Antapampa area, surrounded by impressive Andean landscapes. Upon arrival we will enjoy breakfast before continuing along a mountain road to Soraypampa, the point where vehicle access ends and the hike begins. From here we will begin an ascent of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes along high-mountain trails until reaching the spectacular Humantay Lake.
Humantay Lake is located at the foot of the majestic Humantay Snow-Capped Mountain and facing the imposing Salkantay Snow-Capped Mountain, the most emblematic peak of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. This natural setting is part of the renowned 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, considered one of the most spectacular hikes in the world. After enjoying the scenery, taking photographs, and learning about the spiritual importance of this place, we will begin the descent to Soraypampa and then return to Mollepata, where we will enjoy lunch. Finally we will begin the return trip to Cusco, ending the tour with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas approximately between 18:00 and 18:30 hrs.
What is included
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lagoon.
- Official bilingual guide.
- First aid kit + oxygen.
- Continuous assistance and 24/7 support.
- Breakfast in Mollepata.
- Breakfast and Lunch in Mollepata
- Private transportation round trip.
- Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
What is not included
- Dinner.
- Personal trekking gear (clothing, boots, poles, etc.).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips.
- Unforeseen expenses.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the hike to Laguna Humantay?
It is a moderate hike of about 4 km one way (1, 2 hours uphill) reaching 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. Altitude is the main challenge; the trail is well-marked but steep in sections.
What time does the tour depart?
Departure is at 4:00 AM from Cusco to arrive early and avoid crowds. Hotel pickup is included.
Are breakfast and lunch included?
A buffet breakfast is provided at the starting point (Soraypampa). Lunch is also included on the return. Bring extra snacks if you wish.
What should I bring for the hike?
Warm layered clothing, a rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, trekking poles (optional but recommended) and at least 2 liters of water.
Is it possible to rent horses for the ascent?
Yes, horses are available at Soraypampa for an extra cost (approximately S/ 30, 50, paid on site). This is a good option if you have mobility issues.
What is Laguna Humantay?
Laguna Humantay is a turquoise glacial lake at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, formed by the snowmelt of Mount Humantay (5,473 m) in the Mollepata district of Cusco. Its vivid color comes from glacial minerals, and it is considered sacred by local Andean communities who revere it as an "Apu" (protective spirit).
Why is Laguna Humantay turquoise?
The stunning turquoise-emerald color of Laguna Humantay is caused by glacial minerals (mainly calcium carbonate and silicates) carried by meltwater. The water's purity at that altitude and the reflection of light off the surrounding snowy peaks intensify the color further, making it unique in the world.
Is altitude sickness a risk at Laguna Humantay?
Yes, the altitude (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) can cause headaches, fatigue or nausea. We recommend at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco before the tour. During the hike, the guide carries emergency medication. If symptoms are severe, horses are available on the trail to assist descent.
What is the best time to visit Laguna Humantay?
The dry season (May, October) offers clearer skies and more vivid lake colors. June and July are the most popular months. In the rainy season (November, April) the lake is equally beautiful, but the trail may be muddy and skies overcast. The tour operates year-round.
Is the hike to Laguna Humantay suitable for beginners?
Yes, with proper acclimatization. The route is short (4 km one way) and the trail is well marked. People with no trekking experience but good fitness and 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco manage it without problems. The horses available at Soraypampa are a good option if the ascent proves difficult.
What is the difference between Laguna Humantay and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)?
They are different experiences: Humantay offers a turquoise glacial lake at 4,200 m with a shorter hike (4 km one way, ~1.5h ascent) and lower difficulty. Vinicunca (5,200 m) is the famous Rainbow Mountain with unique geological colors, but the hike is longer (~7 km total) and the altitude more demanding. Choose Humantay if you prefer lakes, less effort, and moderate altitude. Choose Vinicunca if you want Peru's most iconic colored landscape and can handle higher altitude.
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