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Humantay Lake: Full Day Tour

Humantay Lake: Full Day Tour

Full day From $45 USD
  • Availability Daily departures
  • Transport Hotel pickup
  • Languages Spanish, English
  • Service type Not specified
  • Cancellation policy Not specified
  • Maximum altitude 4200 masl m.s.n.m.

About this activity

Humantay Lake is a turquoise glacial lake at 4,200 m altitude, at the foot of the Salkantay snow-capped peak. The full-day tour departs from Cusco early in the morning, includes an easy-to-moderate hike, and returns to Cusco the same day around 7:00 pm.

It’s one of the most popular day excursions from Cusco for its combination of spectacular scenery and moderate physical demand. The private transport ride takes travelers to the town of Mollepata, where breakfast is served, and then on to Soraypampa (3,900 m), the starting point of the hike to the lake.

We work with professional guides, an oxygen tank, and a first aid kit on every departure — altitude is the main factor to consider on this tour, and preparation makes a real difference to the experience.

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Pickup 4:30–5:00 am. Breakfast in Mollepata, transfer to Soraypampa (3,900 m) and start of the hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m, ~1.5h uphill). 45 minutes of free time at the lake for photos. Descent, lunch in Mollepata, and return to Cusco approx. 7:00 pm.

What's included

Included

  • Transport and Guide
    • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
    • Transport to and from Humantay Lake
    • Professional guide
  • Equipment and Safety
    • Trekking poles
    • Oxygen tank
    • First aid kit
  • Meals and Entrance Tickets
    • Breakfast and lunch
    • Entrance fees

Not included

  • Extras
    • Extra snacks
    • Horse rental available as an optional add-on

Recommendations

What to bring

  • Spend 1–2 days in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Waterproof jacket or poncho during rainy season
  • Warm clothing
  • Water bottle

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Humantay Lake located?

About an hour and a half's walk from Soraypampa, near the Salkantay snow-capped peak, roughly 120 km from Cusco by road.

How difficult is the hike?

It's easy to moderate in difficulty: the uphill section takes about 1.5 hours, with the option to rent a horse if you'd rather not walk the whole way.

What's the best season to visit?

The dry season, from April to September, offers the best conditions and clearer views of Salkantay.

Do I need to acclimatize before this tour?

Yes — we recommend 1 to 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before climbing to the lake's 4,200 m.

Does the tour include meals?

Yes, it includes breakfast and lunch; only extra snacks are on your own.

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Get in touch with the experts at Quillari Tours for your inquiry.

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Laura B.

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"Excelente servicio desde el primer contacto. Respondieron todas mis dudas antes del viaje. El tour por Cusco fue fascinante y el guía conocía cada rincón de la ciudad. Totalmente recomendable."

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"La Montaña de los 7 Colores fue impresionante. El guía nos dio tips para manejar la altitud y en todo momento se preocupó por nuestro bienestar. El servicio de Quillari Tours es de los mejores que he vivido."

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