Humantay Lake Tour 2027

Our Humantay Lake tour is a full day from Cusco: we leave around 4:30 a.m. and return between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Transport, breakfast, a buffet lunch, the lake entrance fee and a guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese are included, from US$55 per person.

We travel in groups of 8 to 12 people, so the hiking pace suits the group and there is plenty of time for photos by the water. Our guides are from Cusco: they know the trail and the mountain weather, and they can spot the early signs of altitude sickness.

Where is Humantay Lake and how do you get there?

Humantay Lake sits in the Cusco region, in the province of Anta, at the foot of Humantay peak and close to Salkantay, the highest mountain in the Vilcabamba range. From Cusco it is about a three-hour drive to the village of Mollepata; from there we continue by road to the trailhead at Soraypampa, and the last stretch is on foot.

Humantay Lake altitude

The lake lies at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level, well above the city of Cusco at roughly 3,400 m (11,150 ft). That is why we recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco before the tour, drinking plenty of water and climbing at an easy pace. Our guide to altitude sickness in Peru explains how to prevent it.

What is the Humantay Lake tour like?

Here is an overview of the day; the full details are in the itinerary tab.

On the way up you will see the Salkantay glacier. At the top, the turquoise water of the lake is fed by meltwater from Humantay peak, which rises right behind it.

Is the Humantay Lake hike difficult?

We rate it as moderate. The trail is not technical, but it is a steady climb and the altitude makes every step harder. It suits people in reasonable shape who are already acclimatized, even without previous trekking experience. We lend trekking poles if you want them, and if you would rather not walk the whole way up you can rent a horse at the trailhead, paid directly to the local handlers.

Best time to visit Humantay Lake

The tour runs all year. The dry season, from April to October, brings clearer skies and better views of Salkantay. From November to March it rains more often, the trail can get muddy and clouds sometimes hide the snow peaks. Whatever the month, come prepared for a cold morning.

Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?

These are the two most requested nature day trips from Cusco. Humantay offers a glacial lake and Salkantay views, with a shorter hike at a lower altitude. Rainbow Mountain reaches about 5,200 m (17,060 ft) and is all about the colored stripes in the rock. If you plan to do both, we recommend starting with Humantay, the lower of the two, as preparation for Vinicunca.

To plan your trip, read our guide: Humantay Lake: Altitude, How to Get There, the Hike and What to Bring.

Looking for a multi-day hike? The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 2027 (5 Days / 4 Nights) passes Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass and ends at Machu Picchu.

To plan your trip, read our guide: Salkantay Peru 2027: Route Day by Day, Altitude, Difficulty and Best Time.

To plan your trip, read our guide: Cusco Elevation 2027: Altitude Chart for Machu Picchu and Every Destination.

To plan your trip, read our guide: Ausangate 7 Lakes vs Humantay Lake 2027: Which Day Trip to Choose?.

Book with a local Cusco agency

We are a Cusco-based agency and run our own departures to Humantay Lake. Book through the form on this page or contact us: we will confirm your spot and send you the meeting point and departure time.