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Humantay Lake is a turquoise lake at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft), at the foot of Mount Salkantay in the Cusco region. It is a day trip from the city: about three and a half hours by road to Soraypampa, then a steep hike of about 2 hours uphill. The best time is the dry season, April to October.
As local guides in Cusco, we explain where it is, how to get there, what the hike is like and what to bring. If you would rather have everything arranged, our Humantay Lake tour includes transport, meals, a guide and the entrance fee.
What is Humantay Lake?
Humantay is a high mountain lake with turquoise water, fed by meltwater and surrounded by walls of rock and snow. Above it rises Mount Salkantay, about 6,270 m (20,570 ft) high, one of the sacred mountains, or apus, of the region, which Andean communities respect as protectors.
Today it is one of the most popular day trips from Cusco, along with Rainbow Mountain. The hike is short, but it is high in the mountains: the challenge is not the distance but the slope and the altitude.
Where is Humantay?
The lake is in the Cusco region, west of the city, in the Vilcabamba mountain range, the same range as Salkantay. The nearest town is Mollepata, where groups usually stop for breakfast. The hike starts higher up, at Soraypampa, a high plain at about 3,900 m (12,800 ft) that is also a stop on the Salkantay trek.
Humantay altitude: how high is it?
The lake sits at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level; some sources give 4,100 m (13,450 ft). For comparison, Cusco is at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), so you will be roughly 800 m (2,600 ft) above the city. From Soraypampa, the trail gains about 300 m (1,000 ft) over a short distance, which is why it feels so steep.
- Mount Salkantay: about 6,270 m (20,570 ft)
- Humantay Lake: about 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
- Soraypampa, start of the hike: about 3,900 m (12,800 ft)
- Cusco: about 3,400 m (11,150 ft)
How to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco
No vehicle takes you all the way to the lake: you drive to the trailhead and then walk up. The journey has three legs:
- Cusco to Mollepata: about 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Mollepata is the town where you stop for breakfast.
- Mollepata to Soraypampa: about 1 more hour on a mountain road to the trailhead.
- Soraypampa to Humantay Lake: on foot, with a climb of about 2 hours.
The easiest option is a day tour with transport, meals, guide and entrance already arranged. On your own, you will need to organize pre-dawn transport to Soraypampa.
The Humantay hike: the day step by step
This is a typical day, based on our tour itinerary:
| Stage | Approximate time | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Departure from Cusco | Around 4:30 a.m. | Very early start in tourist transport |
| Drive to Mollepata | About 2.5 to 3 h | Breakfast in town before the hike |
| Drive to Soraypampa | About 1 h | Mountain road to the trailhead |
| Climb to the lake | 1.5 to 2 h | Steep trail with views of the Salkantay glacier |
| At the lake | Free time | Rest, photos and the turquoise water |
| Descent to Soraypampa | About 1 h | Same trail, easy on the knees |
| Lunch and return | Back in Cusco between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. | Buffet lunch in Mollepata and the drive back |
The climb is the heart of the day. The trail rises steadily and gets steeper in the last sections; many travelers take short breaks to catch their breath and, at the same time, photograph Salkantay.
At the top there is time to rest and take in the lake; even when the air is cold, the sun is strong. The descent takes about an hour and is hard on the knees, so trekking poles help a lot: on our tour they are available as an option.
Is the hike hard? Difficulty and acclimatization
We rate it moderate to challenging. The route is short, but the slope is steep and you are always above 3,900 m (12,800 ft), with less oxygen in the air. Someone in reasonable shape who walks regularly and is acclimatized usually reaches the lake at their own pace.
Acclimatization is the key. We recommend spending 2 or 3 days in Cusco before you go: explore the city or visit the lower Sacred Valley, and leave Humantay and Rainbow Mountain for the second half of your trip.
- Walk slowly, with short steps and steady breathing.
- Drink water throughout the day and avoid alcohol the night before.
- Eat a light breakfast before you start hiking.
- If you have a strong headache, dizziness or nausea that does not improve, tell your guide and rest: going down is the best remedy.
To prevent and recognize the symptoms, read our guide on altitude sickness in Peru. If you have a heart or respiratory condition, or you are pregnant, check with your doctor before traveling.
Guide’s tip: schedule Humantay after 2 or 3 days in Cusco, never the day after you arrive. You can book the Humantay Lake tour by paying just 40% online; the balance is paid when you arrive in Peru.
Best time to visit Humantay Lake and weather
The best time is the dry season, from April to October. Days are usually sunny, skies are clearer and the trail is firmer. The trade-off is very cold early mornings: in June and July, lows in Cusco can drop below 0 °C (32 °F), and at Humantay, which is higher, the cold is even sharper. Daytime highs in Cusco are around 19–22 °C (66–72 °F) all year.
June to August is high season, with more people on the trail and along the shore. May, September and October are good months: the weather is usually dry and there are somewhat fewer visitors.
The rainy season runs from November to March, with heavy afternoon rain. At Humantay it can snow, the trail gets muddier and there may be temporary closures. On the plus side, the landscape is greener and there are fewer people. March–April and October–November are transition months.
Whatever the month, expect intense cold before dawn and strong sun at midday. To plan the rest of your trip, read our guide to the best time to visit Cusco.
What to bring to Humantay
- Layers: a thermal base layer, a fleece or warm jacket, and a windproof or waterproof shell.
- Warm gear for the early start: hat, gloves and scarf.
- Sun protection: cap or sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Footwear: trail shoes or hiking boots with good grip.
- Water and snacks: enough water for the hike, plus nuts, chocolate or energy bars.
- Rain gear: a rain poncho, especially from November to March.
- Trekking poles: optional on our tour and very useful on the way down.
- A small daypack and some cash in soles for personal expenses.
Humantay vs. Rainbow Mountain: which one to choose?
These are the two most requested day trips from Cusco. Here is how they compare:
| Humantay Lake | Rainbow Mountain | |
|---|---|---|
| Scenery | Turquoise lake below Mount Salkantay | Slopes striped with colors |
| Highest point | About 4,200 m (13,780 ft) | Over 5,000 m (16,400 ft) |
| Main challenge | Short, very steep climb | The high altitude |
| Best season | Dry season (April to October) | Dry season (April to October) |
| Length | Day trip from Cusco | Day trip from Cusco |
If you have time, do both: Humantay first, since it is lower, and Rainbow Mountain afterwards, once you are better acclimatized. Learn more in our Rainbow Mountain guide or see the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) tour.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The climb from Soraypampa takes about 2 hours (1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace) and the descent about 1 hour. With the drive from Cusco, it is a full-day trip: you leave around 4:30 a.m. and return between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
Can I go to Humantay without acclimatizing?
We do not recommend it. Ideally, spend 2 or 3 days in Cusco first. Doing the hike the day after you arrive greatly increases the risk of altitude sickness.
Can you visit Humantay in the rainy season?
Yes, although the trail is muddier, snow is possible and there may be a temporary closure. If you travel between November and March, keep a spare day in your plans in case the date has to change.
What does the Humantay tour include?
Our tour includes round-trip tourist transport from Cusco, breakfast and a buffet lunch, a professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, the lake entrance fee and optional trekking poles. It costs US$55 and you book it with 40% online.
Which is harder, Humantay or Rainbow Mountain?
It depends on what you find harder. Humantay is lower, but the climb is very steep; Rainbow Mountain goes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft), so the altitude weighs more there. If altitude worries you, start with Humantay.
Plan your visit to Humantay
Humantay is worth the early start: a short but demanding hike and one of the most beautiful views in the Andes around Cusco. Arrive acclimatized, choose the dry season if you can and dress in layers.
If you want to go with a local guide, with transport and meals included, book our Humantay Lake tour with 40% online and pay the balance when you arrive in Peru.
