Tour Hike to Humantay Lake in Cusco

The Humantay Lake hike in Cusco, Peru offers adventurous travelers a chance to enjoy the stunning Andean landscape. This full-day tour takes participants on a moderate trek through breathtaking valleys and up to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, framed by snow-capped peaks. Along the way, hikers can enjoy a panoramic lunch, make offerings to mountain spirits, and even take a dip in the chilly lake. With early morning hotel pickups and detailed itinerary inclusions, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the natural wonders of the Cusco region. Those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions won’t want to miss this captivating adventure.

Key Points

• The tour offers a full-day excursion from Cusco to Humantay Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by stunning Andean peaks and glaciers.
• Hiking to the lake at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) is a moderate trek, with an optional horse rental available for an additional cost.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, breakfast in Mollepata, and activities such as swimming and making offerings to mountain spirits.
• The tour is limited to a maximum group size of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience focused on the natural beauty of the Andes.
• Recommendations for the tour include dressing in layers, bringing adequate hydration and snacks, and wearing sturdy footwear with good traction for the rocky terrain.

Contents

• Key Points
• Tour Overview
• Itinerary
• Inclusions
• Recommendations
• Reviews and Feedback
• Pickup and Transportation
• Humantay Lake Hike
• Panoramic Views
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Humantay Lake?
• Can I Combine the Humantay Lake Tour With Other Cusco Attractions?
• Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations for the Tour?
• What Type of Food Is Provided for the Included Lunch?
• Is It Possible to Extend the Time Spent at Humantay Lake?
• Recap
• Our Top Picks in Cusco
• More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Cusco
• More Tours in Cusco
• More Tour Reviews in Cusco
• Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed

Tour Overview

The Humantay Lake Tour is a full-day excursion from Cusco, Peru, that takes visitors to the iconic Humantay Lake situated amidst the Andean peaks.

The tour offers moderate hiking or the option to rent horses for an additional cost. Travelers will experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, including the majestic Salkantay mountain.

The tour’s activities include swimming in the high-altitude lake and making offerings to the mountain spirits.

The tour’s itinerary is well-planned, with pickup from Cusco hotels, a stop for breakfast in Mollepata, and a trek to the Humantay Lake at an elevation of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet).

The tour includes essentials like meals, transportation, and entrance fees, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.

Itinerary

Tour Hike to Humantay Lake in Cusco

The tour begins with pickups from hotels in Cusco between 3:45 and 4:15 a.m., after which travelers are transported to Mollepata for breakfast.

From there, the group continues to the starting point at Soraypampa (3900m). The hike to Humantay Lake (4200m, 13,779 feet) takes approximately 1.5 hours and includes:

• Trekking through iconic Andean peaks, including the majestic Salkantay

• Opportunities to make offerings to mountain spirits

• Swimming in the high-altitude, turquoise-colored lake

• Enjoying a panoramic lunch with breathtaking views

• The return journey back to Cusco following the same route

After taking in the stunning natural beauty, the tour wraps up with the descent and transfer back to Cusco.

Inclusions

This tour’s inclusions cover the essentials, providing travelers with breakfast, lunch, and transportation to and from Soraypampa.

Plus, entrance fees and tips for the guide are included, ensuring a worry-free experience.

The maximum group size is 15 travelers, allowing for a more personalized and intimate journey.

With these inclusions, adventurers can focus on seeing the stunning natural beauty of the Andes, from the iconic Salkantay peak to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.

Whether choosing to hike or rent a horse, the tour offers a seamless and well-supported way to explore this breathtaking region of Peru.

Recommendations

To fully enjoy the Humantay Lake Tour, it’s recommended to bring along a poncho or raincoat, warm clothing, plenty of water, sturdy walking shoes, and some local currency (soles).

Sunscreen is also advised given the high-altitude exposure. While the hike is considered moderate in difficulty, a good level of physical fitness is required, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The key recommendations for the Humantay Lake Tour include:

• Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions

• Bring adequate hydration and snacks to fuel the hike

• Wear proper footwear with good traction for the rocky terrain

• Protect your skin with high SPF sunscreen

• Have some local currency on hand for any additional expenses

Reviews and Feedback

Generally, the Humantay Lake Tour has received positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from previous travelers.

Visitors frequently praise the hike and the stunning scenery along the way, capturing the iconic Andean peaks like Salkantay.

However, a few travelers have reported issues with pickup times, suggesting that participants consider alternative tour companies for potentially better service.

The tour seems to offer a memorable experience exploring the beautiful Andean landscape and swimming in the high-altitude Humantay Lake.

While the majority of reviews are favorable, it’s worth considering feedback on potential service issues when booking the tour.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with an early pickup from hotels in Cusco, with travelers being collected between 3:45 and 4:15 a.m. to start the journey to the trailhead.

From Cusco, the bus travels to the town of Mollepata where a breakfast stop is made before continuing on to the starting point at Soraypampa, located at an elevation of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet).

The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours from Cusco, allowing travelers to take in the stunning Andean scenery along the way. The transportation is comfortable and the tour group sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

• Pickup from Cusco hotels between 3:45-4:15 a.m.

• Breakfast stop in Mollepata

• Scenic 2.5-hour drive to Soraypampa trailhead (3,900m)

• Small group size, max 15 travelers

• Comfortable transportation provided

Humantay Lake Hike

From the Soraypampa trailhead, the ascent to Humantay Lake takes around 1.5 hours along a well-marked path that winds through stunning Andean landscapes.

Travelers will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Salkantay mountain and the crystal-clear, high-altitude Humantay Lake upon reaching the 4,200-meter (13,779-foot) destination.

At the lake, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim or make offerings to the mountain spirits, as part of the cultural experience.

The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, and those who prefer not to walk can opt for a horse rental, though at an additional cost.

Panoramic Views

Upon reaching the picturesque Humantay Lake, visitors are treated to panoramic vistas of the Andes’ iconic peaks, including the majestic Salkantay mountain. The crystal-clear waters of the high-altitude lake reflect the surrounding snow-capped summits, creating a breathtaking natural tableau.

The panoramic views from Humantay Lake include:

• Dramatic Andean peaks towering in the distance

• Pristine turquoise waters mirroring the snow-capped mountains

• Sweeping vistas of the rugged, glacier-carved landscape

• Towering cliffs and rocky outcrops framing the serene lake

• A profound sense of awe and connection with the natural world

These magnificent panoramic views make the challenging hike to Humantay Lake well worth the effort, leaving visitors with memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Humantay Lake?

The best time to visit Humantay Lake is during the dry season from May to September when the weather is mild and the lake’s vibrant turquoise waters are at their most stunning. Expect clear skies and moderate temperatures during this peak hiking period.

Can I Combine the Humantay Lake Tour With Other Cusco Attractions?

Yes, visitors can combine the Humantay Lake tour with other Cusco attractions. Many tour operators offer package deals that include the lake visit along with stops at sites like Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, or the city of Cusco itself.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Children and older adults can participate, though they may find the hike challenging. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

What Type of Food Is Provided for the Included Lunch?

The included lunch features a hearty, Andean-style meal with a variety of traditional dishes. Travelers can expect a filling, high-quality lunch to fuel them for the hike back from Humantay Lake.

Is It Possible to Extend the Time Spent at Humantay Lake?

The tour generally provides a fixed amount of time at Humantay Lake. However, travelers can inquire about the possibility of extending their stay there, though this may incur additional costs and need to be arranged in advance with the tour operator.

Recap

The Humantay Lake tour in Cusco offers an unforgettable adventure.

Trekking through stunning Andean landscapes, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

The tour includes opportunities for swimming, making offerings, and enjoying a panoramic lunch, ensuring a memorable experience immersed in nature.

With early morning pickups, scenic drives, and a moderate ascent to 4,200 meters, this tour provides an exceptional full-day adventure.