Humantay Lake Tour in Cusco – One-Day Adventure to One of Peru’s Most Stunning Lakes
A natural gem in the Peruvian Andes
If you’re planning a trip to Cusco and looking for an unforgettable experience, the Humantay Lake Tour is a must-do activity. Located in the majestic Andes mountain range, over 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level, this turquoise lake is a hidden natural treasure nestled among snow-capped peaks.
Accessible in just one day from Cusco
Humantay Lake lies along the famous Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, but nowadays it can be visited on a full-day tour from the city of Cusco. This makes it an ideal option for travelers who want to enjoy breathtaking scenery without committing to a multi-day hike.
The natural surroundings are spectacular: snowy mountains, fresh mountain air, clear blue skies, and a crystal-clear lake that looks like it came out of a postcard.
Scenic hike with unforgettable views
During the tour, you’ll visit charming Andean villages like Mollepata and Soraypampa, and take a moderate hike lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and level of acclimatization.
The altitude can be challenging, but every step is worth it. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning view of Humantay Lake, framed by glaciers and peaks like the imposing Salkantay Mountain.
Why choose the Humantay Lake Tour?
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One of the most breathtaking natural destinations near Cusco
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Can be done in a single day
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Perfect for taking spectacular photos
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Great acclimatization experience before visiting Machu Picchu
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Authentic hiking adventure in contact with Andean nature
If you want to discover one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru and enjoy dreamlike landscapes, this tour is for you. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the highlands of Cusco.
Itinerary
Enjoy a unique sunrise adventure with our full-day tour to the stunning Humantay Lake, an iconic natural destination near Cusco that combines Andean landscapes, a moderate hike, and spectacular views of the Humantay Glacier.
Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco
Between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., our tourist transport will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco to begin this unforgettable adventure.
Scenic drive to Mollepata
On the way, we’ll head northeast of Cusco, passing through picturesque towns and small villages until we reach Limatambo. From there, we’ll begin our ascent toward Mollepata, where we’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast.
Continue to Soraypampa
After breakfast, we’ll continue the drive to Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike to Humantay Lake.
Hike to Humantay Lake
We’ll begin a moderate hike of approximately 2 hours to reach Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. During the ascent, we’ll enjoy fresh mountain air and panoramic views until we reach the turquoise waters of the lake, set against the stunning backdrop of the Humantay Glacier.
Time to rest and take photos
At the lake, we’ll have time to relax, enjoy the scenery, take photos, and absorb the energy of this magical place before beginning our descent.
Return to Soraypampa and transfer to Mollepata
We’ll descend along the same trail back to Soraypampa, where we’ll board our transport to return to Mollepata and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.
Return to Cusco
After lunch, we’ll begin our journey back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 6:30 p.m., concluding our tour.
Important Notes
- Maximum altitude at Humantay Lake: 4,200 meters above sea level.
- Minimum altitude at Mollepata: approximately 2,900 meters.
- The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes about 2 hours uphill.
- We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour.
- Wear comfortable clothing, warm layers, suitable hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and bring water.
- Total tour duration: approximately 13 hours.
- Ideal for nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts, and landscape photography.
What's included
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Tourist transportation
- 1 breakfast
- 1 buffet lunch
- Entrance to Humantay Lake
- Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish)
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
Exclusions
Exclusions
- Hotel in Cusco
- Horse rental
- Other services not mentioned
Remember these tips to better enjoy your trip, always carry with you:
Recommendations
- Light and comfortable clothing for the hike.
- Suitable footwear for trekking.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Don’t forget to bring enough water to stay hydrated.
- Camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Bring personal medication if needed.
- Acclimate to the altitude before the hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum and minimum altitude for the Humantay Lagoon tour?
The minimum altitude is approximately 2,900 meters above sea level in the town of Mollepata, and the maximum altitude reaches 4,200 meters upon reaching Laguna Humantay.
What is the difficulty level of the hike to Humantay Lagoon?
The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes approximately two hours. It's recommended that you be acclimatized to the altitude to enjoy the tour without any problems.
What does the Humantay Lagoon tour include?
The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, tourist transportation, breakfast, buffet lunch, admission to Humantay Lagoon, a professional bilingual guide, a first aid kit, and an oxygen tank.
What is not included in the tour?
Accommodation in Cusco, horse rental, and other services not mentioned in the program are not included.
What is the best time to take the Humantay Lagoon tour?
The tour starts early, between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., to make the most of the day and return to Cusco in the afternoon at approximately 6:30 p.m.
What recommendations should I follow before and during the tour?
It's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate hiking shoes, along with sunscreen, water, a camera, and personal medication. It's also important to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco beforehand.
Is it possible to rent horses for the hike?
Yes, but horse rental is not included in the tour and must be paid for directly on-site.
What can I expect to see during the Humantay Lagoon tour?
You'll admire the impressive turquoise lagoon surrounded by the imposing Humantay snow-capped mountain, enjoy unique Andean landscapes, and capture memorable photographs.
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