trip type
Group tour
Season
Year around
Difficulty
Middle
Duration
12 hours
Humantay lake
Get In Peru takes you early in the morning to see the new hidden gem of Cuzco, a turquoise lake, this place is definitely for those seekers of peace and quiet.
Private Tour: Get to know all these incredible destinations; more time to take the best photos with our specialized tour guides at your service. Rates apply for groups of 2 or more people.
$ 115.00
Recomended starting schedules
- 2:00 am - Sunrise
- 8:00 am - Great light
Day 1: Humantay Lake
- Bus
- Food
- 5 km
- Tickets
- 13 Hours
Hiking outdoors is a great way to reconnect with nature — and with us, you’ll enjoy it even more because we arrive before the crowds.
VISIT: Humantay Lake
START:
We begin our tour to Humantay Lake at 4:50 A.M., picking you up from your hotel in Cusco city in a van. We’ll drive for about 2 hours to the town of Mollepata for breakfast.After that, we’ll continue for another hour by van to Soraypampa, where the hike begins. The trek takes about 4 hours round trip. We start at an altitude of 3,800 meters and aim to reach 4,200 meters.
Once we reach the top, you’ll witness the stunning Humantay Lake and the glacier that feeds it. We’ll spend around 30 to 45 minutes at the lake, depending on your walking pace and weather conditions.
We’ll then hike back down to the base camp. After a one-hour drive, we’ll enjoy an included buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco. The tour ends around 5:30 P.M. at Plaza Regocijo, just one block from the main square.
FINISHES AT: Approximately 5:30 P.M., one block from the Plaza de Armas.
INCLUDES:
- Modern transportation with all licenses up to date.
- Professional mountain guide.
- Oxygen.
- First aid kit.
- Buffet breakfast.
- Buffet lunch.
- Entrance tickets
ADDITIONALS:
Trekking poles
NOT INCLUDED:
Dinner.
Recomended starting schedules for the private option
- 2:00 am - Sunrise
- 8:00 am - Great light
*NOTE: If you wish to take the Humantay Lake tour privately, some logistical services related to meals may vary or not be included due to differing schedules; please contact your travel advisor.
Take Aways
- Minimum altitude: 3800 mt / 12467 ft
- Distance: 4 KM / 2.5 miles
- Horse 100.00 PEN (One way)
- Maximum altitude: 4200 mt / 13780 ft
Temperature
- Maximum temperature: 18°C / 64°F
- Minimum temperature: 5°C / 41°F
- 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
- English and Spanish-speaking guide.
- Modern transportation.
- Buffet breakfast.
- Buffet lunch (Adjusted to your dietary requirements).
- Oxygen.
- First aid kit.
- Taxes.
- Tips for the guides.
- Travel insurance (Peruvian law recommends that you enter the country with insurance purchased in your country of origin).
We work with certain clinics and can help you coordinate medical care if needed. - These clinics will work with the insurance you’ve already purchased; however, they do not offer travel insurance themselves.
- Personal medicine.
- Towel and swimming suit.
- Extra clothing.
- Day backpack (with rain cover if possible).
- Water (we recommend 1L per day).
- Rain jacket/poncho.
- Extra snacks.
- Hiking shoes and pants.
- Sun hat, sun scream, and sunglasses.
- Chapstick.
- Insect repellent.
- Warm clothes (thermal base layer, sweater, fleece).
- Motion sickness tablets (roads are windy).
- Extra cash in soles.
AVOID SCAMS!
GET IN PERU will only charge you an advance of 50% to book your seat on the tour; the rest must be paid three days before the tour departs, either via deposit or in cash with one of our team members.
Contact a travel advisor for more details or visit our Terms and Conditions of Service section.
See more photos of the places you'll visit!
- Price per person
Our tour packages include both group and private options. Talk to a travel advisor and customize your experience with our specialized guides.
- Group Tour ⓘ
40.00 USD
- Private Tour ⓘ
115.00 USD
Daily departures
Year around ⓘ
Contact us
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Private Tour: Get to know all these incredible destinations; more time to take the best photos with our specialized tour guides at your service. Rates apply for groups of 2 or more people.
115.00 USD
Recomended starting schedules
- 2:00 am - Sunrise
- 10:00 am - Sunset
© The cost decreases or varies with more participants. Talk to your travel advisor.
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Is Humantay Lake worth visiting?
Yes. Humantay Lake features the most stunning turquoise waters in Cusco.
The tour combines a journey to the base of the snow capped mountain, a guided uphill hike, Andean landscapes, and free time to explore the lagoon.
Tip: If you are looking for the best photos, try to book on clear days to enjoy the reflection of the snow capped peak on the turquoise waters.
How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
It is of moderate difficulty. The altitude and steep slopes are the biggest challenges.
The tour combines a steady paced ascent, assistance from experienced guides, Andean landscapes, and free time to recover at the lake.
Tip: If you want to avoid exhaustion, make sure to walk slowly while taking short breaks, or consider renting a horse at the trailhead.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The uphill hike takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, strictly depending on each traveler’s pace.
The tour combines a continuous ascent along defined trails, strategic breaks to acclimatize, Andean landscapes, and free time on the lakeshore.
Tip: If you are looking for a more comfortable experience, try to start the hike with short steps and use trekking poles to reduce the impact on your knees during the descent.
What is the altitude of Humantay Lake?
The lake is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, at the foot of the imposing snow capped mountain.
The tour combines a comfortable transfer from Cusco, a guided uphill hike with pace control, Andean landscapes, and free time at high altitude.
Tip: To avoid altitude sickness, try to schedule this visit for your last days in Cusco and drink plenty of water or coca tea before you start.
Do you need to acclimatize for Humantay Lake?
Yes. It is recommended to spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the tour to adjust to the altitude.
The tour combines a safe transfer along the Andean route, an uphill hike with strategic stops, and free time to safely contemplate the lake.
Tip: To ensure proper acclimatization, avoid heavy meals during your first nights in the city and get plenty of rest before starting the trek.
Is it recommended to visit Humantay Lake on a first trip to Cusco?
Yes. It is one of the most popular excursions for travelers who wish to experience natural landscapes near Cusco.
The tour combines a direct and optimized itinerary, a guided hike to unique natural settings, and free time to contemplate the Andean surroundings.
Tip: If it is your first time in the city, try to leave this excursion for the end of your itinerary to ensure your body responds as best as possible to the altitude.
What makes Humantay Lake special?
It stands out for the dazzling turquoise color of its mystical waters, guarded by the imposing snow capped peak.
The tour combines a scenic approach toward the mountain range, a guided hike to the main viewpoint, and free time to feel the energy of the surroundings.
Tip: If you want to capture its most intense hue, try to observe the lake when the sun’s rays hit the water directly at midday.
What is the best season to visit Humantay Lake?
Between April and November. The Andean weather provides clear skies and spectacular views of the snow capped mountains.
The tour combines scheduled transfers during the period with the best visibility, a guided hike under firm trail conditions, and free time to contemplate the clear landscape.
Tip: If you travel during these dry season months, make sure to bring strong sun protection and thermal clothing, as the days are very sunny but the mornings are freezing.
Is it very cold at Humantay Lake?
Yes. Mornings are usually very cold due to the altitude, especially between June and August.
The tour combines rides in a heated minivan, outdoor hikes exposed to the freezing wind, and free time to take photos comfortably.
Tip: Make sure to bring a small backpack to store the layers of clothing you take off as you warm up during the hike.
What clothing should I wear to Humantay Lake?
Warm clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof jacket.
Warm clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof jacket.
Tip: Make sure to dress using the layering system to easily adapt to the temperature rises you will experience during the physical effort of the uphill climb.
Does the Humantay Lake tour include breakfast and lunch?
Yes. Most services include a full breakfast and a buffet lunch during the tour.
The tour combines strategic stops at local restaurants before and after the hike, energetic meals tailored for the route, and free time to rest after eating.
Tip: If you have any important dietary restrictions (such as a vegetarian or vegan diet), make sure to communicate this at the time of your booking so that the buffet has options ready for you.
How early does the Humantay Lake tour start?
It starts between 4:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. from Cusco. An early departure is absolutely essential.
The tour combines an early morning transfer in a private minivan, a buffet breakfast included along the route, and free time to hike at your own pace without paying anything extra.
Tip: To avoid delays, try to leave all your gear ready the night before and go to bed early to mitigate the impact of the early wake up call.
Is it worth waking up early to visit Humantay?
Yes. The early hours of the day offer better scenery and less rain during the tour.
The tour combines an early morning transfer in a private minivan, a buffet breakfast included along the route, and free time to hike at your own pace without paying anything extra.
Tip: To avoid delays, try to leave all your gear ready the night before and go to bed early to mitigate the impact of the early wake-up call.
Can you rent a horse to go up to Humantay Lake?
Yes. Along part of the trail, horses are available for rent for those who wish to reduce the physical effort.
The tour combines a continuous ascent along defined trails, strategic breaks to acclimatize, Andean landscapes, and free time on the lakeshore.
Tip: If you are looking for a more comfortable experience, try to start the hike with short steps and use trekking poles to reduce the impact on your knees during the descent.
Is Humantay Lake recommended for families?
Yes. Although the hike can be demanding due to the altitude, many families do it by taking frequent breaks.
The tour combines a safe transfer along the Andean route, an uphill hike with strategic stops, and free time to safely contemplate the lake.
Tip: To ensure proper acclimatization, avoid heavy meals during your first nights in the city and get plenty of rest before starting the trek.
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