Humantay Lake Trek Full Day

Humantay Lake

If you are looking for wonderful and natural landscapes, Humantay Lake Trek is a good option, with an imposing mountain and a turquoise lake makes this full day tour a unique experience.

Humantay Lake (4 200 meters / 13 779 feet) is located in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco, it is called Humantay because it is located on the slopes of the Humantay mountain (5 473 meters / 17 956 feet).

Snowy Humantay belongs to the Vilcabamba mountain chain whose largest snowfall is Salkantay (6 271 meters / 20,574 feet) and which we can also see on Humantay Lake hike.

The origin of Humantay Lake is tectonic and glacier due to the defrosting of the Humantay Mountain and accumulation of water in a small geographical hole, Yanacocha Lake Peru has the same origin, geologists indicate that the Humantay Lake is geologically young, it was originally small but global warming it is making year after year grow a little more.

Cusco day hikes are becoming very popular and attractive to tourists like hiking from Moray to Maras. A good option to visit is Humantay Lake Peru, with natural attractions such as snowfall, lagoons and Andean landscapes.

Humantay Lake Tour Overview

Tour Start: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM.
Duration of the Humantay Lake: Full Day Hike.
Hiking distance from Soraypamapa To Humantay Lake: Approximately 4 kilometers.
Maximum Height (Humantay Lake): 4 200 m.s.n.m. / 13 779 feet
Minimum Height (Limatambo): 2 554 m.s.n.m. / 8 379 feet
Location: To the Northwest of the city of Cusco
Distance from Cusco to Humantay Lake: The distance is approximately 122 kilometers.
Visiting Season: All year, preferably from March to November.
Tour Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
End of Tour: We will return to Cusco between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Humantay Lake Itinerary

Our staff will pick up you from your hotel in Cusco, then we will board the tourist transportation that will take us through Cusco - Abancay route, on the route we will pass through the towns of Izcuchaca, Ancahuasi and Limatambo, after 2 hours and 30 minutes we will take a deviation to Mollepata Town (2 803 masl / 9 196 feet) where we will stop for 10 minutes.

From Mollepata we will continue our trip until Soraypampa (3 910 masl / 12 828 feet), here we will start to walk to Humantay Lake, we can see Salkantay Mountain in front us.

Soraypampa is a place where there are a lot of camps because Humantay is on the route of the Salkantay trek 5 days to Machu Picchu, but we will visit only part of Salkantay trek in Cusco.

It is located at 4200 meters / 13 779 feet and Soraypampa at 3 910 meters / 12 828 feet, for this reason we will have to climb to Humantay, if you feel bad for the height issue there are also horses that can be rented for additional cost, the climb time of Humantay lake hike on average is 2 hours 15 minutes and return 1 hour 45 minutes.

When we reach Humantay Lake we will have an explanation and free time for the photos, then we will return to Soraypampa and then to Mollepata where we will have our lunch.

After lunch we will board our tourist transport and return to Cusco, we will be arriving between 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm, our transport will leave you close to the main square of Cusco.

Includes:

Pick up from your hotel.
Professional guide.
Tourist transport.
Food (1 breakfast, 1 lunch).
First aid kit.

Not included:

Entrance to Humantay Lake Trek.
Tips.
Extras not mentioned.

We recommend bringing:

View Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Humantay Lake located and what is its altitude?

Humantay Lake is located in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, in the Cusco region of Peru. It sits at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level, at the foot of the majestic Humantay Snow Peak, part of the Vilcabamba mountain range. This high altitude offers stunning views, but it’s also important to be properly acclimated before hiking.

What is the best time of year to visit Humantay Lake?

The best time to visit Humantay Lake is between March and November, during the dry season in Cusco. During these months, the skies are clear, and the lake’s turquoise color is at its brightest. The rainy season (December to February) makes the path muddier and the climb more difficult, though the scenery remains beautiful year-round.

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike is considered moderate in difficulty. The trail covers around 7 kilometers (round trip) with a steep ascent from Soraypampa (3,900 m) up to the lake (4,200 m). You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but a reasonable level of fitness and one or two days of acclimatization in Cusco are recommended. Horses are also available for rent if you need assistance during the climb.

How long does the full Humantay Lake tour take?

This is a full-day tour. Pick-up from Cusco hotels begins around 4:00 to 4:30 a.m. The drive to Soraypampa takes approximately 3 hours. The uphill hike to the lake takes about 2 hours, and the return walk takes 1.5 hours. After lunch in Mollepata, you’ll return to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.

What should I bring for the Humantay Lake tour?

Bring a small backpack with essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, energy snacks, a rain poncho, and warm clothing. Comfortable hiking boots are a must since the trail can be uneven. Don’t forget to bring cash (Peruvian soles) for small expenses like the entrance fee (10 soles) or horse rental if needed.

Do I need to acclimatize before taking this hike?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco before visiting Humantay Lake. The altitude exceeds 4,000 meters, and those who aren’t used to it may experience altitude sickness (known locally as “soroche”). Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. Tour guides usually carry oxygen and coca leaves to help if needed.

Can I visit Humantay Lake on my own?

Yes, you can visit it independently, but joining an organized tour is recommended. To go on your own, you’ll need to arrange transport to Soraypampa and then hike up to the lake. Most travelers choose to book a tour because it includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, and emergency assistance — ensuring a safe and hassle-free experience.

How much is the entrance fee to Humantay Lake?

The entrance fee to Humantay Lake is 10 Peruvian soles (around 3 USD). The fee is collected in Mollepata and managed by the local community to help maintain the trail and protect the environment. Some tours do not include this fee, so it’s best to bring cash to pay on-site.

What is the weather like at Humantay Lake?

The weather is cold and variable due to the high altitude. Early mornings can be very chilly (0°C–5°C / 32°F–41°F), while midday temperatures can reach 15°C–18°C (59°F–64°F). Strong winds are common near the lake, so it’s best to dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket, even during the dry season, as light rain can occur unexpectedly.

Is it worth visiting Humantay Lake?

Absolutely. Humantay Lake is one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural attractions. Its striking turquoise waters, framed by the towering Salkantay snow peak, create a magical setting that makes the hike worthwhile. It’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking for a rewarding full-day outdoor adventure from Cusco.