Humantay Lake Full Day Hike
Expedition Overview
Escape to the spectacular Vilcabamba mountain range and hike to one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Andes. The Humantay Lake is a brilliant turquoise glacial lake nestled right at the base of the towering, snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay peaks. Considered sacred by the Incas and local Andean people, the lake's vivid colors are caused by the minerals in the glacial meltwater. This full-day adventure offers an excellent physical challenge, breathtaking high-altitude scenery, and the perfect opportunity to acclimatize before tackling longer treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay.
Day by Day Itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
We pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM to get an early start. We drive for about 2.5 hours through the scenic Apurimac river valley until we reach the town of Mollepata, where we stop for a hearty breakfast. We then continue driving for another hour up a winding mountain road to Soraypampa (3,900m). From here, we begin our hike. The ascent to the lake is steep and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. As you climb, the air gets thinner, but the views of the Salkantay glacier become more magnificent. Upon reaching Humantay Lake (4,260m), you will be rewarded with the stunning sight of the turquoise water against the white glacier. Your guide will explain the spiritual significance of the lake. After plenty of time for photos and resting, we descend back to Soraypampa (about 1 hour) and drive back to Mollepata for a well-deserved buffet lunch. We return to Cusco around 6:00 PM. • Trekking Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles (round trip) • Estimated Hiking Time: 3 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,260m / 13,976ft
Guaranteed departure dates, official DIRCETUR entrance permits, and zero intermediary commission fees when you reserve directly with our Cusco headquarters.
✅ What is Included
- ✓Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
- ✓Professional bilingual high-altitude guide
- ✓Comfortable tourist transportation (round trip)
- ✓Nutritious breakfast and buffet lunch in Mollepata
- ✓First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
✕ Not Included
- —Entrance fees to the Humantay Lake area (approx. 20 Soles)
- —Horse rental for the ascent (optional, arranged locally)
- —Personal snacks and extra water
- —Tips for the guide and driver
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.