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The Most Famous Hike in Peru & South America

Humantay Lake Full Day

1 Days & 0 Nights

Humantay Lake Tour – Turquoise Lagoon Hike at the Foot of the Andes

The experience of the Humantay Turquoise Lagoon allows us to discover one of the most popular natural destinations today. Its location at the base of a snowy mountain and the height at which it is located make it an experience worth doing at least once in a lifetime. During the tour we can have fantastic views of the snowy mountains that surround this place and the beautiful flora.

This experience is intended for all people who have an adequate and optimal state of health to meet the necessary demands, you can do it individually to meet new people, as a couple or with friends with whom to share emotions and also as a family to live an unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1Humantay Lake Full Day

Cusco – Humantay Lake – Cusco

Our adventure begins with a 4:00 am pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We'll then travel in our private transport to the picturesque town of Mollepata, located about two hours from Cusco. Upon arrival, we'll make a brief stop for breakfast at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy regional cuisine.

Afterward, we'll board our transport for a 1 hour and 40 minute journey to the village of Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek. Here, we'll be surrounded by majestic Andean mountains and valleys. Upon arrival in Soraypampa, we'll begin preparing our equipment, such as trekking poles and backpacks. Our guide will then provide the necessary instructions for the hike to Humantay Lagoon. We'll begin our hike, which will take about an hour and a half, with some ups and downs, until we reach Humantay Lagoon, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, we'll have the opportunity to take the iconic photo of this majestic place, and then our guide will provide information about this wonderful lagoon.

After enjoying the scenery, we'll begin our descent back to the starting point in the village of Soraypampa, where we'll board our transport to the town of Mollepata for lunch.

After lunch, we'll board our transport again for the approximately 3-hour return trip to the city of Cusco, arriving around 6:00 pm, thus concluding this unforgettable experience.

Maximum height: 4,200 m / 13,799 ft
Minimum height: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

Inclusions

  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Professional guide – Bilingual.
  • First aid kit and oxygen.
  • Small group experience (maximum 8 people).
  • Entrance to Humantay lake.

Does not include

  • Water: Please bring 1 to 2 liters per person.
  • Appreciation to the people (tips)
  • Walking poles: 15 USD per pair per hike (professional poles that can be extended).
  • Horse rental is optional

You can rent with us, request it in the briefing or at the time of making your reservation.

Recomendations

  • A small backpack with water to drink.
  • Snack
  • Comfortable sneakers or runners.
  • Camera and raincoat or poncho.
  • A fleece or jacket, basic toiletries.
  • Sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent.
  • passaport
  • ISIC card if applicable.
  • Money for water and tips.
  • Trekking poles (you can rent them from us when you make your reservation).

FAQ – Humantay Lake Full Day Tour

Humantay Lake is located about 3 hours from Cusco, in the Andes Mountains, at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet).

The hike is considered moderate. It involves a steep uphill section, but it is relatively short and manageable with proper acclimatization.

The hike usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake, depending on your pace.

Most tours include transportation from Cusco, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, and basic first aid support.

Bring hiking shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, and a rain jacket.

The best time is during the dry season (April to October), when the weather is clearer and safer for hiking.

Yes, beginners can do the hike if they are in good physical condition and have acclimatized in Cusco for at least 1–2 days.

Yes, it is one of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in Peru, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes.

It is located about 3 hours by car from Cusco, followed by a hike to reach the lake.

While it is possible to go independently, joining a guided tour is recommended for safety, logistics, and a better experience.

👉 Book your Humantay Lake Tour and experience one of Cusco’s most iconic natural attractions.

What people say about us

Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Salkantay experience with Christian I fell ill right at the start of our Salkantay trip, but Christian was absolutely incredible. He made sure I got all the right medicine and went above and beyond to help me recover and get back into shape so that I could still enjoy the rest of the trek. Beyond that, Christian is genuinely one of the best guides you could ask for. He’s funny, incredibly helpful and full of great recommendations. Whatever questions we had, he seemed to know the answer, and if we needed something, he somehow made it happen. More than anything, it felt less like having a tour guide and more like travelling with an old friend who just happened to know everything about the area. He made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Highly recommend Christian to anyone doing the Salkantay trek!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Patrick M profile picture
Patrick M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
More than a guide — a friend in Peru We were lucky to have the same guide, Cristian, for both our Sacred Valley tour and the Salkantay Trek, so we ended up spending quite a few days together. He really became a big part of our Peru trip. He knows so much about Inca history, Peruvian culture, the mountains, and local life, and we loved how naturally all of that came up in our conversations along the way. He was also very patient and always paid attention to how we were doing during the trek. On Salkantay, he even suggested adjusting our itinerary based on the weather conditions so we could have the best possible experience, which we really appreciated. He never rushed us, was happy to stop whenever we needed, and was just very easy and fun to be around. By the end of the trip, it honestly felt less like we had hired a guide and more like we had made a friend in Peru.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
適亨 楊 profile picture
適亨 楊
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
4d Salkantay trek and Sacred Valley day tour We were so lucky to have Cristian as our guide on our first trip to Cusco. He’s such a smart, thoughtful, and organized person. We did both the Sacred Valley tour and the Salkantay Trek with him. Whenever there was something to explain, he was incredibly knowledgeable, and during the trek he was also just a really fun person to talk to. He always paid attention to how everyone was feeling, made sure everyone was doing okay, and took care of what each person needed. I’m really happy that this trip to Peru gave us not only so many amazing memories, but also a wonderful new friend.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
憶甄李 profile picture
憶甄李
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Esperienza perfetta Esperienza bellissima, Cristian la nostra guida ci ha ricoperto di attenzioni e ha fatto in modo che tutto fosse perfetto, e a parte questo è una persona adorabile con la quale è stato bellissimo condividere il cammino e che ci ha veramente aiutati a capire tante cose di questo paese meraviglioso e della sua società. Altamente raccomandato!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Tato3672 profile picture
Tato3672
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Great experience at MachuPicchu Great experience with guide Krystian doing the baby trail to MachuPicchu via Sun Gate. Capable and knowledgeable guide !
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Koen D profile picture
Koen D
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Short Inca Trail review Cristian guided our family through the short version of the Inca Trail. The views were amazing and the hike made the whole experience even more unforgettable. Cristian provided us with interesting stories about the history of the Inca civilization and was very enthusiastic! A very friendly man who had a good feeling with the needs of the group. I highly recommand this trail and Maccu Pichu visit!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Lucas D profile picture
Lucas D
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Superleuk! Het was een supertof ervaring! De gids(Cristian) wist veel over de natuur en over de Machu Picchu. Hij kon ons interessante feitjes vertellen en dat maakte de hike en de belevenis nog toffer.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Arthur D profile picture
Arthur D
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Short-Inca trail review Mega leuke wandeltocht met geweldige uitzichten. Cristian, onze gids, legde alles op een leuke manier uit met interessante weetjes, wat de tocht nog leuker maakte.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trek19589988553 profile picture
Trek19589988553
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Inca trail with Cristian and our family of 6 1 day inca trail with our guide who was very enthusiastic and motivated, giving lots of explanations and tips. Really an unforgettable experience!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Veronique profile picture
Veronique
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Short Inca Trail - Perfect experience! Christian was an amazing guide on our short Inca Trail trip. Everything was perfectly organized, he made sure we feel comfortable and shared a lot of interesting insights. Thanks again for this great day, which was the highlight of our vacation in Peru.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Ti_Carpenter profile picture
Ti_Carpenter

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