Visiting: Cusco · Mollepata · Soraypampa · Humantay Lake · views of the Salkantay range
Overview
Humantay Lake is one of the most breathtaking sights near Cusco — a brilliant turquoise glacial lake at 4,200 m, cradled at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. On this full-day tour from Cusco you drive into the high Andes, hike up from Soraypampa to the lake, and take in panoramic views of the towering Salkantay range along the way — one of Peru's most rewarding day trips.
We run this trip as a direct local operator, so you travel with an expert bilingual guide (English & Spanish), comfortable round-trip transport, a hearty Andean breakfast and a buffet lunch — all included. Groups are kept small, and we carry oxygen and a first-aid kit for the altitude.
🏔️ Altitude matters here. The lake sits at 4,200 m, so we recommend spending at least 2 nights in Cusco to acclimatise before this hike. Go at a steady pace, drink plenty of water, and the climb rewards you with a truly unforgettable view.
Your Day — Step by Step
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1
Pre-dawn pick-up · Cusco → Mollepata
We pick you up from your Cusco hotel between 4:15 and 4:45 am; if you're staying near the centre you can also meet us at our office at 4:45 am (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo). Around 5:00 am the group sets off together for the start of the day.
The road climbs to the small town of Mollepata, in the lush Anta province — a scenic drive of about 2.5 hours through changing Andean landscapes as the day breaks.
Good to know: It's a very early start, so try to lay out your layers and snacks the night before and sleep early.
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2
Breakfast in Mollepata → Soraypampa trailhead
Around 7:30 am we stop for a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata — the ideal moment to fuel up and warm up before the hike.
After breakfast it's about another hour's drive up to Soraypampa (3,900 m), the trailhead and starting point of the walk to Humantay Lake.
Good to know: This breakfast is your last full meal before the climb, so eat well — there are no vendors on the trail itself.
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3
Hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m)
From Soraypampa we begin the 1.5 to 2-hour hike up to Humantay Lake at 4,200 m (13,780 ft), with the trail opening up to stunning views of snow-capped mountains and dramatic Andean scenery along the way.
At the lake you'll have time to relax, explore and take in the crystal-clear turquoise water set against the majestic Salkantay and Humantay peaks, while your guide shares the cultural and ecological significance of the area.
Good to know: Take the climb slowly and steadily and drink plenty of water — at this altitude a relaxed pace makes all the difference.
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4
Descent → buffet lunch → Cusco
After your time at the lake we begin the descent back towards Soraypampa, which takes about 1.5 hours, then drive to Mollepata for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant around 2:00 pm.
After lunch we head back to Cusco — roughly a 3-hour drive — with the final drop-off at Plaza Regocijo, near the Plaza de Armas, between 6:00 and 6:30 pm.
Good to know: Times can shift with weather, trail conditions and group pace, so keep the evening flexible.
Tour at a Glance
| Duration | Full day (no overnight) |
| Highest point | Humantay Lake — 4,200 m |
| Total distance | ~6 km round trip (3 km each way) |
| Difficulty | Moderate — short but at altitude |
| Trailhead | Soraypampa — 3,900 m |
| Meals | 1 breakfast · 1 buffet lunch |
| Group size | Small group · max 16 |
| Departures | Daily · book up to 1 day ahead |
What's Included
Tap any item to see the full details.
Included
Not included
Prices — 2026 Season
This is a small-group day tour to Humantay Lake. We offer a standard rate, plus a special promotional rate for travelers who have already booked another tour with us (such as the Inca Trail or a Machu Picchu tour). The lake entrance fee is paid locally in soles and is not included.
| Rate | Price per person | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $27 | Booking this tour on its own |
| Promotional | $23 | Already booked another tour with us (or 85 soles) |
Prices per person, group service. You can book online (a small card fee applies) or reserve at our Cusco office up to one day before the tour. Vegetarian, vegan and special diets are accommodated free on request.
Optional Extras (paid locally, in soles)
- Humantay Lake entrance fee20 soles (~$6)
- Horse to/near the lakeask locally
- Hiking poles (pair)ask locally
Horse and pole rental are arranged with local providers at the trail and paid in cash in soles; cards are not accepted at the mountain.
What to Pack
Andean weather changes fast and the sun is strong at altitude, so dress in layers and carry only a light daypack — there are no vendors on the trail.
- Always with you: cash in soles (entrance + extras), 1.5–2 L of water, high-energy snacks, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Clothing: warm layers you can add or remove, a windproof/rain jacket or poncho, hat or beanie, gloves and a neck buff for the cold morning, and sturdy hiking boots (no sandals).
- Extras: hiking poles if you like, a sun hat, camera/phone and any personal medication (including altitude tablets if you use them).
How to Book
Book online or in person at our Cusco office (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo). There are daily departures and you can reserve up to one day before (until 9:00 pm). Pay safely by debit or credit card online (a small processing fee applies), or in cash (USD, EUR or soles) at the office.
- Choose your date — daily departures available.
- Enter your details (name, nationality, hotel in Cusco, WhatsApp number for pick-up).
- Pay securely by card online, or reserve and pay at our office.
- Confirm — you'll get an instant confirmation email with pick-up details, and our team follows up by WhatsApp.
Free rescheduling: you can reschedule or switch to a similar tour (Palcoyo, Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley or Ausangate 7 Lakes) at no extra cost until 7:00 pm the day before your tour, subject to availability.
Full refund: cancel at least 24 hours before the tour for 100% back.
Partial refund (50%): cancel within 24 hours but before 7:00 pm the day before.
No refund: cancellations after 7:00 pm the day before are non-refundable.
Agency cancellations: if we must cancel for weather or other unforeseen reasons, you receive a 100% refund. To make changes, email info@machupicchuteam.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's rated moderate. From the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,900 m) the trail climbs about 3 km to the lake at 4,200 m; most people reach it in 1.5 to 2 hours, with the descent taking about an hour. The main challenge is the altitude rather than the distance, so we recommend acclimatising in Cusco for at least 2 nights first. Hiking poles can be rented if you'd like extra support, and horses are usually available near the trail.
The dry season (May to October) is best, with clear skies and the most vivid turquoise colour in the lake. Mid-morning light (around 9–11 am) is ideal for photos. Tours run year-round, but in the rainy season (November to April) the trail can be muddy and clouds may partly hide the views. Mornings are cold and the high-altitude sun is strong, so bring both warm layers and sun protection.
Absolutely. Humantay Lake is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Cusco region — a pristine glacial lake at 4,200 m with striking turquoise water set against the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay peaks. It sees far fewer visitors than Machu Picchu, so it feels peaceful and intimate. Most travellers describe it as one of the highlights of their whole trip to Peru.
We pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 am (or you can meet us at our office at 4:45 am). The tour usually ends back at Plaza Regocijo, near the Plaza de Armas, between 6:00 and 6:30 pm. Just send us your accommodation details when you book, or let us know if you'd prefer to meet at the office.
The tour includes a hearty Andean breakfast and a buffet lunch, both in Mollepata. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs at no extra cost — just let us know in advance. Groups are usually 12–16 travellers with a professional bilingual guide, and we offer free luggage storage at our Cusco office (daily 4:00 am–10:00 pm) so you can travel light.
Yes. You can reschedule or switch to a similar tour (Palcoyo, Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley or Ausangate 7 Lakes) at no extra charge until 7:00 pm the day before. For cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before, 50% within 24 hours but before 7:00 pm the day before, and no refund after that. To make changes, email info@machupicchuteam.com.
