Perú
Full day
Up to 18 Pax per vehicle
Cusco City
Level 3: Moderate
Embark on an exciting one-day journey to explore the stunning Humantay Lake, a natural wonder nestled in the Peruvian Andes. Whether you choose to join a group or prefer a more intimate private experience, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable outdoor hike through breathtaking mountain scenery.
Discover the unique beauty of this turquoise lake that seems to be suspended between the sky and the earth. Walk along steep trails and admire panoramic views that will take your breath away as you immerse yourself in the serenity and majesty of the Peruvian Andes.
Enjoy a day full of adventure, connection with nature, and unforgettable moments in this magical corner of Peru.
● Sunrise Drive through the Andes: Travel at dawn across picturesque towns like Poroy, Anta, and Limatambo on the way to Mollepata.
● Breakfast in Mollepata: Enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast before heading to the Soraypampa trailhead.
● Hike to the Turquoise Humantay Lake: Ascend through high Andean landscapes to reach one of Peru’s most photogenic glacial lakes.
● Views of the Salkantay Glacier: Capture breathtaking photos of Humantay Lake framed by the imposing Salkantay Mountain, one of Cusco’s highest peaks.
● Sacred Path & Lunch Stop: Visit the spiritual Salkantay trail area before enjoying a comforting lunch and returning to Cusco in the evening.
We’d love to hear from you and learn about your plans to explore Bolivia.
TRAVEL ACTIVITIES: Hiking
TOUR TYPE: Shared group or Private tour
TOUR DURATION: Full day
TRAVEL STYLE: Standard
PHYSICAL RATING: Moderate
STAR/FINISH CITY: Cusco City
● Pick-up Location: Hotel pick-up, only if located in the city center.
● Drop-off Location: Plateros Street (Cusco City Center)
TRANSPORT: Tourist van
GROUP SIZE: Up to 18 Pax per vehicle
AVAILABILITY: All year
DEPARTURES: Daily at 4:00 AM
LANGUAGE:
● Spanish
● English
Humantay Lake
Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Cusco while exploring its most important attractions.
Enjoy this tour privately or join a group of passionate travelers like you!
Itinerary:
04:20 / 04:50 hrs: We will pick you up from your hotel, as long as it is located in the city center of Cusco.
05:00 hrs: Departure towards the town of Mollepata.
06:30 hrs: Breakfast in Mollepata.
08:30 hrs: Arrival in Soraypampa (starting point of the hike).
08:45 hrs: Beginning of the hike to Humantay Lake.
10:30 hrs: Time to explore and take your best Instagram photos at Humantay Lake.
11:30 hrs: Return hike to Soraypampa (Mollepata).
14:00 hrs: Lunch and free time.
15:00 hrs: Return trip from Mollepata to Cusco.
18:30 / 19:00 hrs: Arrival in the city of Cusco.
Humantay Lake
Our journey begins between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., as we board our tourist vehicle that will take us to the charming village of Mollepata, on a scenic drive of approximately two hours. Along the way, we will pass through beautiful Andean towns such as Poroy, Anta, and Limatambo, adding even more charm to our trip.
Once in Mollepata, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing toward Soraypampa Camp. From here, we will begin our ascent to the dazzling Humantay Lake, a hike that takes around one hour and thirty minutes.
This lake, with its stunning turquoise color, offers the perfect setting to take photos and admire the breathtaking scenery — including the majestic Salkantay Mountain, which rises to 5,450 meters (17,880 ft) above sea level. Our professional guide will provide detailed information about this wonderful place and its importance.
On our return, we’ll hike back to Soraypampa, where we can also visit the Sacred Path leading to Salkantay Mountain, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region. After enjoying a comforting lunch, we’ll say goodbye to this spectacular landscape and begin our return trip to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 p.m.
Altitude:
Cusco: 3,350 m / 10,990 ft
Mollepata: 2,790 m / 9,153 ft
Soraypampa: 3,910 m / 12,828 ft
Humantay Lake: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Cusco
● English or Spanish – speaking local guide
● Pick-up from hotel (available only for hotels close to the city center)
● 01 Breakfast
● 01 Lunch
● Tourist transport
● Entrance to the Humantay Lake
● Medical kit: First aid equipment, oxygen, and altitude sickness pills
● Meals, except those mentioned.
● Flights.
● Extra expenses (such as tips or others).
● Travel insurance.
● Horse rental not included (can be hired directly).
● Trekking poles.
● Sleeping bag.
● Comfortable clothing
● Light jacket or raincoat (depending on the weather)
● Comfortable walking shoes
● Professional camera or a smartphone with good resolution to capture excellent photos.
● Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun, rain, and cold.
● sunglasses, Sunscreen and/or moisturizer for face and body.
● Snacks: energy bars, chocolate, fruit, granola, or cookies.
● Your own medical kit with any special medication you may need, such as Sorojchi Pills (for altitude sickness) and blister protection.
● Cash in local currency, preferably in small bills and coins.
Private Humantay Lake (price per person):
● Private tour for 1 traveler: $ 120 USD per person
● Private tour for 2 travelers: $ 65 USD per person
● Private tour for 3 travelers: $ 50 USD per person
● Private tour for 4 travelers: $ 45 USD per person
● Private tour for 5 travelers: $ 40 USD per person
● Private tour for 6 travelers: $ 35 USD per person
Humantay Lake (No Tickets)
Shared tour without entrance fees. Price: $20 per person.
Need help or want to book a private tour?
Contact us via email or WhatsApp and our team will assist you.
1. What is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake can be visited all year round; however, the best time to go is from April to October, during the dry season. The weather is more stable, and the trails are safer for hiking, offering clear skies and stunning mountain views.
2. What important details should I know about the experience?
● This experience is available as a shared group service (up to 12 passengers) or as a private tour. Contact us at info@nomadex.com to learn about private tour pricing.
● The hike to Humantay Lake is moderate to challenging, with an elevation of 4,200 meters (13,780 ft).
● It’s important to be acclimatized in Cusco for at least 2 days before the hike.
● The tour starts early in the morning (between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.) and ends around 6:30–7:00 p.m.
● Please be ready at your hotel at the scheduled pickup time. A tolerance of 15 minutes applies.
3. How far in advance can I make a reservation?
● Up to 6 months in advance, subject to availability (since entry to some attractions is limited).
● Up to 48 hours before the tour, subject to availability (only if you are already in Cusco). If you are traveling from another country, we recommend booking at least 30 days in advance, or 2 months in advance during high season.
● During high season (June–August), we recommend booking at least 30 days in advance.
4. Do I need to bring my identification for the tour?
Yes. All participants must carry a valid ID, foreigner card, or passport, since entrance tickets must be purchased physically on the day of the tour, presenting your ID at the ticket office of each attraction.
5. Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
The tour is recommended for adults and young travelers in good physical condition due to the altitude and hiking difficulty. Children over 8 years old may join with adult supervision. Seniors should consult with their doctor and consider altitude acclimatization before booking.
6. Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included. Vegetarian options are available upon request. We recommend bringing water and light snacks for the hike.
7. Can I request a private tour for my group?
Yes, private tours are available. Contact us for pricing and arrangements.
8. What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a light jacket are recommended due to the varying weather conditions in Cusco.
9. How long does the City Tour last?
The total duration is approximately 14 hours, including transportation, meals, and hiking time. The hike itself takes around 3 hours round trip from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake and back.