Cusco to Humantay Lake: Day Hike & Andes Breakfast with Pickup

Summary

Humantay Lake hike from Cusco with mountain views and local meals

You’ll start before dawn in Cusco and travel into the Andes for a guided day trip to Humantay Lake. Enjoy breakfast with panoramic mountain views, then hike up past glaciers and herders’ trails before reaching the turquoise lake itself. After time at the top, relax over a hot lunch before heading back — tired but changed by what you’ve seen.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the bus windows fogged up as we left Cusco before sunrise — honestly, I was half asleep and questioning my life choices at that hour. But then, somewhere outside Mollepata, the sky started turning this soft pink behind the mountains. Our guide, Diego, pointed out Salkantay’s snowy peak just as someone handed me coca tea. The air was cold enough to sting my nose but somehow it felt good — like it woke up something inside me. Breakfast was simple but warm; eggs, bread, and this cheese that tasted almost grassy, eaten while watching clouds slide across the valley.

The hike up to Humantay Lake is no joke if you’re not used to altitude (I’m not). Diego kept checking on us — “slowly, amigos” — and told stories about the Apus, these sacred mountains. There were a few locals leading horses past us, their voices echoing in Quechua. At one point I stopped just to listen: nothing but wind and my own heartbeat thumping way too loud. When we finally reached the lake, it didn’t look real — blue-green water under Salkantay’s shadow. I tried touching the surface; freezing cold, sharp as glass. We took photos but mostly just sat there quietly because what else do you do? It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there.

Going back down was easier on the lungs but harder on my knees (should’ve stretched more). Lunch back at the restaurant tasted better than breakfast — maybe because I’d actually earned it this time. There was quinoa soup and some kind of stew that Diego said his mom makes at home. I tried asking for the recipe in Spanish but mostly got laughter in response. The ride back to Cusco was quiet; everyone half asleep again or staring out at those wild Andean hills rolling by. Even now when I think about that day trip from Cusco to Humantay Lake, I can almost smell the mountain air again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to Humantay Lake

• Depart early from Cusco
• Enjoy 3-hour bus ride
• Stop for breakfast with views
• Hike to Humantay Lake
• Explore and take photos
• Descend to restaurant
• Have lunch and relax
• Return to Cusco

Top questions

How long is the hike to Humantay Lake from Cusco?

The hike itself takes about 2 hours each way after a 3-hour drive from Cusco.

Is breakfast included on this Humantay Lake tour?

Yes, breakfast is included at a local restaurant along the route.

Do I need to be very fit for this day trip?

You should have moderate fitness due to high altitude and steep sections.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cusco is included in your booking.

Are guides provided on the Humantay Lake tour?

A professional local guide leads all tours and assists during the hike.

What meals are included during the day?

Both breakfast and lunch are included at local restaurants near Humantay Lake.

How early does the tour start from Cusco?

The tour departs very early in the morning so you arrive at Humantay Lake ahead of crowds.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cusco before sunrise, comfortable transport through Andean valleys, breakfast with mountain views en route, a guided hike up to Humantay Lake with oxygen bottle support if needed, plus lunch featuring local ingredients before returning to town by evening.