Cusco to Humantay Lake: Early Day Trip & Small Group Trek

Summary

Early trek from Cusco to Humantay Lake for quiet mountain views

You’ll start early from Cusco for a real shot at seeing Humantay Lake before big crowds arrive. Hike part of the Salkantay Trail with a local guide, share breakfast in a small village, and take time at the lake itself — maybe even leave your own offering by its icy water. Includes pickup, all entry fees, plus breakfast and lunch.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — when my alarm went off at 3:30am in Cusco, I wondered if this day trip to Humantay Lake would really be worth it. But there’s something about stepping outside into that cold, sleepy air and seeing the city still half-dreaming. Our guide, Maribel, was already wide awake and grinning when she met us. The van was warm inside, and I could smell coca tea (someone always brings it). We drove through the Apurimac valley in the dark — you catch these glimpses of mist over fields, but mostly it’s just quiet.

Breakfast in Mollepata is simple but hits the spot — eggs, bread, some fruit. I tried to ask for more coffee in Spanish and got a smile from the cook (and somehow more bread instead). Then we bumped along to Soraypampa. That’s where you really feel how high up you are; the air is thinner and your breath comes shorter. The Salkantay Trail starts out gentle enough but gets steep fast. Maribel kept checking on us — “todo bien?” — and pointed out tiny wildflowers I would’ve missed. There were horses too, for anyone who needed them (I almost caved).

The climb is rough in parts — honestly, my legs were burning halfway up. But then you crest this last ridge and suddenly there’s Humantay Lake: blue-green like nothing I’ve seen before, with snow on the peaks behind it that makes everything feel ancient. It was quiet except for wind and a few other hikers’ laughter echoing across the water. Maribel explained why this place mattered to the Incas; she left an offering of coca leaves by the shore and invited us to do the same. I’m not sure what I expected to feel but… yeah, it sticks with you.

Coming down is quicker but my knees weren’t thrilled about it. Lunch back in Mollepata tasted way better than usual after all that effort — quinoa soup and chicken stew (vegetarian options too). By late afternoon we were back in Cusco, most of us half-asleep in the van with sunburned noses and muddy boots. I still think about that first view of the lake sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco

• Meet driver at hotel early morning
• Drive to Mollepata village
• Stop for quick breakfast in Mollepata
• Drive to Soraypampa
• Begin trek to Humantay Lake
• See majestic Apu Salkantay during trek
• Climb steep trail or ride horse to lake
• Learn about Inca sacred site at lake
• Return trek to Mollepata
• Have lunch in Mollepata
• Drive back to Cusco
• Drop off near Plaza San Francisco

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Cusco to Humantay Lake take?

The tour lasts about 14 hours including pickup around 3:30-4:00am and return close to 6pm.

Is breakfast or lunch included on this Humantay Lake tour?

Yes—both breakfast in Mollepata and lunch after hiking are included.

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The trek is steep and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes up; moderate fitness is recommended but horses are available if needed.

What altitude will we reach during this trek?

You’ll start trekking at Soraypampa (3900m) and reach Humantay Lake at around 4200m above sea level.

Are hotel pickups offered for this day trip?

Yes—pickup from hotels in central Cusco is included.

Is there a guide on this tour?

A bilingual local guide leads the group throughout the day.

What’s special about leaving early for this tour?

You arrive at Humantay Lake before large groups so it’s quieter for photos or reflection.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes—both breakfast and lunch offer vegetarian choices if requested ahead of time.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, private transport through mountain valleys, all entry fees for both Salkantay Trail and Humantay Lake, a walking stick if you want one, plus simple breakfast and hearty buffet lunch with vegetarian options before heading back into town as evening falls.