Humantay Lagoon Trek from Cusco: Turquoise waters at 4,200m

Fourteen hours to walk into the Andes and stand at a lagoon 13,779 feet up

A full-day hike from Cusco to Humantay Lagoon at 4,200 meters elevation, led by a bilingual guide with hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch and all trekking gear included. The trek climbs through the Vilcabamba range at a relaxed pace, stopping at the turquoise lagoon for free time to photograph and absorb the Andean landscape. Proper acclimatization to Cusco's altitude beforehand is essential, and the hike is moderately difficult. Horseback sections are available for an extra fee.

Step-by-step itinerary

Humantay Lake Trek and Return

• Pickup at hotel in Cusco
• Travel to Mollepata area
• Breakfast at cozy restaurant
• Receive hike briefing from guide
• Hike from 3,800m to Humantay Lagoon
• Admire lagoon and learn cultural significance
• Return hike to parking area
• Buffet lunch with local ingredients
• Travel back to Cusco
• Drop-off at hotel or Plaza de Armas

The experience

The day starts with pickup at your Cusco hotel and a 3.5-hour drive to Mollepata, where you'll eat breakfast at a local restaurant before heading to the trailhead. Your guide will brief you on the route and pacing before you begin: the hike starts at 3,800 meters and climbs to the lagoon at 4,200 meters, so the group moves at a relaxed rhythm that lets each person find their own cadence. You'll walk through Andean valleys with snow-capped peaks in view, and if the altitude or terrain feels steep, horseback sections are available for an additional cost.

Reaching Humantay Lagoon means standing in front of turquoise water ringed by the high Andes. Your guide explains how the lagoon formed and what it means to Andean communities: knowledge that deepens what you're looking at. You get free time to photograph, sit with the view, and absorb the place without a schedule pushing you forward. The walk back to the parking area takes roughly 45 minutes.

After the hike, you'll eat a buffet lunch made with local ingredients at a restaurant in the area, then drive back to Cusco. Drop-off is at your hotel or at Plaza de Armas, whichever suits your plans. The vehicle is air-conditioned, blankets are available for the cold, and your guide carries a first-aid kit and a satellite internet connection in case of emergency.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup in Cusco with a professional driver and air-conditioned vehicle.
• buffet breakfast and lunch at local restaurants.
• a professional tour guide in Spanish and English.
• trekking pole and water bottle.
• blanket for cold weather on the vehicle.
• first-aid kit.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese04:00

Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese04:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Viagens Machu Picchu

Is this one for you?Choose the group tour to share costs with other hikers, or book private if you want your guide's full attention on your group's pace and preferences.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How high is Humantay Lagoon and do I need to acclimatize before hiking there?

Humantay Lagoon sits at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level. The operator strongly recommends you be properly acclimatized to Cusco's altitude before attempting this hike, and suggests consulting a doctor beforehand if you have any health condition that could affect your ability to participate.

What's included in the full-day trek from Cusco?

The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast and lunch at local restaurants, a trekking pole, a bottle of water, blankets on the vehicle, and a first-aid kit. The admission fee to Humantay Lake is not included and is paid separately.

Can I ride a horse for part of the hike if the altitude feels too steep?

Yes, horseback sections are available as an optional add-on for an additional fee, subject to availability. Let your guide know when you arrive at the trailhead if you'd like to arrange this.

How long is the hike itself, and what's the total time for the day?

The full tour is 14 hours round-trip from your hotel, including the 3.5-hour drive to Mollepata, breakfast, the hike to the lagoon and back (roughly 45 minutes to descend), lunch, and the return drive to Cusco. The hike itself is rated moderately difficult and moves at a relaxed pace.

What happens if I'm not sure I'm fit enough for this hike?

The hike is moderately difficult and requires a good level of physical fitness due to the high altitude. The operator recommends consulting a doctor before the trip if you have any health condition that could affect your participation, and notes the trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy.