Cusco to Humantay Lake: Full Day Trek with Breakfast & Lunch

Summary

Early morning trek from Cusco to Humantay’s emerald waters with local stories and hearty meals

You’ll start before sunrise in Cusco and travel with a small group into Peru’s Vilcabamba mountains for a guided trek to Humantay Lake. Expect slow climbs with plenty of breaks, stories from your local guide, and time to sit quietly by emerald water at 4,200 meters before sharing lunch together on your way back home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the blue hour outside my window — that sleepy, pre-dawn hush when Cusco feels like it’s holding its breath. Our driver was already waiting, headlights cutting through the misty streets. I barely said two words before we were winding out of town, chasing sunrise into the Vilcabamba range. There’s something about those long drives — everyone half-awake, someone quietly humming along to a scratchy radio. We stopped for breakfast in a little roadside place where the coffee tasted a bit burnt but honestly, I didn’t care. The mountain air made everything sharper, even the bread.

Our guide, Diego, handed out coca leaves and grinned at my clumsy attempt to chew them (he said it helps with altitude — not sure if it worked or if I just liked feeling “local”). The trail started at Soraypampa, already high enough that your lungs notice. It’s not an easy walk — you climb from 3,800 up to 4,200 meters — but nobody rushed us. Diego kept pointing out tiny wildflowers and explained why locals call Humantay Lake sacred. Sometimes he’d pause so we could catch our breath or just listen: wind scraping over rock, horses clinking their bells somewhere behind us. At one point I thought about taking the horseback option but stubbornness won out.

I’ll admit: the last stretch felt endless. My legs were jelly and the sun was sharp on the snow peaks above. But then we crested a ridge and there it was — Humantay Lake, this impossible green-blue under white glaciers. People went quiet for a minute; even Diego just let us stand there. I dipped my hand in (so cold it hurt) and sat on a rock while some locals left offerings by the shore. The smell of wet earth mixed with incense sticks — weirdly comforting.

We took our time heading down (knees protesting), then piled back into the van for lunch at another small spot where they served soup so hot it fogged my glasses. Someone joked about never eating instant noodles again after this trip — maybe you had to be there. On the way back to Cusco I watched clouds snag on distant peaks and tried to nap but couldn’t stop replaying that moment by the water. Still can’t really describe that color — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek to Humantay Lake and return

• Pick up from hotel in Cusco
• Stop for breakfast at restaurant
• Receive safety briefing from guide
• Hike from 3,800 to 4,200 meters
• Explore and relax at Humantay Lake
• Descend to parking lot
• Lunch at Peruvian cuisine restaurant
• Return and drop off at accommodation

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Cusco to Humantay Lake?

It takes about 3.5 hours by vehicle from Cusco to reach the starting point for the Humantay Lake trek.

Is breakfast included on this day trip?

Yes, breakfast is included before starting the trek.

What is the elevation of Humantay Lake?

The lake sits at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included after visiting Humantay Lake.

Do I need to be acclimatized before doing this trek?

Yes, you should be fully acclimatized due to high altitude and moderate difficulty of the hike.

Are hotel pickups available in Cusco?

Yes, round-trip transportation with hotel pickup in Cusco is included.

Can I ride a horse instead of hiking all the way?

A horseback ride option is available for part of the ascent (optional).

What should I bring for this trek?

You should bring sneakers or light shoes, raincoat or poncho (especially during rainy season), sunscreen, and a hat.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, round-trip transport through mountain valleys with stops for both breakfast and lunch at local restaurants (hot drinks are always welcome after hiking), plus guidance from a bilingual local expert who’ll share stories along every step toward Humantay Lake before returning you safely home in the evening.