Humantay Lake trek from Cusco: 1-day hike to 4200m

Climb to an alpine lake ringed by snow-covered peaks

A full-day trek from Cusco to Humantay Lake (4200m) with a professional guide in English or Spanish, breakfast, lunch and hotel pickup included. The route climbs 1.5 hours from Soraypampa through high-altitude terrain to reach the turquoise glacial lake, with free time to photograph the Salkantay peaks before the descent and return to Cusco by evening.

The experience

The day starts before dawn. A driver picks you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and takes you by private transport through the Apurímac River valley to Mollepata, arriving around 9:00 a.m. After breakfast to build energy, you continue to Soraypampa at 3900 meters, a high-altitude staging point surrounded by the Andes. From there the trek proper begins.

The hike to Humantay Lake climbs for 1.5 hours through alpine terrain to reach the lake at 4200 meters (13,779 feet). The water is turquoise from glacial melt, and the Salkantay peaks, sacred mountains in Quechua tradition, rise snow-covered around it. You get free time at the lake to photograph and absorb the landscape before retracing the route back down to Soraypampa, where the panoramic views expand as you descend. Lunch happens at Soraypampa around 2:00 p.m., then the return drive to Cusco takes three hours, arriving by evening.

A professional guide leads the whole day and speaks English or Spanish. The trek is steady uphill on a defined path, but the altitude and terrain demand a high level of physical fitness. This is not a casual walk. Bring hiking boots or shoes with ankle support, warm layers (it is cold at 4200m even in daylight), a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. Snacks help. A personal medical kit is wise. The operator provides a first aid kit and recommends extra cash in soles and your passport for any unexpected needs.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport by private vehicle.
• a professional guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• breakfast in Mollepata.
• lunch at Soraypampa.
• and a first aid kit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (14 to 60 years) · Under 14: 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.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by salkantay trail peru

Is this one for you?The 12-hour day from pickup to return means you need a full day free, but it fits a single day in Cusco without requiring an overnight trek. Choose this if you want to see the alpine lake and the Salkantay peaks without committing to a multi-day expedition, and if you have the fitness for sustained climbing at high altitude.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How long does it take to hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake?

The trek from Soraypampa to the lake takes 1.5 hours of steady climbing through alpine terrain to reach 4200 meters. The descent back to Soraypampa follows the same route and takes roughly the same time.

What time does the tour start and when do I get back to Cusco?

Hotel pickup happens between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., and the return to Cusco is around 6:00 p.m. after the three-hour drive from Soraypampa. Plan for a 12-hour day from door to door.

Is the hike difficult, and do I need special fitness?

The operator recommends a high level of physical fitness. The route is not technical, but the altitude (starting at 3900m and climbing to 4200m) and the sustained uphill grade demand good cardiovascular fitness and acclimatization to thin air.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and return transport, a professional guide in English or Spanish, breakfast in Mollepata, lunch at Soraypampa, and a first aid kit. Entrance to the Salkantay Trail, drinks, walking canes and emergency horses are not included.

Can I rent a horse if I don't want to walk the whole way?

Horses are available to rent at Soraypampa if you want to ride part or all of the trek, but this is arranged and paid separately on the day. It is not part of the tour package.

What should I bring on the trek?

Bring hiking boots or shoes with ankle support, warm clothes (layers), a rain jacket or poncho, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a water bottle, snacks, and a personal medical kit. The altitude is high and the weather can change. The operator recommends extra cash in soles and your original passport.