Cusco to Humantay Lake: Guided Trek, Breakfast & Lunch

Summary

Guided trek to Humantay Lake from Cusco with meals included

You’ll start before dawn in Cusco with hotel pickup and a local guide leading your group up into the Andes for breakfast in Mollepata. Trekking from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake brings crisp air and mountain silence before time at the turquoise lagoon itself. Includes lunch with local flavors before returning tired but full of new memories.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cold air on my cheeks as we stepped out in Cusco before sunrise—my phone said 4:45 a.m., but it felt earlier. Our guide, Maribel, greeted us by name (I’m still not sure how she remembered everyone) and handed out coca tea packets for the drive. The van was quiet at first, just the hum of tires and someone’s soft snoring behind me. By the time we reached Mollepata, the sky had cracked open into that pale blue you only get in the Andes. Breakfast was simple—eggs, bread, hot coffee—but honestly, I was just grateful for something warm to hold.

Soraypampa sits high up—almost 3,900 meters—and you feel it in your lungs right away. I’d read about the altitude but didn’t expect my legs to feel so heavy so quickly. Maribel kept a slow pace and pointed out tiny wildflowers along the trail; she called them “the mountain’s confetti.” There was this moment when we rounded a bend and suddenly Humantay Lake just appeared below us—so green-blue it looked fake. The wind picked up and I could smell wet earth mixed with something sharp, maybe eucalyptus? People got quiet for a bit, just taking it in. There were locals making offerings by the water’s edge—coca leaves laid out on flat stones—which made me pause longer than I thought I would.

We had almost an hour at the lake itself. Some folks took photos; others just sat on rocks and watched clouds drift across Salkantay’s snowy peak. My hands were freezing but I didn’t want to put my gloves back on—I wanted to feel everything. On the way down, Maribel told us stories about the Apus (the sacred mountains) and laughed when I tried to pronounce “Soraypampa” correctly (I definitely didn’t). Lunch back at Soraypampa was hearty—rice, chicken stew, something sweet made from corn—and everyone ate like they’d hiked twice as far as we did.

The ride back to Cusco was mostly quiet again; people dozed or stared out at fields rolling past. My boots were muddy and my calves ached in that good way that means you actually did something today. Even now, days later, I keep thinking about that flash of turquoise water under all that sky—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Travel to Mollepata town
• Breakfast in Mollepata
• Continue trip to Soraypampa
• Start trek to Humantay Lake
• Enjoy free time at the lake
• Return trek to Soraypampa
• Lunch in Soraypampa
• Return to Cusco

Top questions

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

The trek from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way.

Is breakfast included on this day trip from Cusco?

Yes, breakfast is included after arriving in Mollepata before starting the trek.

What altitude is Humantay Lake?

Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level.

Do I need a high level of fitness for this tour?

Yes, travelers should have a high level of physical fitness due to altitude and hiking conditions.

Are hotel pickups included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cusco is included as part of your day trip experience.

What meals are provided during the tour?

The tour includes both breakfast in Mollepata and lunch in Soraypampa.

Is there a professional guide during the trek?

Yes, an experienced local guide accompanies you throughout the trek.

What should I bring for the Humantay Lake hike?

You should bring hiking shoes or boots, warm clothes, rain gear, sun protection, water bottle, snacks, and your passport.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco followed by private transport through mountain valleys. Enjoy breakfast in Mollepata before trekking with a professional local guide up to Humantay Lake via Soraypampa. After exploring the lake’s edge you’ll return for a traditional Andean lunch before heading back to Cusco by evening transport.