Cusco to Humantay Lake: Private Day Trip & Coca Ceremony

Summary

Early start from Cusco hiking to Humantay Lake with coca ritual and lunch

You’ll leave Cusco before sunrise for a private day trip to Humantay Lake—hiking steep trails with your local guide, joining a traditional coca ceremony at 4,250 meters, and tasting Andean dishes for lunch in Mollepata. Expect moments of silence high above tree line, laughter over breakfast tea, and a view you might keep replaying long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you’d actually make it up to 4,250 meters? I didn’t think I would, honestly. Our driver showed up at the door in Cusco when it was still dark — I remember fumbling with my jacket and thinking, “Is this really worth it?” But then we were off through these winding roads, headlights bouncing off stone walls, and by the time we reached Mollepata for breakfast (hot tea and eggs that tasted oddly comforting), the sky was just starting to turn pink. Our guide, Daniel, kept cracking jokes about the altitude — he said chewing coca leaves would help, so I tried it. Not sure if it worked or if I just got distracted by the earthy taste.

The hike from Challacancha is no joke. It’s about two hours of steady uphill — dusty paths, the crunch of gravel under boots, and this weird silence broken only by our own heavy breathing. Sometimes a horse would pass us with someone riding who’d given up on walking (I thought about it more than once). The air gets thinner as you go; my hands tingled a bit. Daniel pointed out tiny purple flowers along the way — he called them “kantu,” which he said are sacred here. He also told us stories about Apus, the mountain spirits. At some point I lost track of time because all I could do was focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

Humantay Lake just appears out of nowhere — suddenly there’s this blue-green water ringed by snow and rock. We sat down on cold stones while Daniel set up the coca ceremony. He explained how locals offer coca leaves to Pachamama for safe passage; we each got a chance to participate. Honestly, I felt awkward at first but there was something grounding about holding those leaves and listening to him speak Quechua softly into the wind. The sun came out for maybe five minutes and everything shimmered — even now when I close my eyes I can see that color.

The way down felt lighter (maybe because gravity was finally on our side). Back in Mollepata we had this buffet lunch in a bright little restaurant — lots of potatoes and something like quinoa soup that tasted smoky from the wood stove. Everyone looked tired but happy; Daniel clapped me on the back and said my Quechua pronunciation wasn’t totally hopeless (he was being generous). The ride back to Cusco is kind of a blur — legs aching but head full of new things. Still not sure if it was the altitude or just how different everything felt up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Humantay Lake hike and Coca ceremony

• Pick up at hotel at 4:30 am
• Travel to Mollepata for breakfast
• Drive to Soraypampa
• Hike to Humantay Lagoon
• Participate in Coca offering ceremony
• Descend to Soraypampa
• Bus to Mollepata
• Enjoy Andean buffet lunch
• Return to Cusco, arrive around 5 pm

Top questions

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

The hike takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes each way from Challacancha to Humantay Lake.

Is hotel pickup included for this Humantay Lake day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup near Cusco city center is included in your private excursion.

What altitude is Humantay Lake?

Humantay Lake sits at an altitude of approximately 4,250 meters above sea level.

Is breakfast provided on this tour?

Yes, breakfast is included during your stop in Mollepata before starting the hike.

Can I ride a horse instead of hiking?

You can hire horses for part of the ascent from Soraypampa if needed.

What is included in lunch after visiting Humantay Lake?

A traditional Andean buffet lunch is served in Mollepata after your visit to Humantay Lake.

Are guides fluent in English or Spanish?

Your local guide will provide information in both English and Spanish during the tour.

How physically demanding is this day trip?

The hike requires moderate fitness due to steep trails and high altitude; not recommended for those with heart or spinal issues.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup from Cusco city center, private transportation through mountain villages, walking sticks for support on steep trails, oxygen assistance if needed along the way, guidance from an experienced local guide throughout your hike to Humantay Lake at 4,250 meters elevation—with stops for both breakfast and an Andean buffet lunch before returning by evening.