Humantay Lake trek from Cusco: High-altitude day trip

A steep climb to a turquoise lake ringed by glaciers at high altitude.

A full-day trek from Cusco to Humantay Lake in the Andes, departing before 5am with private transport, a live guide in English or Spanish, breakfast at Mollepata, and lunch after the descent. The route climbs steeply for one hour from Soraypampa (3,900m) to the lake itself, then descends for another hour. An optional scramble above the lake offers a panoramic view. Children from age 12 are welcome. Moderate fitness is required. The trek is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Humantay Lake trek and return

• Pick up from accommodation early morning
• Drive to Mollepata and have breakfast
• Drive to Soraypampa plateau
• Prepare and start trek to Humantay Lake
• Optional climb for panoramic lake view
• Trek downhill back to Soraypampa
• Drive to Mollepata for local lunch
• Return drive to Cusco

The experience

Your driver arrives at your accommodation between 4:20 and 4:40am. Bring layers because the first hours are cold (5 to 9°C). After two hours of driving through the mountains, you stop in Mollepata for breakfast and to pick up any last supplies: water, snacks, anything you forgot in Cusco. Then another hour takes you to Soraypampa, a high plateau where you can see Apu Salkantay (6,230m) and Humantay (5,250m) rising above you.

The trek itself is one steep hour up to the lake, about 3 kilometers, but the group stays small and your guide sets the pace so you can arrive without pressure. Once you reach Humantay Lake, you have the option to scramble a little higher on either side for a panoramic view across the water and the surrounding peaks. The descent is easier: another hour downhill back to Soraypampa, then your private transport takes you to Mollepata for a local lunch. You're back in Cusco between 5pm and 6pm, leaving the rest of your evening free.

The whole day runs eight hours door-to-door. Breakfast, lunch, coffee and tea are included. Bring your own water bottle and snacks for the trek itself. A guide who speaks English or Spanish walks with the group the entire way. This is not a self-guided experience. Someone who knows the route and the altitude is with you from start to finish.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Cusco hotel.
• breakfast at Mollepata.
• lunch after the trek.
• coffee and tea throughout the day.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• small-group pacing so you're never rushed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Andes Peru Tour & Adventure

Is this one for you?An eight-hour commitment means you leave Cusco before dawn and return by evening, which works well for a first full day after arriving or for fitting a mountain experience into a short stay without losing a night's rest in the city. If you need flexibility to explore Cusco's center on the same day, this trek claims the whole day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 17 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

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 steep is the trek to Humantay Lake?

The climb from Soraypampa to the lake is steep and takes one hour to cover about 3 kilometers. Your guide lets you set the pace so you arrive without pressure, and the descent afterward is easier terrain.

What time do I need to wake up for this trek?

Your driver picks you up between 4:20 and 4:40am from your Cusco accommodation. The early start gets you to higher elevation before the day warms up and positions the descent for afternoon.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation from your hotel, breakfast in Mollepata, lunch after the trek, and coffee or tea are all included. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group the entire day.

What altitude will I reach?

Humantay Lake sits at approximately 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level. Soraypampa, where you start the trek, is around 3,900 meters. The mountains visible from there (Salkantay and Humantay) reach 6,230 and 5,250 meters respectively.

Is this trek difficult for someone visiting Peru for the first time?

The trek requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to high altitude. Starting before dawn and spending time at elevation helps your body adjust. The guide paces the group and you control your own speed going up. If altitude sickness is a concern, discuss it with your guide before booking.