Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco: Turquoise lagoon

Stones placed at the lagoon carry prayers to the mountain's mother.

A day trip from Cusco to Humantay Lake combines a 12- to 13-hour mountain hike with the ritual of leaving stone offerings (apachetas) at a turquoise lagoon sacred to Inca tradition. The lagoon sits high in the Andes as the youngest son of Apu Salkantay, a protective mountain spirit, and shamans and visitors gather there to honor Pachamama, the earth deity. Hotel pickup, a professional guide in English or Spanish, round-trip transport, breakfast and lunch are included. Entrance to the lagoon is an optional add-on at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Humantay Lagoon

• Travel to Humantay Lagoon
• View Humantay Lagoon
• Place offerings to Pachamama

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Cusco accommodation before dawn. The drive climbs into the high Andes, and the hike itself covers steep terrain through mountain passes to reach the lagoon at altitude. The turquoise water sits in a glacial valley, and the ritual of the place is immediate: visitors and shamans gather to place stones (apachetas) as offerings to Pachamama, thanking the earth for safe passage and asking for protection on the journey ahead. This is not a casual photo stop. The stone-placing is the reason the lagoon draws people from across the world.

A professional guide leads the route in English or Spanish, managing the pace and the altitude. Breakfast is provided before the hike, and a mini buffet lunch follows at the lagoon, so the physical demands of the day are met with fuel and rest. The entire outing runs 12 to 13 hours from pickup to return, which accounts for the drive, the climb, time at the lagoon itself, and the descent. Service animals are permitted on the route.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from your Cusco accommodation.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• round-trip transport.
• breakfast and mini buffet lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (under 1)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tour Machu picchu best

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guided group hike where the guide sets the pace and handles navigation, letting you focus on the ritual and the landscape rather than route-finding.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (under 1).

What is the Humantay Lagoon and why do people leave stones there?

Humantay Lagoon is a turquoise glacial lake high in the Andes near Cusco, believed by Inca tradition to be the youngest son of Apu Salkantay, a protective mountain spirit. Visitors and shamans place stones (apachetas) as offerings to Pachamama, the earth deity, to give thanks for reaching the lagoon safely and to ask for protection and guidance on their journey.

How long does the hike to Humantay Lake take, and how difficult is it?

The full day trip runs 12 to 13 hours from hotel pickup to return, including the drive, the mountain hike, time at the lagoon and the descent. The hike covers steep terrain at high altitude, so a moderate level of physical fitness is needed. The route is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What meals and transport are included in the day trip?

Hotel pickup from your Cusco accommodation, round-trip transport to the lagoon, a professional guide in English or Spanish, breakfast before the hike and a mini buffet lunch at the lagoon are all included. Entrance to the lagoon itself is optional and can be added at checkout for 20 soles.

What should I bring for a day at Humantay Lake?

The hike climbs to high altitude in the Andes, so bring layers, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection and water. The guide will manage the route and pace, and meals are provided, so you can focus on the climb and the ritual at the lagoon itself.