Humantay Lake tour from Cusco: Turquoise alpine lake hike

Walk to a turquoise lake ringed by snow-covered peaks

This group tour from Cusco climbs to Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lake at 4,200 meters in the Mollepata district, with hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch and a professional guide in English or Spanish. The hike itself is 3 kilometers and takes about 1.5 hours at your own pace. The full day runs 12 to 13 hours from hotel to hotel. Children from age 8 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Humantay Lake tour and hike

• Hotel pickup at 4:00 am
• Drive 2 hours to Mollepata
• Enjoy breakfast in Mollepata
• Drive 1 hour on dirt road
• Hike 1.5 hours to Humantay Lake
• Explore Humantay Lake with guide
• Return hike to van parking
• Buffet lunch at restaurant
• Drive back to Cusco city
• Drop off at city center or hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Cusco hotel around 4 am. A two-hour drive in a tourist van takes you through canyons and cloud forest toward Mollepata, where you stop for breakfast before the road turns to dirt. The van climbs for another hour past the Salkantay Glacier, the second-largest in the Cusco region, before reaching the trailhead. From there, the hike to Humantay Lake is steeper than the Rainbow Mountain route, so the guide builds in stops to let you set your own rhythm over the 1.5 hours it takes to reach the water.

The lake itself sits in a high alpine bowl, its turquoise color coming from glacial melt. You get about 40 minutes to walk the shore, photograph it, or simply stand in the quiet before the group heads back down. A walking stick is provided, and the guide carries a first aid kit and oxygen. After the descent, lunch is a buffet at the same restaurant where you ate breakfast. The meal is designed to replace the energy the hike demands. You return to Cusco city around 5 pm, dropped at the city center or your hotel.

The tour runs in a group, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. Bring waterproof layers if you're traveling between October and April. The path is stony, so wear your most comfortable hiking shoes. Pack a small backpack with snacks, water, sunscreen and a hat. A moderate level of fitness helps: the altitude and the 1.5-hour climb are real, but the pace is yours to set.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Cusco.
• transport by van with a professional driver.
• breakfast and lunch (buffet-style, with vegetarian options).
• a professional guide in English or Spanish.
• a walking stick.
• first aid kit and oxygen.
• service animals are welcome.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “we pick up from your hotel in Cusco City”

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

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Kantu Peru Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide who speaks your language and can slow the pace when the altitude demands it.

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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 (8 to 17 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

How high is Humantay Lake and what makes it turquoise?

Humantay Lake sits at 4,200 meters altitude in the Mollepata district. The turquoise color comes from glacial melt: the lake forms at the thaw of the snow-covered Humantay mountain, which is part of the Andean range alongside the Salkantay.

What's the hike like on this tour?

The hike to Humantay Lake is 3 kilometers and takes about 1.5 hours at your own pace. It's steeper than the Rainbow Mountain route, so the guide includes stops along the way. You set the rhythm and the guide carries oxygen and a first aid kit.

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

Pickup from your Cusco hotel is around 4 am, depending on your location. The full tour runs 12 to 13 hours, and you return to the city center or your hotel around 5 pm.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup, transport by van, breakfast and lunch (vegetarian options available), a professional guide in English or Spanish, a walking stick, a first aid kit and oxygen. The Humantay Lake entrance ticket is an optional add-on at checkout.

What should I bring for this hike?

Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes. The path is stony. Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. If you're traveling October to April, pack a waterproof jacket or rain poncho. Lightweight warm layers, gloves and a scarf help at altitude, and a camera with extra batteries is useful for the lake.