Humantay Lake Day Trip from Cusco with Breakfast & Lunch

Summary

Turquoise waters, mountain air and a trek from Mollepata to Humantay Lake

You’ll wake before dawn in Cusco for a guided day trip to Humantay Lake—with hotel pickup included—and share breakfast in Mollepata before trekking up through crisp mountain air. Expect honest moments: tired laughter on the trail, stories from your guide, and time to sit quietly by turquoise water before returning for a well-earned lunch.

What’s the experience like?

“¿Listos?” That’s what our driver asked at 4:10 in the morning, his voice somehow cheerful for that hour. I remember fumbling with my jacket zipper in the hotel lobby, still half-asleep. The van was already warm inside, and everyone looked a bit dazed but excited. Our guide, Mariela, handed out coca tea bags and grinned—she said it helps with the altitude on the Humantay Lake tour. I didn’t expect to laugh before sunrise but someone cracked a joke about hiking before breakfast and it just felt lighter after that.

The road out of Cusco was quiet, headlights bouncing off stone walls and stray dogs. After two hours we stopped in Mollepata for breakfast—nothing fancy, just eggs, bread, and strong coffee that tasted smoky. It was cold enough to see our breath outside but inside the little restaurant there was this warmth and chatter from other trekkers gearing up for their day trip to Humantay Lake. Mariela pointed out Salkantay’s snowy peak through the window; she told us stories about mountain spirits while we ate. I tried repeating “Apu Salkantay” and probably butchered it—she laughed but seemed pleased I tried.

The hike itself started after another bumpy hour on a dirt road—my teeth rattled a bit on those curves. The first steps felt easy but then the air got thinner fast. You could hear nothing except boots crunching gravel and someone’s quiet breathing behind me. At one point I stopped just to catch my breath (and maybe my pride) and noticed how blue the sky looked against all that white snow above us. A few locals passed by with mules carrying supplies; they nodded hello without breaking pace.

And then suddenly there it was—the turquoise water of Humantay Lake almost too bright against the rocks. The wind picked up near the shore so my hands went numb holding my camera, but honestly I barely took any photos because it felt better just standing there listening to nothing but wind. Mariela gave us space to wander or sit quietly; she shared some coca leaves as an offering to the lake (I joined in, not really knowing what I was doing). On the way back down my legs wobbled but lunch back in Mollepata—a buffet of rice, chicken stew, potatoes—never tasted so good. I still think about that view sometimes when things feel noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Humantay Lake tour from Cusco

• Pick up from hotel 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 for 40 minutes
• Return to parking by van
• Have buffet lunch at restaurant
• Drive back to Cusco arriving around 5:00 pm

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cusco to Humantay Lake?

The drive takes about three hours total: two hours to Mollepata for breakfast, then another hour on a dirt road to the trailhead.

Is breakfast included on this Humantay Lake tour?

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

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike is moderately challenging due to altitude and steepness; you can go at your own pace with plenty of stops.

What time does pickup start for this day trip?

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco starts around 4:00 am depending on your location.

Is lunch provided after visiting Humantay Lake?

Yes, a buffet lunch is served back in Mollepata after finishing the trek.

Are walking sticks available during the tour?

Yes, one walking stick per person is included for use during the hike.

Do you need special gear for this trek?

No special gear is required but sturdy shoes, warm layers, sunscreen, and water are recommended due to weather changes and altitude.

Is there a local guide during this tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the group throughout the day trip from Cusco.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, private transport with a professional driver and guide all day long, plus both breakfast and a hearty buffet lunch (vegetarian options available) served in Mollepata before and after your trek up to Humantay Lake—with walking sticks provided if you want them.