Humantay Lake Hike from Cusco: All Inclusive with Guide

Wake early to trek through valleys and reach the sacred Humantay Lake’s stunning views

A full-day hike from Cusco to Humantay Lake, a sacred Incan site at 4,200 meters, with professional guide in English or Spanish, hotel pickup, meals and entrance fees included. The trek climbs steeply for about 90 minutes from Soraypampa. Horses are available if you need them. You can book as a small group (up to 8 people) or private tour, and the day ends with a return to Cusco by early evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Humantay Lake and return

• Meet driver at hotel early morning
• Drive to Mollepata village
• Stop for quick breakfast
• Drive to Soraypampa
• Begin trek to Humantay Lake
• Hike steep trail or ride horse
• Learn about Incan sacred site
• Return hike to Mollepata
• Have lunch in Mollepata
• Drive back to Cusco
• Drop off near Plaza San Francisco

The experience

The day starts before dawn. Your driver picks you up at your hotel between 3:30 and 4:00 am and drives two hours through the Apurimac River valley to Mollepata village. A quick breakfast fuels you before the next leg: another hour by minivan to Soraypampa at 3,900 meters, where the actual hike begins. From there, the trail to Humantay Lake climbs steeply upward for about 90 minutes. If the altitude or the gradient becomes too much, you can ride a horse instead of walking. The choice is yours once you're on the mountain.

The lake sits at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), and the Incas held it sacred. Once you reach the top, your guide explains why this place mattered to them, and you have time to stand in front of the water and the peaks around it. The return hike down takes less time than the climb up. Back at Mollepata, lunch waits: vegetarian options are available if you've requested one at booking. Then it's the drive back to Cusco, arriving near Plaza San Francisco around 6 pm, leaving the rest of your evening free.

The tour includes a professional guide, hotel pickup, transport by minivan, entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, a walking stick and a first aid kit with emergency oxygen. You choose between a small group (up to 8 people) or a private tour when you book. A minimum of two people is required for the small group option. The hike demands moderate fitness. The operator does not recommend it for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or very young children.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup in Cusco.
• transport by private minivan.
• entrance fee to the lake.
• American breakfast and lunch with vegetarian option available.
• walking stick.
• first aid kit and emergency oxygen.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in English or Spanish04:00

Guide in English or Spanish04:00

Guide in English or Spanish04:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

AgesAdult (11 to 55 years) · Under 11: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Willka travel Cusco

Is this one for you?Book the small group option if you want to share the cost and don't mind hiking with up to seven other travelers. Choose the private tour if you prefer to set the pace with just your guide and group. The early start and high altitude demand moderate fitness. This hike is not a casual walk, and the operator does not recommend it for pregnant travelers, those with heart or spine concerns, or very young children.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How steep is the hike up to Humantay Lake, and how long does it actually take?

The hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake is steep and takes about 90 minutes to reach the top at 4,200 meters. If the climb feels too difficult, horses are available to ride instead of walking.

What time do I need to be ready, and when does the tour end?

Your driver picks you up at your hotel between 3:30 and 4:00 am. The full day ends around 6 pm when you're dropped off near Plaza San Francisco in Cusco.

Is Humantay Lake really a sacred Incan site, and what makes it special?

Yes, Humantay Lake was considered sacred in Incan mythology and remains one of the most important lakes in the region. Your guide explains its significance when you reach the top, and the views of the lake and surrounding white mountains are the reason most travelers make the journey.

What meals and drinks are included, and are vegetarian options available?

Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour. Vegetarian meals are available for lunch if you request them when you book. Drinks beyond what's provided at meals are not included.

Can I book this as a private tour, or do I have to join a group?

You can choose between a small group tour (up to 8 people) or a private tour at the time of booking. The small group option requires a minimum of two people per booking.

What happens if the altitude or the steep hike is too much for me?

Horses are available on the mountain if you need to ride instead of walk. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries, or very young children, and requires at least moderate physical fitness.