Humantay Lake Day Trip from Cusco with Meals & Pickup

Summary

Early start from Cusco hiking to Humantay Lake with local guide

You’ll start before sunrise in Cusco with hotel pickup and breakfast in Mollepata before hiking up to Humantay Lake’s turquoise waters. With a local guide sharing Incan stories along the way, you’ll taste mountain air and share a traditional lunch after your trek — leaving you tired but honestly kind of changed by those views.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely rubbed the sleep from our eyes when our driver knocked at the hotel door — still dark outside, and honestly I thought maybe I’d regret signing up for a day trip to Humantay Lake. But in the minivan, there was this quiet excitement between us and two Peruvian sisters from Lima, swapping sleepy smiles over the seats. Our guide, Diego, handed out coca tea packets and said something about “the mountain spirit watching,” which made me feel both nervous and weirdly comforted.

The drive out of Cusco felt endless but kind of peaceful — windows fogged up, Apurimac valley slowly coming into view. We stopped in Mollepata for breakfast (scrambled eggs and bread that tasted even better because it was so early), then kept going until Soraypampa. The air was sharp and cold when we got out — my hands stung a little just holding the walking stick they gave us. You could smell wet grass everywhere. I didn’t expect the trail to be so steep; after about 40 minutes my legs were burning and Diego joked that “the mountain tests everyone.” Some people took horses but I wanted to walk it — not sure if that was pride or just stubbornness.

Reaching Humantay Lake felt like stepping into another world. The water is this wild turquoise under the white peaks, almost unreal against all that grey rock. A woman from our group started crying quietly — she said her grandmother used to tell stories about these sacred lakes. Diego explained how Incas saw Humantay as an Apu (mountain protector), which made everything feel heavier somehow. It was windy at the top; my cheeks went numb but I didn’t care. We just stood there for a while, not really talking.

The way back down was muddy and much quicker (gravity helps). Back in Mollepata we had lunch — hot soup first, then rice and chicken or veggies if you wanted. Everyone was tired but smiling more now; someone passed around some weird fruit I’d never tried before (tasted like pear mixed with banana?). On the drive home I fell asleep against the window, dreaming of blue water and wind on my face. Still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Humantay Lake trek from Cusco

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

Top questions

How long does the day trip to Humantay Lake from Cusco take?

The tour lasts about 14 hours total, including pickup around 3:30-4:00am and return near Plaza San Francisco around 6pm.

Is breakfast included on the Humantay Lake tour?

Yes, an American-style breakfast is included during a stop in Mollepata village before the hike begins.

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike is steep and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes uphill; travelers should have moderate fitness or can choose to ride a horse partway.

What altitude is Humantay Lake?

The lake sits at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level.

Are entrance fees included in this day trip?

Yes, entry fees are included if you select that option during booking.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

Yes, pickup from hotels within Cusco city is included in your booking.

Are vegetarian meals available on this tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available for both breakfast and lunch; just mention it when booking.

Where does the tour end in Cusco?

You’ll be dropped off near Plaza San Francisco after returning from Mollepata by minivan.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco city, private minivan transport through mountain valleys with stops for an American breakfast in Mollepata before starting your hike at Soraypampa. A professional local guide leads you up to Humantay Lake with walking sticks provided if needed; all entry fees are covered (if selected), plus a hearty lunch after your trek before heading back to Cusco by evening.