Humantay Lake from Cusco: Private Day Hike & Sacred Ritual

Summary

Early start from Cusco to Humantay Lake private hike sacred rituals mountain air

You’ll start before dawn in Cusco with hotel pickup, heading out for breakfast before hiking up through high valleys toward Humantay Lake with your private guide. Join a traditional Andean offering at the turquoise lagoon, then descend for a hearty lunch before returning—expect crisp air, honest conversation, and moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t forget to greet the Apus,” our guide Wilber said, half-whispering as we stepped out into the chilly dark outside our hotel in Cusco. I was still rubbing sleep from my eyes at 4:30 am, but there was this weird excitement in the air—maybe it was just the cold biting through my jacket. The van ride to Mollepata felt quiet except for Wilber humming softly along to some Quechua song on the radio. Breakfast in Mollepata was simple but warm—fresh bread and coca tea that smelled earthy and sharp, like the mountains themselves.

The drive up to Soraypampa got bumpier, and by the time we started walking, I could feel the altitude pressing on my lungs. The path wound past little herds of alpacas chewing grass, their ears twitching whenever we got too close. I kept stopping “just to take photos” (really just catching my breath), and Wilber would point out tiny wildflowers or tell stories about Salkantay—the sacred mountain watching over us. Honestly, I didn’t expect turquoise water that clear at Humantay Lagoon. It looked unreal against all that stone and ice. There was this moment where everyone went quiet, just wind and a few birds echoing off the rocks.

We joined Wilber in an offering to the Apus—he handed us coca leaves and showed us how to hold them up toward Salkantay. My hands were shaking a bit (altitude? nerves?), but it felt good to be part of something older than any of us. Afterward, people laughed quietly and took photos; someone tried saying “Humantay” properly and Wilber just grinned without correcting them. The hike down was easier somehow—even though my legs were jelly—and lunch back in Mollepata tasted way better than I’d expected after a morning like that. Still think about that blue water sometimes when I’m back home doing nothing special.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Humantay Lake excursion from Cusco

• Pick up at hotel at 4:30 am
• Travel to Mollepata for breakfast
• Continue journey to Soraypampa
• Hike 1.5 hours to Humantay Lagoon
• Enjoy lagoon and participate in offering
• Descend to Soraypampa
• Bus to Mollepata for lunch
• Return to Cusco, arrive around 5 pm

Top questions

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

The tour lasts about 12 hours total, including travel time from Cusco.

Is breakfast included on this private Humantay Lake tour?

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

What’s the altitude at Humantay Lagoon?

The lake sits at around 4,250 meters above sea level.

Do I need to be very fit for this hike?

You should have at least moderate fitness; it’s not recommended for those with heart issues or poor health.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included after descending from Humantay Lagoon.

Are hotel pickups available from anywhere in Cusco?

The tour includes hotel pickup within central Cusco areas.

Will there be a local guide during the trek?

A private local guide accompanies you throughout the day trip.

Is oxygen assistance available if needed?

Oxygen assistance is provided if required during the hike.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, private transportation all day, both breakfast and lunch in Mollepata (with plenty of coca tea), walking sticks for support on steep bits, oxygen assistance if you need it on the trail, plus your own local guide leading you up to Humantay Lake and back again before sunset.