Humantay Lake day trip: the complete guide
Few day trips from Cusco reward you like Humantay Lake — a sheet of glowing turquoise water cupped beneath a glacier at 4,200 metres. The hike is short but the altitude is real, so here is how to enjoy it at your best.
The lake and the hike
After an early drive to Soraypampa, it is a steady 1.5-hour climb to the lake at 4,200 m, beneath the glaciers of Salkantay and Humantay. The colour comes from glacial minerals suspended in the meltwater.
Altitude, what to wear, when to go
The climb is short but steep in thin air, so acclimatize in Cusco first and take it slowly; horses are available. Mornings are cold and the sun is fierce — bring layers and sun protection (packing guide). The dry season gives the clearest water and skies.
See the Humantay Lake tour
A guided day trip to the turquoise lake.
Want to stay longer?
You can also reach Humantay on the overnight Salkantay and Humantay 2-day trek, which adds the Salkantay Pass the next morning.
Frequently asked questions
About 4,200 m, so acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand is important even though the hike itself is short.
It is a steady 1.5-hour climb — short but demanding because of the altitude. Going slowly makes it manageable, and horses are available.
The dry season, May to September, gives the clearest turquoise water and the most reliable weather.