Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco: the complete guide
Few places near Cusco take your breath away like Humantay Lake: a turquoise glacier lagoon cupped beneath the snowfields of Humantay and Salkantay. The hike is short but steep and high, and the day starts before dawn. This guide explains how hard it really is, when to go, what to bring and how the day works, so you arrive at the shore with energy to enjoy it.
Humantay Lake at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Soraypampa, Mollepata district, about 3 hours west of Cusco |
| Trailhead | Soraypampa, about 3,900 m |
| Lake altitude | About 4,200 m |
| Walking time | About 1.5 hours up and 1 hour down |
| Difficulty | Moderate: short, but steep and at altitude |
| Day trip length | About 13 hours: 4:30 AM pickup, back in Cusco between 5:00 and 6:00 PM |
| Best months | April to October (dry season) |
Why the water is that turquoise
The lake is fed by meltwater from the Humantay glacier. As the ice moves, it grinds the rock beneath it into an extremely fine powder known as glacial flour. Those particles stay suspended in the water and scatter sunlight, turning the lake a milky turquoise that changes shade with the light: deep emerald in the shade, almost sky blue in full sun. The colour is strongest in the morning, before clouds build over the peaks.
For the local communities, Humantay is a sacred place. At the shore your guide leads a short offering to Pachamama and the mountain spirits with coca leaves — a beautiful moment to pause after the climb.
Hike to Humantay Lake
Full day from Cusco with breakfast, lunch and entrance included — from US $40.
How hard is the Humantay Lake hike?
The trail climbs about 300 metres from Soraypampa to the lake on a well-marked path of dirt and stones. There is no technical difficulty, but the first half is steep and zigzags up a moraine, and at 4,000 m you will feel every step. Most people need about 1.5 hours up, with frequent short breaks, and about an hour down.
- Set your own pace: slow and steady beats fast with long stops.
- Use the walking stick included in our tour, especially on the way down.
- Horses can be rented at Soraypampa for the way up if you prefer to save energy.
- Your guide carries oxygen and a first-aid kit.
Compared with Rainbow Mountain, the Humantay walk is shorter and lower, which makes it a good first high-altitude day trip.
How the day works
- 4:30 AM — Hotel pickup in Cusco and drive west towards Mollepata.
- 7:00 AM — Breakfast in Mollepata, then the mountain road up to Soraypampa.
- 8:30 AM — Start of the hike at about 3,900 m.
- 10:00 AM — Time at the lake: photos, the Andean offering and free time.
- 12:30 PM — Back at Soraypampa and drive down for a buffet lunch.
- 5:00–6:00 PM — Return to your hotel in Cusco.
Best time to visit Humantay Lake
The dry season, April to October, brings clear skies, a firm trail and the most intense turquoise. June to August are the coldest months, with frosty mornings, and also the busiest. From December to March the trail can be muddy and clouds may cover the glacier, but the lake keeps its colour and there are fewer visitors. Whatever the month, arriving in the morning gives you the best light.
Altitude and acclimatization
Humantay is lower than Rainbow Mountain, but 4,200 m is still very high. Spend at least two days in Cusco before the trip, drink plenty of water, eat light the night before and avoid alcohol. If you feel a strong headache, nausea or unusual breathlessness, stop, tell your guide and do not continue up. Our altitude sickness guide explains how to prepare.
What to bring
- Layers: it is close to freezing at dawn and warm in the midday sun.
- Windproof and waterproof jacket; the wind at the lake can be strong.
- Hiking boots or trainers with good grip for the loose stones on the descent.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses and a hat.
- Water (1–1.5 L) and snacks.
- Cash in soles for toilets, a horse or a hot drink.
Swimming is not allowed: the lake is sacred to the local communities and the water is icy.
Want more than a day?
Humantay is also the first highlight of the famous Salkantay route. On our Salkantay & Humantay 2-day trek you visit the lake in the afternoon, sleep at Soraypampa and cross the Salkantay Pass the next morning — a superb short trek if you have an extra day.
Humantay Lake tour price
Our Humantay Lake day tour costs US $40 per person in a shared group, including hotel pickup, breakfast in Mollepata, buffet lunch, the entrance ticket, a walking stick, a bilingual guide and oxygen. A private tour is US $120 per person. You can book online until 5 hours before pickup.
Frequently asked questions
About 4,200 m above sea level. The hike starts at Soraypampa, at about 3,900 m.
About 1.5 hours up and 1 hour down at a relaxed pace. The whole day trip from Cusco takes around 13 hours.
It is moderate: short but steep, and the altitude makes it tiring. Walking slowly, with a stick and short breaks, most acclimatized travellers manage it. Horses are available.
No. The lake is sacred to the local communities and swimming is not allowed. The water is also icy.
Humantay first. It is lower and shorter, so it works well as your first high-altitude day before Rainbow Mountain.
In the dry season, April to October, and in the morning, when the turquoise is brightest and clouds have not yet covered the glacier.
