Lakes and Glaciers
Humantay Lake
- Duration: Full day · 12 to 13 h
- Difficulty: Moderate
Places you visit
- Humantay Lake
- Soraypampa
Trip overview
Humantay Lake is one of the most striking natural attractions near Cusco, set in the community of Soraypampa and surrounded by towering mountains and Andean scenery.
This adventure takes us on a 2- to 3-hour hike to a stunning turquoise lake, considered one of the finest sights in the Peruvian Andes.
Along the way you will enjoy the nature, the snow-capped peaks and the beauty of the surroundings, accompanied by a professional guide who provides information and assistance throughout the tour.
The lake sits at 4,200 metres above sea level, so we recommend arriving already acclimatised.
Itinerary overview
Full day · 12 to 13 h- Hotel pickup at 4:30 a.m.
- Breakfast on the way
- Transfer to Soraypampa
- 2- to 3-hour hike to the lake
- Visit to Humantay Lake
- Descent and lunch
- Return to Cusco (5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
The route, step by step
Hotel pickup. We collect passengers from their hotels in Cusco through the city centre and set off toward the district of Mollepata, the gateway to Humantay Lake.
Breakfast. We arrive at a restaurant along the route to enjoy breakfast before continuing the journey.
Transfer to Soraypampa. We continue on to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake.
Hike to Humantay Lake. We begin the hike, which takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, enjoying the Andean scenery, mountains and natural beauty of the area.
Humantay Lake. On arriving at the lake, passengers have time to rest, listen to the guide's explanation, take in the scenery and take photographs of this striking natural attraction.
Return and lunch. After the visit we begin the descent back to Soraypampa to return to the restaurant and enjoy an Andean lunch.
Return to Cusco. Once the tour is finished, we head back to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Included10
- Pickup from your hotel (historic centre of Cusco).
- Round-trip tourist transport.
- Breakfast.
- Andean lunch.
- Professional guide throughout the tour.
- Trekking poles.
- Oxygen tank for emergencies.
- First aid kit.
- Assistance throughout the tour.
- Card and payment-link processing fees.
Not included6
- Humantay Lake entrance fee: S/20.00 for nationals · S/25.00 for foreigners.
- Horse service: arranged and paid for directly with the local community.
- Personal expenses.
- Additional drinks.
- Tips (optional).
- Anything not listed under «Included».
What to bring
- Valid ID or passport
- Arrive already acclimatised to the altitude
- Warm clothing, worn in layers
- Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes or boots
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water and personal snacks
- Cash for the entrance fee or horse service
- Walk at a steady pace, following the guide
- Avoid the hike if you have health issues affected by altitude
- Camera or phone with enough battery
Questions about this tour7
- Is the hike to Humantay Lake difficult?
- The hike is moderate. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on each passenger's pace and the weather conditions.
- How high up is Humantay Lake?
- Humantay Lake sits at approximately 4,200 metres above sea level. For that reason we recommend being acclimatised to the altitude before doing the hike.
- Can I do the route on horseback?
- Yes. Passengers who prefer to skip part of the hike can hire a horse directly from members of the local community. This service has an extra cost.
- Can older travellers do this tour?
- Yes, as long as they are in good health and have no medical restrictions related to altitude, blood pressure or other conditions that could affect their safety. We recommend assessing the passenger's physical condition beforehand, given the altitude and effort required during the hike.
- What happens if it rains during the tour?
- The tour runs as normal all year round. In the rainy season we recommend bringing a rain poncho, waterproof jacket or windbreaker, and warm clothing.
- What should I bring for the hike?
- A valid ID, warm clothing, a windbreaker or waterproof jacket, suitable hiking shoes, a hat and gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen, water and cash for extra expenses.
- Is there a private service?
- Yes. Private service is quoted according to the number of passengers, travel date and service requirements. Write to us and we will send you the rate.
Booking, payment and cancellations
Booking confirmation
- The booking is confirmed only after payment is received and the deposit into Qori Wayra Travel's account is confirmed.
- If a passenger confirms their intent to travel but does not make the payment, the booking will not be held.
- Bookings are subject to availability for the requested date.
Deposit and remaining balance
- A deposit is requested to confirm the booking, based on the number of passengers and the type of service.
- The remaining balance must be paid no later than one day before the tour date.
- The service will only take place once the passenger has completed payment under the agreed terms.
Payment methods
- National passengers: Yape, Plin, bank transfer or payment link.
- Foreign passengers: bank transfer, Western Union or payment link.
Sending tour information
- Once the booking is confirmed, we send the passenger detailed information about the service, including pickup time, recommendations and other important travel details.
Changes and cancellations
- Date changes are subject to availability and prior confirmation from Qori Wayra Travel.
- In case of cancellation by the passenger, no refunds are issued once the booking is confirmed, due to the prior organisation of the service.
- Any requested change may be subject to additional conditions depending on the tour's operation.
Important considerations
- The tour may vary due to weather conditions, passenger safety or arrangements made by the local community.
- Qori Wayra Travel prioritises the safety and comfort of passengers throughout the tour.
