Hike to the Andean Mountain Gem
If you come to Cusco, you should do the Humantay Lake tour as a day trip. In the last few years, this has become the most visited lagoon in Peru. Its turquoise color surprises everyone who gets here, exploring the amazing treasure hidden in the middle of the Andes.
Humantay Lake offers a varied selection of stunning views surrounded by glaciers, snow mountains, and picturesque villages in flawless harmony for the truly incredible sight that you see. Humantay Lake day tour is most well known for its insanely bright blue and green water and its snow-capped mountain backdrop. These fantastic colors come from the mineral-filler runoff from the melting glaciers around the Humantay Lake and Salkantay mountains.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
During the Humantay Lake tour, you will feel the energy of the mountains, also known as Apus, who protect the local people according to Andean traditions. This lovely lake is located three hours from Cusco at a height of 4200 meters (13780 feet).At Vidal Expeditions, we provide an ultimate adventure day trip that includes everything you need to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Highlights: Humantay Lagoon, Salkantay mountain, Humantay mountain
Hiking distance: 2:30hours round trip
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: April to November
Max. Altitude: 4200m/13780ft
Itinerary at a Glance
-
Day01
Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypamapa - Humantay Lake - Soraypampa - Cusco
Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypamapa - Humantay Lake - Soraypampa - Cusco
Very early in the morning (around 4:30–5 a.m.), your trekking guide and our driver will pick you up from your hotel..
The first stop of the day will be at Mollepata to have breakfast and fill us with the energy we’ll need to continue our trip up to Soraypampa at 3950 m a.s.l. Here you will have the opportunity to see parts of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. After a brief rest, we will prepare to begin the ascent to the highest point of the trail, passing through beautiful landscapes surrounded by a complex of mountains.
The panoramic view of the turquoise lake at 4200 masl, 13779 ft, close to an amazing glacier will undoubtedly impress you..
After, we will return to Soraypampa, where we will get our lunch. At around 3 p.m. our transport will be waiting for us to return to Cusco.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Humantay Lake Tour. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your cultural tour.
WE INCLUDE
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide
-
-
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Sacred Valley of the Incas departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
-
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the famous sacred valley of the Incas
-
Transportations
-
-
-
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to each place to visit Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Salineras and Chinchero, the bus returning to Cusco once you done with this activity will drop off you at your hotel.
-
-
Equipment
-
-
-
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
-
-
Meals
-
-
Meals
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 1 buffet lunch during this tour of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know.
-
WE NOT INCLUDED
-
-
Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour is for that we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
-
Entrance fee
- During the Humantay lake tour you’ll pay the entrance at the beginning of the trail S/20 soles per person
-
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
-
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR INFO
At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
- Trekking poles
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
PREPARING FOR YOUR HUMANTAY LAKE DAY TOUR!
Here some frequently asked question about our day tours in Cusco
Where is Humantay Lake located?
Humantay Lake is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, specifically near the town of Mollepata. It’s part of the Salkantay Trek, one of the alternative routes to Machu Picchu.
How do you get to Humantay Lake?
Most visitors access Humantay Lake via a guided tour from Cusco. The typical route includes a bus ride to Mollepata, followed by a trek of about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill to the lake. Many tours also offer the option to hike the Salkantay Trail as part of a longer trek to Machu Picchu.
How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike to Humantay Lake is considered moderately challenging, especially due to the altitude (around 4,200 meters / 13,780 feet). The trail is steep in places, and the thin air can make it harder to breathe. However, it’s manageable for most people with some fitness level.
What is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?
The best time to visit is during the dry season (from April to October), when the weather is clearer and there’s less chance of rain. The wet season (November to March) can bring heavy rainfall, making the trek more difficult.
How high is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake sits at an altitude of around 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level, which is why visitors are advised to acclimatize in Cusco before making the trip to avoid altitude sickness.
Is there an entrance fee to Humantay Lake?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for visitors. As of recent information, the fee is typically around 10 to 20 soles (about $3 to $6 USD), but this may change, so it’s good to check with your tour provider.
Can you visit Humantay Lake without a tour?
While it is technically possible to visit the lake independently, most travelers opt for a guided tour. This is because the route can be challenging and it’s safer to have a guide who is familiar with the terrain. Additionally, the road to the trailhead can be difficult to navigate without local knowledge.
What should I bring on the hike to Humantay Lake?
- Water: Stay hydrated, as the hike can be strenuous.
- Snacks: Energy bars or light snacks to keep your energy up.
- Warm layers: Even in the summer, the temperature can be quite chilly at higher altitudes.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be intense at high elevation.
- Comfortable hiking shoes: Ensure they are sturdy and provide ankle support.
Is the lake always blue?
Humantay Lake is known for its incredible turquoise color, but it can appear differently depending on the weather, the time of day, and the season. The color is mainly due to the minerals in the water, as well as the reflection of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, like Mount Salkantay.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The round-trip hike from the base of the trailhead to the lake takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace. Most people spend around 30 minutes to 1 hour at the lake itself to enjoy the scenery and take photos before returning.
From: USD 35.00 per person
USD 30.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu by Locals will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at sales@machupicchubylocals.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
1 Day
Exclusive Humantay Lake Tour 1 Day
What's it like!!
Map of Exclusive Humantay Lake Tour 1 Day
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
-
Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
-
Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
-
Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
-
Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
-
Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
Why Travel with us
Social Project
Everything from one source
There's a reason why so many people recommend our adventure holidays.
What Our Clients Say
We take great pride in taking care of our guests
Our travellers are our best advocates, and they frequently recommend our specialist travel services to friends, colleagues and family when planning a trip to our region.
