Lake Humantay Full Day

Hike to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Lake Humantay, one of Peru’s most stunning glacial lakes. Nestled at 4,200 meters beneath the snow-capped Humantay peak, this full-day private tour from Cusco takes you through dramatic Andean scenery to a lake whose intense blue-green color comes from glacial minerals.

Why Choose This Tour?

Lake Humantay is one of the most photogenic destinations near Cusco. The turquoise glacial lake sits at the base of Apu Salkantay — one of the most sacred peaks in Andean cosmology at 6,271 meters — and the combination of turquoise water against snow-capped mountains creates an unforgettable landscape. The moderate hike through highland grasslands rewards you with a pristine alpine setting that feels completely removed from the tourist circuit. This is also the starting point of the famous Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

What to Expect

Your guide picks you up at approximately 4:00 AM for the drive west through the Andes. After a breakfast stop in the village of Mollepata, you continue to the Soraypampa trailhead at 3,900 meters. The hike to the lake covers 2.5 kilometers with 300 meters of elevation gain, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace and acclimatization. At the lake, you have time to take in the views and photograph the turquoise water against the glacial backdrop. After descending, you return to Mollepata for a hot buffet lunch before the drive back to Cusco.

Tour Highlights

• Hike to a stunning turquoise glacial lake at 4,200 meters
• Views of snow-capped Apu Salkantay (6,271 meters) — one of Peru’s most sacred peaks
• Breakfast and hot buffet lunch included in Mollepata
• Oxygen bottle provided for altitude emergencies
• Horse rental available at the trailhead for those who prefer to ride
• Private guide and vehicle — no waiting for group logistics