TURQUOISE LAKE IN THE ANDES

Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco

This full-day Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco combines mountain scenery, moderate hiking and quiet time at the shore of the lagoon. With a local expert guide, you walk at a steady pace, learn about the Salkantay region and enjoy safe acclimatization strategies for the altitude.

Duration

12 – 13 hours

Max Elevation

4,200 – 4,300m / 13,800 – 14,100 ft

Difficulty

Moderate to Demanding

Group Size

Private or Small group

logo Peru Private Tourss

FROM

$189

USD

PER PERSON

chacana completa
Check Availability Whatsapp Us
  • Real-time dates & pricing
  • Fast help from local Perú specialists
  • Secure booking flow
  • Private or small-group options

Overview – Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco

Discover one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Andes on this Humantay Lake tour from Cusco. After a scenic drive along the Salkantay route, you hike up to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, framed by dramatic snowcapped peaks and steep rock walls.
This full-day Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco combines mountain scenery, moderate hiking and quiet time at the shore of the lagoon. With a local expert guide, you walk at a steady pace, learn about the Salkantay region and enjoy safe acclimatization strategies for the altitude.

Turquoise Lagoon

One of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Andes

descent-ascent

Salkantay Route

Scenic drive along part of the famous trekking route

Expert Guiding

Local guide with altitude awareness and pacing strategies

Highlights of the Humantay Lake Tour

Full-day Humantay Lake tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off, 07:00 am departure, scenic Salkantay route drive, guided hike to turquoise lagoon, and small-group service.

Turquese lake
Best photos of Humantay Turquoise Lake
the snowy mountain in humantay
the snowy mountain in humantay
turquoise lagoon luxury experience for travelers in Humantay
Animals at Humantay Lake
Humantay, the best lake near Cusco
Additional horses for travelers to Humantay.
Turquoise lake
Humantay Lake tour From Cusco
chacana separator

Full-Day Humantay Lake Itinerary

car

07:00 am Pick-Up from Cusco & Drive to the Trailhead

Your Humantay Lake tour from Cusco starts with 07:00 am pick-up from your hotel. You travel by private or small-group vehicle through the northern valleys toward the village of Mollepata and then continue up to the Soraypampa area or nearest trailhead. Along the way, your guide explains the Salkantay region, local communities and what to expect from the hike, including approximate walking time and altitude considerations.

coffee

Toilets Stop & Pre-Hike Briefing

At our arrival to the parking lot, we will do a short walk to get to the restaurant to use toilets. Here you have time to get coffee to go or water, stretch and prepare your daypack. Your guide gives a short briefing about the hike: distance, estimated time, recommended pace, and safety tips for walking at altitude.

hike person

Start of the Hike to Humantay Lake

From the trailhead, you begin hiking uphill towards Humantay Lake. The path is steady and can feel demanding because of the altitude, but there is no technical climbing. Your guide sets a calm pace with regular breaks to rest, drink water and take in the views of surrounding valleys and glaciers. As you gain elevation, you start to see the shape of Salkantay and other peaks that form the backdrop of the lagoon.

Arrival at Humantay Lake (Lagoon)

After approximately 1.5–2 hours of hiking (depending on pace and conditions), you arrive at Humantay Lake, a turquoise lagoon nestled beneath steep rock walls and glaciers. You have free time to: walk along the lake shore, take photos from different natural viewpoints, rest and enjoy the scenery after morning groups have left and the Salkantay trek hikers are arriving. Your guide explains local beliefs related to the lake, the impact of climate and glaciers on this ecosystem, and answers any questions you may have.

descent

Descent & Lunch

When everyone is ready, you begin the descent back to the trailhead along the same path, again at a controlled pace. The downhill section is usually faster but can be hard on knees, so walking sticks can be very helpful. At the bottom, you return to the lodge for lunch (Mountain Lodges of Peru) with time to relax and look back at the mountains.

car

Return Drive to Cusco

After lunch, we will still walk a short distance to the parking lot, then board the vehicle for the drive back to Cusco, passing rural communities and mountain views. In the late afternoon or early evening, you arrive at your hotel in Cusco with the rest of the evening to enjoy the amazing pictures you captured.

What’s Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
  • Round-trip transport in small-group or private vehicle
  • Professional local trekking guide (English–Spanish)
  • Walking sticks on your request
  • Lunch after the hike (at an exclusive restaurant)
  • First-aid kit and basic altitude support (oxygen in the vehicle, and during the hike)

What’s not Included

  • Entrance fee / local community fee for Humantay Lake (20 soles per person)
  • Horse rental on the trail (optional – paid directly to local horse owners)
  • Travel or medical insurance
  • Tips for guide, driver and local providers (optional, at your discretion)

Practical Information – Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco

clima

Weather & Best Season

Year-round, dry season May-September best

star

Acclimatization & Health

At least 2-3 nights in Cusco recommended

clock

Duration & Schedule

12-13 hours
07:00 am pick-up in Cusco

level power

Difficulty & Hiking Level

Moderate to demanding, steep sections, 2-3 hours hiking

bring

What to Wear & Bring

Hiking boots, layers, sun hat, water, camera

We usually recommend doing easier day trips from Cusco (such as Sacred Valley, City Tour or day trip Machu Picchu Tour) first, and keeping Humantay Lake for your second or third day, after at least 2 nights in the region.

Walking time is usually around 1.5–2 hours uphill and 1–1.5 hours downhill, depending on pace, weather and how often you stop for photos or rest.

It can be suitable for active teenagers and adults with good fitness. For young children or older travelers who are not used to hiking, Humantay may be challenging due to altitude and incline. In that case, we often recommend easier options like Palcoyo Mountain Tour or cultural day trips.

In many cases, local horse owners offer horses for part of the trail at an additional cost paid directly on site. Availability, prices and conditions vary according to your weight; your guide can help coordinate this on the day, but it cannot be guaranteed in advance.

If weather conditions are unsafe or visibility is extremely low, the guide may adjust time at the lake or, in rare situations, modify the plan to prioritize safety. Any such decisions will always be explained clearly.

chacana completa

Why Book Your Humantay Lake Tour with Peru Private Tours?

Local operator, small-group service, altitude-aware planning

Local, Cusco-based operator: we know the mountain routes, climate patterns and best times to visit. Small-group or private service: more attention to your pace, comfort and safety on a demanding hike. Altitude-aware planning: we help you schedule Humantay within a sensible acclimatization plan as part of your day trips from Cusco. Responsible travel: we collaborate with local communities and providers, ensuring fair benefits for people who live along the route. Flexible itinerary: we can adapt start time, pace and added stops to fit your travel plan and fitness level.

Frequently Asked Questions

We usually recommend doing easier day trips from Cusco (such as Sacred Valley, City Tour or day trip Machu Picchu Tour) first, and keeping Humantay Lake for your second or third day, after at least 2 nights in the region.

Walking time is usually around 1.5–2 hours uphill and 1–1.5 hours downhill, depending on pace, weather and how often you stop for photos or rest.

It can be suitable for active teenagers and adults with good fitness. For young children or older travelers who are not used to hiking, Humantay may be challenging due to altitude and incline. In that case, we often recommend easier options like Palcoyo Mountain Tour or cultural day trips.

In many cases, local horse owners offer horses for part of the trail at an additional cost paid directly on site. Availability, prices and conditions vary according to your wight; your guide can help coordinate this on the day, but it cannot be guaranteed in advance.

If weather conditions are unsafe or visibility is extremely low, the guide may adjust time at the lake or, in rare situations, modify the plan to prioritize safety. Any such decisions will always be explained clearly.

More Day Trips from Cusco You May Also Like

Many travelers who book this Humantay Lake tour also enjoy the following day trips from Cusco:

    Your Information





    Travel Details



    Destinations of Interest

    Travel Style


    Estimated Budget


    Message / Special Requests


    Select Your Tour




    What Would You Like to Know?


    No obligation • Your information is kept private • Response within 4 hours

    logo Peru Private Tourss

    FROM

    $98

    USD

    PER PERSON

    chacana completa
    Check Availability Whatsapp Us
    • Real-time dates & pricing
    • Fast help from local Perú specialists
    • Secure booking flow
    • Private or small-group options

    Planning a Private Journey Through Peru?

    Use our travel guides to understand your options—then let our local Peru specialists design the journey around your dates, pace, interests, and comfort preferences.
    Whether you’re planning Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Lima, or a complete Peru itinerary, we’ll help you connect everything with private guiding, seamless logistics, and thoughtful timing.

    • Response within 4 hours
    • No obligation
    • Designed by local Peru specialists
    Design My Trip Message Us on Whatsapp