Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco

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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

Salkantay Route

Scenic drive along part of the famous trekking route

Expert Guiding

Local guide with altitude awareness and pacing strategies

What Travelers Say About Peru Private Tours

We don’t just promise personalized service and seamless, high-end travel—our travelers confirm it. Below you’ll see our latest TripAdvisor reviews, updated automatically to reflect what guests are saying right now. From private Machu Picchu experiences to tailor-made journeys across Peru, these reviews come directly from real travelers who chose Peru Private Tours for expert planning, local insight, and premium on-the-ground support.

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
    MrandMrsM 
 
 
 
 Verified Exhausting but amazing !!!!
Great trip but physically demanding due to the altitude. Glad we did this as our first excursion in Cusco as our energy levels were at their best at the start of our 5 days in Cusco ( this would have been hard to do at the end of our stay ) There are options to take a motorcycle or horse to the top but we considered that cheating and you will definitely feel a great sense of accomplishment if you walk the whole way - we certainly did. Great lunch provided and a small selection of snacks but only 1 small bottle of water for the whole day was poor as it was such a hard day. You will definitely need warm clothes for the last section of the walk but as the minibus is really warm you only need to put them on when you start the walk. We did see people in shorts and tee shirts but they looked frozen at the top. Long day with transfers but well worth it for the views at the top.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Kim H 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic day trip!!
What an amazing day! The scenery was gorgeous!!! Our guide, Alex, was wonderful - he shared a lot of information about the area and the culture and was very patient and supportive during the climb. Our driver, Jober, was amazing as well, giving us a comfortable ride, a great playlist, and was an expert navigating the speed bumps, alpaca traffic, and city chaos!! This day trip was one of the highlights of our two-week trip to Peru!! It was awesome!!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Alicia G 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Tour
The tour was great. The Rainbow mountain was worth the hike. Elisban was an excellent guide and Alex a great driver.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your kind review! 😊 We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Rainbow Mountain was worth the hike! Elisban and Alex will be happy to know that their excellent service helped make your experience so memorable. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Peru for another unforgettable adventure!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Cruiser565683 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect day!
Alex & Elisban were amazing! Thank you so much for the tour of rainbow mountain, we did the whole walk there and back and loved it!

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your lovely review! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience exploring Rainbow Mountain with Alex and Elisban. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the full hike there and back and made the most of this incredible adventure! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with both of them. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Peru for another unforgettable journey!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Paradise06091057524 
 
 
 
 Verified Great beat-the-crowds experience
Elisvan (tour guide) and Alex (driver) were excellent, we had a great time. Answered our questions all the way up and down about the area, Elisvan set a great pace for us to be able to do the climb. The start time is perfect as everyone who set off early is just about cleared off by the time you get up there - so excellent for pictures! Also lunch was excellent

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great time exploring Rainbow Mountain with Elisvan and Alex. It’s fantastic to know that Elisvan’s knowledge, explanations, and well-paced guidance made the hike enjoyable and comfortable for you. We’re also glad you appreciated the later start time, which allowed you to enjoy the incredible views and take beautiful photos with fewer crowds. And we’re happy to hear you loved the lunch, too! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with our team. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Peru for another unforgettable adventure!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Dustin V 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Adventure
Alex and Elis were amazing and we all had a great time!! Thank you guys so much!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Annie B 
 
 
 
 Verified Rainbow mountain tour, best experience!
Driver (Alex) and tour guide Ellis were the BEST. Best time ever!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    cleopatramagnolia 
 
 
 
 Verified Most professional tours
We did 3 private guided tours with this company. I had been emailing with the company and was very impressed with their communication and professionalism. All my questions were answered, everything was clear. First, Machu Picchu: guide picked us up at hotel, had our bus tickets. It was great to just be able to follow him since with over 5,000 people entering every day, it can get quite crowded and hectic. Our guide was excellent; took photos of us and explained everything. When it started to rain and we decided to cut the tour short, we all went to breakfast and he shared more information about the area with us. He was great! Second tour was in Cuzco: tour of the city plus Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly; lunch was included at a great restaurant. Third tour was with same guide the next day: to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. Long ride up to 16,200 feet, views were breathtaking. Overall, highly recommend this company. I am a travel agent with over 40 years in the industry, and rarely have I dealt with a tour company so professional and organized.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Excursion53318617580 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience - Amazing experience
Beautiful excursion! We were a group of 5 people and we had a great time. The guide was excellent and helped us with the problems related to the altitude. Breakfast and lunch included were very good. The view of the Rainbow Mountains was breathtaking: it was absolutely worth it! Highly recommended! Amazing experience! We were a group of 5 and everything went really well. Our guide was excellent and helped us with the altitude difficulties. Breakfast and lunch were both very good. The views of the Rainbow Mountains were breathtaking and the hike was absolutely worth it! Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Meghan B 
 
 
 
 Verified Authentic Immersive cultural experience
This was everything and more than I had hoped for! We were greeted with flowers petals and large smiles which reflected the attention and engagement for the entire day. It was a true cultural immersion that felt truly authentic and sincere. It not only included a full experience of weaving appropriate for beginners but also natural dying from leaves gathered in the nearby land, song, dance, homemade delicious food which included tropical fruit tastings. This was definitely a highlight in my trip to the Sacred Valley. I would recommend to everyone. Even the husbands of crafting travelers!

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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.

turquoise lagoon luxury experience for travelers in Humantay

Additional horses for travelers to Humantay.

Full-Day Humantay Lake Itinerary

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.

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.

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 & 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.

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

Weather & Best Season

Year-round, dry season May-September best

Acclimatization & Health

At least 2-3 nights in Cusco recommended

Duration & Schedule

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

Difficulty & Hiking Level

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

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.

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.