Full dayRainbow Mountain Tour
Vinicunca above 5,000 m, with the Red Valley as an optional way down.
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Day Hikes
A short, steep climb to a turquoise lake under a hanging glacier.
High in the Vilcabamba range, a turquoise lake lies at the foot of a wall of ice. The Humantay Lake day hike takes you there and back from Cusco in a single day. The path is steep and the air is thin at 4,200 m, but the color of the water, the glacier above it and the silence make the effort feel small.
The trip at a glance
4:30 to 5:00 a.m.
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and departure for Mollepata in a van suited to mountain roads.
7:30 a.m.
Andean breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata.
About 1 hour by road
On to Soraypampa (3,900 m), the gateway to the Salkantay and Humantay peaks.
1.5 to 2 hours on foot
Guided climb to Humantay Lake (4,200 m) with time to rest and take photos.
Around 2:00 p.m.
Back down to Soraypampa and Mollepata for a buffet lunch.
3 hours by road
Return to Cusco, arriving between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Highlights
A glacier fed lake
Turquoise water set directly beneath the ice of Humantay.
Real altitude
You reach 4,200 m (13,780 ft) at the base of a sacred glacier.
A climb worth the effort
Three to four hours on foot in total, moderate to demanding, on a trail that feels far from the city.
Alpacas and llamas
Herds graze freely on the slopes around Soraypampa.
Small groups
Usually 12 to 14 hikers and never more than 16.
From our guidesPeople of the area hold that the lake is a place where the earth meets the power of the Apus, the mountain spirits. For centuries it has been treated as a natural shrine, and you can still see small offerings of stones along the shore.
Itinerary
Full day: the climb to the turquoise lake
Hotel pickup in Cusco (4:30 to 5:00 a.m.)
Our driver collects you from your hotel or Airbnb. Leaving this early gives you the most time in the mountains.
Drive to Mollepata
The road to Mollepata, in the province of Anta, takes about 2.5 hours. It winds through ravines and over passes and is a good first look at the high Andes.
Breakfast in Mollepata
Around 7:30 a.m. we stop at a local restaurant for a proper breakfast. You will want the energy for the climb.
On to Soraypampa (3,900 m)
One more hour by road brings you to Soraypampa, where the snow covered summits of Salkantay and Humantay fill the skyline.
Hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m)
The ascent takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The path is steep and the views of ice and rock widen with every turn.
At the lake
The water is clear and intensely turquoise, with the glacier standing over it. You have time to sit, take photos and listen while your guide explains what the place means to Andean culture and how the lake formed.
Buffet lunch and return
The walk down to Soraypampa takes about 1.5 hours. We reach Mollepata near 2:00 p.m. for a buffet lunch and then drive three hours to Cusco, arriving between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. at your hotel or Airbnb.
- Walking time
- 3 to 4 hours in total (1.5 to 2 hours up, 1.5 hours down)
- Highest point
- 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
- Places
- Soraypampa and Humantay Lake
Elevation profile
1Cusco3,399 m (11,152 ft)
2Mollepata2,900 m (9,514 ft)
3Soraypampa3,900 m (12,795 ft)
4Humantay Lake4,200 m (13,780 ft)- 5Soraypampa3,900 m (12,795 ft)
What is included
Transport
Hotel pickup. From your hotel or Airbnb between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.
Round trip transport. Modern, safe tourist vehicle with a professional driver.
Guiding and safety
Small group. Usually 12 to 14 people, 16 at most.
Guide. Certified bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
Safety. First aid kit and oxygen tank on every departure.
Meals
Andean breakfast. Fruit juice, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, fruit salad and bread or pancakes.
Buffet lunch. Peruvian dishes, soups and vegetarian options made with fresh local produce.
Not included
Humantay Lake entry. 20 soles for foreign visitors, 10 soles for Peruvians. Paid in cash, in soles, at the checkpoint on the day.
Travel insurance. Personal travel or medical cover is not included.
Humantay Lake hike prices 2026
| Regular price | $30 |
|---|---|
| Promo price | $25 |
How to get the promo price
- The 25 USD rate is for hikers who also book one of our treks or Machu Picchu tours. Reserve that first and then write to info@incaoutdoors.com to have the discount applied.
Private Humantay Lake hike prices 2026
- Leave at the time that suits you
- Transport for your party only
- Stop for photos whenever you like
- Walk at your own pace with no group to follow
- A guide focused on you alone
- More time at the lake
- A good fit for families and couples
| 2 people | $260 |
|---|---|
| 3 people | $285 |
| 4 people | $320 |
| 5 people | $355 |
| 6 people | $390 |
What the private service includes
Private transport to Soraypampa
Private bilingual guide
Hotel pickup and drop off
Local breakfast and buffet lunch
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Support before and during the hike
What to pack
Essentials
Original passport
Small daypack
Water bottle
Camera or phone
Warm layers
Hiking boots
Quick dry t-shirts
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Trekking pants
Neck buff
Warm beanie
Sun protection
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Extras
Energy snacks
Cash in soles
Good to know
Why hike to Humantay Lake?
If you have one free day in Cusco and want to stand in front of a glacier, this is the hike to choose.
The scenery. Turquoise water against ice and dark rock is one of the most photographed views in Peru, and it looks even better in person.
Training at altitude. A day above 4,200 m is excellent preparation for a longer trek such as Salkantay or the Inca Trail.
Local benefit. The entry fee and the horse hire go to the communities of Soraypampa, who maintain the trail and look after the area.
Technical and cultural data for the lake is published in the MINCETUR national tourism inventory. For questions about fitness or dates, write to our team.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Humantay Lake hike difficult?
It is rated moderate. The climb is short, about 1.5 to 2 hours, but the altitude means you need a slow, steady pace and reasonable fitness.
How high does the hike go?
About 4,200 m (13,780 ft) at the lake. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco beforehand so your body can adjust.
What should I bring?
A daypack with 1 to 2 liters of water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a warm layer, a rain jacket and some cash in soles.
Can I hire a horse?
Yes. Members of the community at Soraypampa rent horses for the way up if you would rather not walk all of it. You pay them directly in cash.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, April to October, has the clearest skies and the best trail conditions. The hike runs all year.
Are meals included?
Yes. The price includes an Andean breakfast and a buffet lunch at a restaurant in Mollepata.
Is the entry fee included?
No. Bring 20 soles (foreign visitors) or 10 soles (Peruvians) in cash for the checkpoint.
Can I swim in the lake?
No. Swimming is not allowed, in order to protect a fragile ecosystem and out of respect for a place the community considers sacred.
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