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Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake: Our most recommended tours and activities

Cusco: Humantay Lake All-inclusive Full-day Tour

1. Cusco: Humantay Lake All-inclusive Full-day Tour

Benefit from pick-up at your Cusco hotel between 03:30 AM and 04:00 AM, and then journey to Mollepata village in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. After breakfast in Mollepata, continue towards Soraypampa 3,900 meters above sea level. Trek for approximately 1.5 hours to Humantay Lake, 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level and get wonderful views of the turquoise waters at the base of Humantay Glacier. Immerse yourself in a landscape sacred to the Incas, and get the chance to rent a horse to ride to the lake. Explore the turquoise glacial waters of Humantay Lake , leisure for photography exploring the surrounding area before going back to Mollepata for a buffet lunch. Then, journey back to Cusco at 06:00 PM.

Cusco: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

2. Cusco: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

Your professional tour guide will pick you up at your homestay, hostel or hotel in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. After a 2-hour drive, you will arrive in Mollepata where we will stop for breakfast and pick up water and snacks for the trek. After breakfast travel one more hour to Soraypampa. Once you arrive at this high mountain plateau you will be able to see the beautiful mountains Apu Salkantay 20400 feet (6230 meters) above sea level and Humantay 17225 feet (5250 meters) above sea level. After a short time preparing your day pack you will start the 2-hour trek to Humantay Lake. The way up to Humantay Lake is steep however your group is small and your guide will let you take your time to enjoy the trek.  Enjoy the views of Humantay Lake and enjoy an optional small climb above the lake to the right or left where you can enjoy a panoramic view.  Next, you will have the easy part of your trek. Go downhill to Soraypampa for another hour. Then you will take your private transportation back to Mollepata where a local lunch will be waiting for you. Once you finish your buffet lunch you will go back to Cusco arriving between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM at the drop-off near Plaza de Armas.

Cusco: Humantay Lagoon Full Day Tour with Meals

3. Cusco: Humantay Lagoon Full Day Tour with Meals

Start your day with an early morning wake up as you head out from Cusco to Mollepata to enjoy a delicious breakfast to set you up for the day ahead. After breakfast, journey on to Soraypampa and marvel at the stunning scenic views of the snow-capped mountains, including Salkantay mountain which sits 6230 above sea level. Next, begin the 3 km walking hike to Humantay Lagoon which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. At the Lagoon, gaze at the stunning waters and catch your break at you take in these beautiful once-in-a-lifetime views. On your travel back to Soraypampa, relax in your private transport and watch out for the views along the way then enjoy a tasty local lunch before returning to Cusco.

Salkantay Trek 5-Day Hike to Machu Picchu

4. Salkantay Trek 5-Day Hike to Machu Picchu

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas and hike along the same paths they used to trek through the mountains centuries ago. Get back to nature and experience amazing views of the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andes. Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Markhuq’asa - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Salkantaypampa (L, D) Depart Cusco and journey to Markhuq’asa for the start of your trek to Soraypampa, 3,850 meters above sea level. Stop for lunch at the base camp and then go on a round-trip hike to Humantay Lake. Then continue to the Salkantaypampa base camp to spend the night. Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa (B, L, D) Hike to the highest point of the trail at Salkantay Pass and get spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains before a 2-hour downhill hike to the camp for lunch. Then, enter the upper part of the Amazon jungle on a hike through what is know as the cloud forest. Look for native wildlife on the way to the village of Collpapampa, where you will spend the night. Day 3: Collpapampa - La Playa (B, L, D) After breakfast, take an easy hike to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley and marvel at the waterfalls and wild orchids. Encounter coffee, banana, and avocado plantations, and get the chance to sample the local coffee at an organic coffee farm. After a typical lunch in La Playa, here you will have the option (at an extra cost payable onsite) to visit the hot thermal springs and abundant birdlife. Return to the campsite for an overnight stay. Day 4: Santa Teresa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes (B, L, D) On this day, in Santa Teresa, you can choose to visit the zipline, rafting, or canopy at an extra cost payable directly on-site. Then, you will head to Hidroelectrica, passing through waterfalls coming from the glaciers and fields of cocoa and coffee. After a nourishing lunch, begin a 2-hour walk to Machu Picchu Pueblo, known as Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, you can go to your hotel to shower and relax before dinner. After dinner, get some rest before the early morning climb up to Machu Picchu the following morning. Day 5: Machu Picchu (B) Explore Machu Picchu in the early morning before the crowds arrive. You can choose to hike uphill to the ruins or take the bus for an additional charge. Benefit from a 2-hour guided tour on arrival and learn more about the temples, palaces, priest houses, and more. Take the train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon and then catch the bus back to Cusco for drop-off at your hotel or hostel on arrival.

Cusco: 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Tickets

5. Cusco: 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Tickets

The Salcantay Mountain is one of the most beautiful in Peru and is considered sacred by local villagers. Spend five unforgettable days hiking alongside the majestic mountains, taking time to enjoy each magical location and feel the energy through meditation, yoga and exercise. As a final treat, you will join the Inca Trail for a short section before arriving at Machu Picchu via the stunning Llaqtapata. On Day 1, after a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a 4-hour walk up to Soyrococha (4400 m / 14430 ft) where a chef will be waiting to serve you lunch. You will continue climbing for one more hour to reach Salkantay Pass (4650 m/ 15255 ft). From the top it will be another 3 hour downhill hike to the campsite at Wayracmachay (3800 m/ 12467 ft). Your tent, a snack and a hot drink will be waiting for you. You will then have some time to rest and have dinner before a well-earned nights sleep. On Day 2, you will be woken bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. You will spend 9 hours on this trek. On Day 3, you will trek for 9 hours once more and arrive at Llaqtapata, an Inca ruin located in front of Machu Pichhu. On Day 4 you will trek for 6 hours to Aguas Calientes and spend a night in a hotel before finally spending Day 5 with a visit to Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own. Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes and then take the train and bus back to Cusco. The team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.

From Cusco: Classic Salkantay Trek with Return by Train

6. From Cusco: Classic Salkantay Trek with Return by Train

Make the most of your time in Peru with a 4 or 5-day hike along the famous Salkantay Trek. Take in panoramic views of Humantay Mountain, enjoy an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, and watch the sunrise at Macchu Picchu. Campsite accommodation and transfers are included. Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Laguna Humantay - Soraypampa After getting picked up from your accommodation in Cusco, drive through the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo before arriving at Mollepata, where you can buy a light breakfast and water. Continue to Challacancha, where the 3-hour walk to Soraypampa begins. Stop for lunch and then walk around 1-2 hours to the Humantay Lagoon. Return to Soraypampa and overnight at camp with tent and dinner. Day 2: Soraypampa - Soyrococha - Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Chaullay Wake up with the first light of the day at 5:30 AM and have a quick breakfast. Start your walk to the highest point of the trail: the Salkantay Pass (4650 meters/15255 feet), where you can appreciate the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. The downward hike is snake-shaped, leading to the Huayracmachay camp, where you will stop for lunch. At the end of this exceptional hike, arrive at Chaullay Village (2900 meters/9514 feet) for a break from a long day of hiking. Enjoy dinner at the camp before heading to your tent for the night. Day 3: Chaullay - Playa Sahuayaco - Lucmabamba - Santa Teresa (optional Cocalmayo) After breakfast, hike to the small town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa Valley where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, board a bus to the camp in Santa Teresa, where you can enjoy an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, which have medicinal and therapeutic waters. Enjoy dinner at the camp before heading to your tent for the night. If you choose the 4-day option, you will be taken by bus to Hydroelectric right after your lunch. From there, start a walk on the train tracks through the native jungle to Aguas Calientes, about a 3-hour trek. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, enjoy free time before dinner to rest or walk through the town. Day 4 for 5-day option: Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes After breakfast, start the 3-hour walk to the Hydroelectric through the valley floor. Upon arrival, recharge with lunch. You can add on a zip line adventure after breakfast; in this case, after the activity, you will be taken to the beginning of the trail to Aguas Calientes at Hydroelectric. From Hydroelectric, hike on the train tracks through the jungle to Aguas Calientes, about a 3-hour trek. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time before dinner to rest or walk through the town. Day 4 for 4-day option / Day 5 for 5-day option: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco Get up early to start the trek to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. After a steep 1.5-hour walk, be rewarded with views of the sunrise from the Inca citadel before the crowds arrive (you can replace the hike with a bus ride for an additional cost if required). Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu and the surrounding sites. Enjoy free time to take photos and look around the citadel. If you choose one of the add-on hikes to the mountains, you will split ways with the group to go by yourself to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Leave Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes (walking or by bus, depending on what you choose). Once in Aguas Calientes, board your train to Ollantaytambo, and take a minivan from there to Cusco. Arrive back in Cusco around 9:30 - 10:00 PM. The drop-off will be in Plaza San Francisco in the historic center, near the Plaza de Armas.

From Cusco: Budget Salkantay Trek with Return by Car

7. From Cusco: Budget Salkantay Trek with Return by Car

DAY 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Laguna Humantay - Soraypampa Get picked up from your accommodation in Cusco. Pass through the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo before arriving at Mollepata, where you can buy a light breakfast or supply water. Continue until you reach Challacancha, from where the 3-hour walk begins to Soraypampa. Stop for lunch and then walk around 1-2 hours to the Humantay Lagoon. Return to Soraypampa and overnight at camp with tent and dinner. DAY 2: Soraypampa - Soyrococha - Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Chaullay Wake up with the first lights of the day at 5:30 AM and have a quick but energizing breakfast. Start a walk to the highest point of the trail, the Salkantay Pass (4650 MASL - 15255 FASL), where you will appreciate the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo mountains. Hike down the snake-shaped path, leading to the Huayracmachay camp where you will stop for lunch. At the end of this exceptional hike, arrive at Chaullay Village (2900 MASL - 9514 FASL) for a break from a long day of hiking. Stay overnight at the camp with a tent and dinner. DAY 3 - for 5-day option: Chaullay - Playa Sahuayaco - Lucmabamba - Santa Teresa (optional Cocalmayo) After the comforting breakfast, continue the walk to the small town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. Stop here for lunch and then board a bus to the camp in Santa Teresa. You'll arrive at the camp where you can optionally enjoy the hot springs of Cocalmayo in Santa Teresa, which are medicinal and therapeutic waters. Stay overnight at the camp with a tent and dinner. If you choose the 4-day option, you will be taken by bus to Hydroelectric right after your lunch in La Playa. From there, start a 3-hour walk on the train tracks through a native jungle to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time before dinner to rest or walk through the town. DAY 4 - for 5-day option: Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes After a typical breakfast, you will start the walk to the Hydroelectric through the valley floor for an average of 3 hours. Upon arrival, recharge with a lunch. You can choose add-on a zip line adventure after your breakfast; in this case, after the activity, you will be taken by transport to the beginning of the trail to Aguas Calientes at Hydroelectric. From Hydroelectric, start a walk on the train tracks through a native jungle to Aguas Calientes, about a 3 hours trek. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time before dinner to rest or walk through the town. DAY 4 for 4-day option / DAY 5 for 5-day option: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco Get up early to start the trek to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. The steep walk will last approximately 1:30 hours, and the objective is to appreciate the sunrise from the Inca citadel and be the first to arrive.  The walk up to Machu Picchu requires a fair physical condition — you can also choose add-on a bus to Machu Picchu at the checkout if you don't want to do the walk. Get a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu and the surrounding sites. Enjoy free time to take photos and look around the citadel. If you chose one of the extra hikes to one of the mountains you will split ways with the group to go by yourself to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you can choose add-on these hikes at the checkout. Leave Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes either by foot or by bus, depending on the add-on at checkout. Once in Aguas Calientes, start the walk back to Hydroelectric where your guide will be waiting to gather the group to return to the city of Cusco. Be back in Cusco around 9:30 - 10:00 PM. The drop-off will be in San Francisco square in the historic center, near Plaza de Armas. Please have in mind this is a budget friendly tour and does not include the train back to Cusco. Distance traveled by car/van from Hydroelectric to Cusco is approximately 5 to 6 hours.

From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake 2-Day Tour

8. From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake 2-Day Tour

Day 1 – Humantay Lake Have a morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and continue on a 2-hour ride enjoying the beautiful landscapes until reaching Soraypampa. Enjoy breakfast prior to the trailhead. Begin your adventure along a photogenic path called the “Camino Real,” as you gain altitude. Continue for another hour and a half, ascending 360mts/1,200 feet in just 2 miles up a steep path. After conquering the last hill, you'll gaze down on a turquoise lake below, which is surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier. The hike is dominated by Salkantay Peak, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains, towering more than 6,000mts/20,600 feet with a sheer and snowy face. The equally impressive Humantay Peak, rising 5,900mts/19,412 feet, is also within view. Once on the shores, enjoy, relax, and take pictures. When ready to hike back, descend to Soraypampa for lunch. After lunch, it’s time to take the transportation back to Cusco downtown arriving in the late afternoon. Day 2 – Rainbow Mountain Today, you'll visit the trendy Rainbow Mountain, famous for becoming viral on social media. Located in the southeast of Cusco in the middle of the Andean mountain ranges. After a morning pick-up from your hotel, venture on a 3-hour drive passing valleys, rivers, mountains, and some smaller communities. Reach Hanchipacha, to enjoy breakfast, then head to the starting point which is already at 4900 meters above sea level. From here you will hike uphill for about 45 minutes to the highest point of the excursion at 5000 meters. Pass the unique formations of the rainbow mountain range and enjoy the breathtaking views at the snow-capped Ausangate, the second-highest in Peru. Once on top of the viewpoint, you'll have the Vilcanota Mountain range in front of you. Have all the time to rest and take pictures. After the exploration, back to Cusipata and enjoy a rewarding lunch. Take the bus to return to Cusco arriving in the late afternoon.

Cusco: Trek to Humantay Lagoon with Breakfast and Lunch

9. Cusco: Trek to Humantay Lagoon with Breakfast and Lunch

Explore the Nevado Humantay, a mountain with active glacier tongues. View its beauty and discover its ice caves. Learn about the minerals that cause the lake to become its stunning color. Start your adventure with a drive to the Mollepata District. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the district to provide the fuel you will need for the trek. Travel to Soraypampa and begin the walk up to the Humantay Lagoon. Experience incredible views of both the Salcantay and Humantay peaks.  Reach the Humantay Lagoon and the long trek will be more than worth it when you see the views. Stop for a well earned rest and take as many photos as you like. Descend back to Soraypampa and return to the Mollepata District, where you can relax with a delicious buffet lunch before returning to Cusco. 

From Cusco: Humantay Lake Full Day Tour with Lunch

10. From Cusco: Humantay Lake Full Day Tour with Lunch

Our exciting day out begins at 4:00 am when our private transport picks you up from your accommodation. We'll start by driving to Mollepata, where we'll stop for a tasty breakfast and enjoy the mountains against the early morning light. This is a great opportunity to get some memorable photos. Once we're full, we'll continue in our transport to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where yow'I! begin to feel the powerful presence of the glaciers. Yow're sure to be impressed by their haunting snowy faces that defy any force or evil. After listening to brief instructions from your guide, we'll begin our 2-hour ascent to the gorgeous Humantay Lake. Remember that you'll be hiking across very stony terrain, so using a walking stick is a great idea. Take your time, walk slowly, get some rest, and try to drink plenty of fluids—yowIl be at a high altitude, so you need to take things slowly. Please, don't carry plastic on the route and never leave your trash on the trail. After the effort of hiking uphill, you'll enjoy the most incredible reward. Hidden among the rocky landscape, the impressive Humantay Lake gradually appears. This beautiful turquoise body of water originates from the same snows that cover the mountain, which melt and run down. Walk around and make an effort to climb a little further up the surrounding rocky slopes to get even better views. The higher you are, the more turquoise the water will look, and you'll be able to take in the ultimate panoramic view. Being so close to the mountains will really shake you, and you'll likely understand why they're so sacred in the Andean culture. Our guide will perform a simple ritual and thank nature by using coca leaves. It will be around an hour-and-a-half descent to get back to Soraypampa, where our Sky Camp is located. You'll enjoy a spectacular lunch prepared by our chef here before boarding our private transport to take you back to Cusco. We'll drop you off at your accommodation around 5:00 pm.

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What people are saying about Humantay Lake

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 749 reviews

We booked with Haku travel but was transferred to a trek with Marvelous adventure, so we can t say anything about Haku travels' tours, only the booking part. We got booked on the cheapest Machu Picchu circuit and not the same circuit or entrance time as the rest of our Group and guide through 4 days, so that was a big disappointment. We only got our tickets the night before our Machu Picchu day. Also the communication was not great in advance, but they answered pretty quickly. All in all we had a good trek but that was thanks to our great guide from Marvelous adventure. We recommended booking at an Office in Cusco rather than online if you want the better and cheaper deal and to be certain about the specifics of your trek. Be sure to request the circuit and entrance time you wish for!!

Although only 1-1.5hrs, this is a tough hike because it is a vertical climb for almost the whole way. But once you get to the top, the view is stunning! I recommend bringing cocoa sweets and drinking lots of water to help adapt to the altitude. It gets very cold too - bring layers including a beannie. The food is plentiful, and the buffet lunch was particularly great - even for me as a vegan. The car ride is a bit rough because of the poor condition of the road, but it's only about 1hr of the 3hr trip. 10/10 would recommend.

It was nice trip ... the hike is NO JOKE.. it's definitely a difficult hike despite of level of fitness ... there's horses you can rent to get you up there but it's definitely something to consider . I did more than half but the higher you go the more difficult it gets, so towards the end, I had to pay for a horse .. but it was an amazing hike once you actually make it up

Beautiful views at the top, a tough walk but well worth it. We were some of the first people to the top and I’d recommend trying to do the same if you are fit enough Food was lovely in my opinion compared to other tours. Our guide Tupac was class, probably has better English than me and let us go at our own pace while explaining stuff at the top. Highly recommend

Super amazing trip! Self-paced hike with an incredible view. Breakfast and lunch buffets were also good and at a beautiful place