The Humantay Lake Tour with Top Inka Travel begins very early in Cusco, between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., as the journey to Soraypampa takes approximately 3 hours by vehicle. From there, the hike begins, lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace, until you reach the stunning Humantay Lake, located at the foot of the imposing Apu Salkantay, a sacred mountain revered by Andean communities as a protective deity.
During the ascent, you will enjoy spectacular views, pure Andean air, and the company of bilingual guides who will share the history of Humantay Lake: a place of offerings, rituals, and deep spiritual connection since ancestral times. More than just a landscape, it is a living space, filled with energy and tradition.
On the journey, many tours include stops in Andean villages and viewpoints with panoramic views of the mountain range. Furthermore, if you are looking for a more complete experience, you can combine this tour with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, ideal as preparation before a more demanding trek.
The best time to visit Humantay Lake is between May and September, when the skies are clear, the trails are dry, and the water displays an intense turquoise color, perfect for your photos. And if you are comparing destinations, here is a useful reference: Humantay is easily accessible from Cusco, with a strong cultural and spiritual significance.
Summary
The Humantay Lake Tour with Top Inka Travel begins very early in Cusco, between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., as the drive to Soraypampa takes approximately 3 hours by vehicle. From there, the hike begins, lasting from 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace, until you reach the stunning Humantay Lake, located at the foot of the imposing Apu Salkantay, a sacred mountain revered by Andean communities as a protective deity.
During the ascent, you will enjoy spectacular views, pure Andean air, and the company of bilingual guides who will share the history of Humantay Lake: a place of offerings, rituals, and deep spiritual connection since ancient times. More than just a landscape, it is a living space, filled with energy and tradition.
On the journey, many tours include stops in Andean villages and scenic viewpoints with panoramic views of the mountain range. Furthermore, if you are looking for a more comprehensive experience, you can combine this tour with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, ideal as preparation before a more demanding trek.
The best time to visit Humantay Lake is between May and September, when the skies are clear, the trails are dry, and the water displays an intense turquoise color, perfect for your photos. And if you are comparing destinations, here is a useful reference: Humantay is easily accessible from Cusco, with a strong cultural and spiritual significance.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Tour Schedule: 4:50 AM – 18:00 PM
We begin our adventure by picking you up from your hotel between 4:20 and 4:50 am and then boarding our tourist transport that will take us to the town of Mollepata, here we will stop for a delicious buffet breakfast.
Continuing with our tour, we will pass through beautiful and picturesque villages until we reach the town of Soraypampa (3900 masl), from this place we will begin our walk that will last about an hour and a half until we reach the beautiful Humantay Lagoon (4200 masl).
This beautiful place is excellent to take pictures, enjoy the scenery and the crystalline and turquoise color of the lake, our guide will explain us about this magnificent place and then we will have some time to explore the lagoon.
At the end of the visit we will start our way back to Soraypampa to take the transportation back to Cusco, but first we will stop in the town of Mollepata to enjoy our delicious buffet lunch.
Our tour will be ending in the small square rejoicing around 18:00 pm approximately.
Includes
Includes
- Hotel pick up (central locations).
- Tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Lunch and Breakfast (Buffet).
- Medical kit and oxygen balloon.
- Walking sticks.
Not Included
- Entrance fee to the lagoon (20 soles)
- Rental horse (optional).
- Personal expenses.
- Tips (tips)
- Travel insurance
- Snacks and / or soft drinks.
Important information
Hotel pick up will take place in central locations, around the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
If your hotel is far away from the historical center, the meeting point will be at the pool of the Plaza de Armas.
The exact pick up time will be communicated the day before the tour.
Our tour ends at the regocijo square located one block from the main square of Cusco.
Recommendations
Recommendations and Useful Tips for the Humantay Lake Tour
To make the most of your Humantay Lake Tour with Top Inka Travel, we recommend bringing the following:
- Identification document or passport.
- Warm and comfortable clothing for trekking.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Rain poncho (during the rainy season).
- Hiking/trekking shoes.
- Sufficient water for the hike.
- Medication for altitude sickness (such as Sorojchi Pills), especially if you are not acclimatized.
Additionally, it’s useful to carry a small backpack with the essentials, especially if you decide to hire a horse during the hike, an option available in almost all our packages to ascend comfortably and enjoy the journey without getting too tired.
If you are a photography lover, ask about the best hours to capture Humantay Lake, generally between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., when the sun illuminates the turquoise water and the colors are at their peak, ideal for unforgettable memories.
Additional Tour Information
Humantay Lake is located near Soraypampa, about 3 hours by vehicle from Cusco. The hike begins at 4,200 meters above sea level, and the lagoon is a bit higher up, so it is key to be well acclimatized before starting the trek.
Most tours include pickup at your hotel in central Cusco or San Blas. The journey is by comfortable vehicle on rural roads, ascending gradually to help your body adapt to the altitude.
During the ascent, you will enjoy spectacular views, pure Andean air, and the company of bilingual guides who will share the history of Humantay Lake, a place of offerings, rituals, and deep spiritual connection since ancient times.
Many tours also include stops in Andean villages and scenic viewpoints with panoramic views of the mountain range. For those planning longer experiences, this tour can be combined with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, ideal as preparation before more demanding treks.
Why Choose Top Inka Travel
With us, you don’t just take a tour, you live an authentic experience. Our guides are experts in Andean culture and the geology of the Andes, many of them born in the region, and they will tell you stories you won’t find in traditional guidebooks.
Our tours are designed for all profiles: families, couples, photographers, solo travelers, or first-timers at high altitude. We offer guaranteed admission, all-inclusive, without lines or stress.
If you are interested in photography, we offer a private photographic tour to Humantay Lake, with special schedules, access to unique spots, and guides who know when and where to capture the best image.
You can also rent a horse along the way, ideal for those who want to ascend without getting tired or are traveling with children or elderly people. Just let us know when booking.
Best Time to Visit
The best season to visit Humantay Lake is between May and September, with clear skies, firm trails, and intense colors. Between November and March, there is a higher risk of rain and the paths can become slippery.
FAQ
Where does the Humantay Lake tour depart from?
The tour begins with pickup at your hotel in central Cusco or San Blas. The vehicle journey to Soraypampa takes approximately 3 hours on rural roads.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike from Soraypampa to the lake takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on your pace. The route is moderate, ideal for beginners and adventure lovers.
What is the altitude of Humantay Lake and how to prepare?
The hike starts at 4,200 meters above sea level and the lake is a bit higher. It is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for at least one day beforehand, drink plenty of water, and bring sunscreen and warm clothing.
Is it necessary to be in good physical condition?
You don’t need to be a trekking expert. The tour is accessible for beginners, with frequent stops and guides who provide constant support. We also offer horses for those who need assistance with the ascent.
What should I bring to the Humantay Lake Tour?
Personal documents, warm clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, trekking shoes, a water bottle, and a rain poncho if it’s the rainy season.
When is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?
The dry season, from May to September, offers clear skies, firm trails, and the most intense colors. Between November and March, there is a higher risk of rain and slippery trails.
Can you do professional photography at Humantay Lake?
Yes. The best hours to capture the turquoise color and Andean landscapes are between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. We also offer private photographic tours with exclusive spots and a specialized guide.
Can I combine this tour with other treks or visits?
Yes. It’s ideal to combine with the Salkantay Trek, Machu Picchu, or tours to Palccoyo (Rainbow Mountain) to make the most of your visit to southern Peru.
Is the tour safe in terms of altitude and weather?
Yes. The guides carry oxygen, thermal blankets, and a first-aid kit. The trails are safe if you follow the appropriate pace and heed the altitude recommendations.
Are additional services like horses or private transport offered?
Yes. Horses can be rented during the hike, and we offer comfortable private transport from Cusco, ideal for families, elderly travelers, or those who prefer a more relaxed journey.
Map
Map
