From Cusco, the Humantay Lake Tour is a famous full day trip with a breathtaking vista of the turquoise lagoon at the bottom of the Salkantay peak. Nature enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable, high altitude experience without signing up for a multi day hike will find this medium difficulty hike ideal. Begin your tour starting at $50 USD.
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Highlights of the Humantay Lake excursion
Your perfect match if you want a magnificent alpine experience without spending many days on a walk is the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour from Cusco. This one day deeply immerses you into the raw, sacred beauty of the Peruvian Andes, hence it is a really fulfilling trip.
Imagine hiking to a surreal, gleaming turquoise lagoon, fed straight by the melting glaciers of the tall Salkantay Peak. Among the most well known and photographed natural wonders reachable from Cusco is Humantay Lake, with its dramatic hues and immaculate elevation. Every nature enthusiast going to Peru must have this experience.
Key Expedition Facts and Daily Itinerary
An incredible day starts with an early morning departure from Cusco prior to dawn. We will take comfortable tourist transport and drive through beautiful Andean scenery until we arrive at the Soraypampa trailhead.
The main activity of the day will be to hike to Huamantay Lagoon. This is a moderate to intermediate trek, which will average 3 – 5 hours in duration (about 3.5 miles round trip). It is certainly worth the hike. If you do not feel like doing the serious climb, there are optional horses to rent on the steeper sections of the climb, so everyone can reach the top. Once at the lagoon, there will be plenty of time to quietly reflect, and to take beautiful and stunning photos to remember your experience. After all of this hiking in high altitude, lunch will provided to refuel for your return to Cusco.
Essential Traveler Details
From Cost: 50.00 USD
Duration of Tour: 01 day
Location of the tour: North of Cusco, district of Mollepata.
Nature of the Tour: ground transportation, 3-hour hike, medium level of difficulty, distance 3.5 miles, it is necessary to present good physical condition and health.
Limitations of the Tour: wild place, between 12500 and 13900 ft.
Operation subject to weather conditions.
Humantay lake Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Humantay Lake
Our excursion begins very early as we head north from Cusco, traveling approximately 3 hours by tourist transportation. Along the way, we pass through the towns of Limatambo and Mollepata before arriving at Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek.
The hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon takes about 4 to 5 hours round trip, with the most challenging section near the end. For those who prefer, local villagers offer horseback rides to ease this part of the ascent. Upon reaching the lagoon, your guide will provide an insightful explanation about the area’s natural environment and its unique geological and cultural significance.
You will then have ample time to explore, soak in the breathtaking views, and capture unforgettable photographs of this spectacular turquoise lagoon surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Afterwards, we enjoy a refreshing lunch before beginning the return journey back to Cusco, concluding a memorable day immersed in the beauty of the Andes.
Included/Not Includeda
What's Included in Your Humantay Lake Expedition
This section clearly defines the services travelers receive, reinforcing the value of the $50 USD price point:
- Round Trip Transport: Comfortable tourist class transport from your hotel in Cusco to the Soraypampa trailhead and back.
- Expert Guidance: Dedicated, professional, and knowledgeable English / speaking guide specializing in high altitude treks.
- Meals: A satisfying, freshly prepared full lunch (and often breakfast) to fuel your mountain adventure.
- Safety & Altitude: Essential emergency oxygen balloon carried by the guide, ensuring preparedness for high altitude concerns.
- Access: All entrance tickets and fees to the Humantay Lagoon attraction are covered.
What's Not Included (Please Note)
Setting clear expectations here prevents misunderstandings and makes your services look more transparent, boosting confidence.
- Horse Rental: Horse service for the steeper sections of the ascent is an optional service and is not included in the base price.
- Personal Gear: Hiking gear such as walking sticks/trekking poles must be rented or brought by the traveler.
- Gratuities & Hydration: Tips (for the guide/driver) and personal bottled water are the responsibility of the traveler.
Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 50 USDOur standard Group Service includes expert guidance, quality transport, and all required entrance tickets.
PRIVATE SERVICE
- 01 Traveler 190 USD
- 02 Travelers 120 USD
- 03 Travelers 110 USD
- 04 or more Travelers 100 USD
How to Get to Humantay Lagoon
The Humantay Lake Tour presents an extraordinarily beautiful, ful day experience, ideal for travelers in Cusco who are searching for the majestic beauty of the Andes without committing to a lengthy trekking experience. This excursion will take you deep into the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, where the sacred glaciers that feed the famous turquoise lagoon are located.
The Landscape and The Legend
This glacial lake, dramatically set at the foot of the massive Salkantay’s Peak and the Humantay Peak is uniquely remarkable for its vibrant turquoise coloration, which is a result of mineral deposits and glacial purity. The lagoon is located at an elevation of 13,780 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, creating a stunning natural fantastic site to see and one of the most photographed sites not far from Machu Picchu. Additionally, the indigenous Inca revered these mountains as Apus (mountain spirits), and therefore, as you visit a stunning landscape, you are also hopping into history and ancient observer ship of nature spirituality.
Your Day by Day Journey
Your expedition begins with an early morning departure from your hotel in Cusco. We provide comfortable, private tourist class transportation for the approximately three hour scenic drive north, passing through picturesque Andean villages on the way to the trailhead at Soraypampa.
The Humantay Lagoon Trek itself is classified as moderately challenging and typically requires 4 to 5 hours of total hiking time (covering a distance of about 3.5 miles). The final section involves a steep ascent. While this portion demands a reasonable level of fitness, local horse rentals are available for hire from villagers at the trailhead for anyone needing assistance. Once you arrive at the lagoon, you’ll have ample time to relax, explore the tranquil shores, and capture the unforgettable views. After your descent, a satisfying, freshly prepared full lunch awaits before we complete the return drive to Cusco.
Essential Preparation and Pricing
To ensure your safety and enjoyment, we emphasize the need for prior acclimatization in Cusco (at least 1–2 days) to mitigate the effects of the high altitude. This is a genuinely wild place, and all travelers should come prepared with layers, water, and trekking poles.
| Service Type | Key Features | Price (Starting) |
| Group Service | Transport, Guide, Oxygen, All Entrance Tickets, Lunch | $50 USD |
| Private Service | Flexible departures, personalized pace, and exclusive transport. | (Pricing varies based on group size—e.g., $120–$190 USD per person) |
Frecuently Asked Questions
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Humantay Lagoon takes its name from the nearby snow-capped mountain (Humantay, 5473 m above sea level) and is considered one of the most beautiful and sacred lagoons in Cusco. The turquoise water with the snow-covered Salkantay (6270 m) directly whispers to you the reason for its popularity. Along with tourists who take day trips to the lagoon, there are also adventurers who do the so-called “Salkantay Trek”, which is a 5-day hike to Machu Picchu, where they have the opportunity to visit it. lagoon at will. approved.
This is a proposal for a hike to visit the attraction of the Humantay Lagoon, located in the vicinity of the snow-capped peaks Salkantay and Humantay. This easily accessible turquoise lagoon is a sample of the Andean beauty and the wildness of its mountains.
Cusco offers visitors a wide range of attractions that surprise with its history. As you can imagine, Humantay Lagoon is no exception and the beautiful turquoise lagoon will definitely not go unnoticed by nature lovers. If your destination is Machu Picchu or other attractions in Cusco and your itinerary includes a few days of relaxation, Humantay Lagoon may be just what you are looking for.
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Of course you can, below we explain your route step by step:
From the city of Cuzco to the city of Mollepata you have to travel by public transportation. The bus leaves from the Arcopata terminal and costs about 15 soles ($4). Upon arriving in Mollepata, take a collective taxi to the community of Soraypampa. You may not find these taxis for groups, so you will have to take a traditional taxi. In the latter case, the price of the taxi is 50 soles (about 12 dollars). Finally, in Soraypampa, go to Humantay Lagoon. As we mentioned before, it is a 2 km walk that can last between 1-2 hours depending on our resistance level. It is a very beautiful experience, but it is recommended to arrive at the lagoon only if you are used to this type of trip, since traveling at 4,200 meters of altitude can be exhausting.
This is a proposal for a hike to visit the attraction of the Humantay Lagoon, located in the vicinity of the snow capped peaks Salkantay and Humantay. This easily accessible turquoise lagoon is a sample of the Andean beauty and the wildness of its mountains.
Cusco offers visitors a wide range of attractions that surprise with its history. As you can imagine, Humantay Lagoon is no exception and the beautiful turquoise lagoon will definitely not go unnoticed by nature lovers. If your destination is Machu Picchu or other attractions in Cusco and your itinerary includes a few days of relaxation, Humantay Lagoon may be just what you are looking for.
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If you want to live the full experience of Humantay Lake Day Tour from Cusco, you can participate in some of the activities that the town has to offer.
Watch the ceremony
In Humantay Lagoon, ancestral rituals are performed in honor of Mother Earth, Pachamama. Upon arriving at the lagoon, you will be able to participate in a ceremony placing stones as thanks for your safe arrival at the lagoon.
The story of Humantay Lagoon is a legend of two brothers named Salkantay and Ausangate. It is said that both brothers decided to travel to an unknown land to obtain food and reach the peak of people’s hunger.
Camping
Just 3 minutes from La Laguna is the ultrasonic light. Here you can enjoy the magical experience of watching exports and sunset. It’s time for you to explore the most charming corner of the Town. If you go camping, it is of course recommended to bring special cold resistant equipment. This is due to the cooler temperatures in the lagoon during the day.
Horse riding
Residents of the Soraypampa community offer horse rental at the beginning of the trip to Humantay Lagoon. The service is only available on uphill sections and costs approximately 90 Peruvian soles ($23 USD).
This is a proposal for a hike to visit the attraction of the Humantay Lagoon, located in the vicinity of the snow capped peaks Salkantay and Humantay. This easily accessible turquoise lagoon is a sample of the Andean beauty and the wildness of its mountains.
Cusco offers visitors a wide range of attractions that surprise with its history. As you can imagine, Humantay Lagoon is no exception and the beautiful turquoise lagoon will definitely not go unnoticed by nature lovers. If your destination is Machu Picchu or other attractions in Cusco and your itinerary includes a few days of relaxation, Humantay Lagoon may be just what you are looking for.
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The town of Mollepata has an entrance fee that allowed us to reach the Soraypampa camp where the lagoon is located. The rate is 10 soles ($2.50) for foreign tourists and 5 soles ($1.50) for Peruvian visitors.
This is a proposal for a hike to visit the attraction of the Humantay Lagoon, located in the vicinity of the snow capped peaks Salkantay and Humantay. This easily accessible turquoise lagoon is a sample of the Andean beauty and the wildness of its mountains.
Cusco offers visitors a wide range of attractions that surprise with its history. As you can imagine, Humantay Lagoon is no exception and the beautiful turquoise lagoon will definitely not go unnoticed by nature lovers. If your destination is Machu Picchu or other attractions in Cusco and your itinerary includes a few days of relaxation, Humantay Lagoon may be just what you are looking for.
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The weather in the highlands and mountains is not very predictable. However, we can see a significant number of tourists visiting Cusco during the dry season from May to mid October. Without a doubt, the season offers a day of full sun for the photos we want to post on Instagram, especially the lagoon, where its blue green color is even more visible. Humantay Lagoon is open all year round, but there are fewer visitors during the rainy season. Remember that unlike Inca Trail tours or tickets to Machu Picchu, tours to Humantay Lagoon are always available.
This is a proposal for a hike to visit the attraction of the Humantay Lagoon, located in the vicinity of the snow capped peaks Salkantay and Humantay. This easily accessible turquoise lagoon is a sample of the Andean beauty and the wildness of its mountains.
Cusco offers visitors a wide range of attractions that surprise with its history. As you can imagine, Humantay Lagoon is no exception and the beautiful turquoise lagoon will definitely not go unnoticed by nature lovers. If your destination is Machu Picchu or other attractions in Cusco and your itinerary includes a few days of relaxation, Humantay Lagoon may be just what you are looking for.
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The $50 USD base price only covers your core logistics. This covers your tourist transport round trip to the attraction, a professional guide, all required entrance tickets for the attraction, and your lunch. Rentals for horses or trekking poles are not included in the price of your tour. The horse service is handled directly with local villagers at the trailhead, and is also private transaction.
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Acclimatization is extremely important. The Humantay Lagoon is located at an elevation of 13,780 ft (4,200m) where altitude sickness will undoubtedly be a possibility without proper acclimatization. We highly recommend travelers spend a full two days relaxing and/or exploring Cusco (11,152 ft) or the Sacred Valley, prior to attempting this trek. Proper acclimatization is the single most important step for a successful and enjoyable high altitude experience.
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Acclimatization is very important. The Humantay Lagoon is at 13,780 ft (4,200 m), where altitude sickness will likely happen if proper acclimatization does not occur. We recommend all travelers to spend a minimum of two full days relaxing and/or exploring Cusco (11,152 ft) or the Sacred Valley, before heading out on this trek. Acclimatization is the most important step towards a successful and enjoyable high altitude experience.
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