Duration 1 day
Difficulty short hike
Max altitude 4,200 m a.s.l. (Humantay Lake)
Distance approx. 6 km round trip
This wonderful full-day tour in Cusco takes us to the impressive Humantay Lake, known for its turquoise color created by meltwater from Humantay snow peak at an altitude of 4,200 m in the Andes, part of the natural beauty of Salkantay snow peak, one of the highest glaciers in Cusco. Humantay Lake is located northeast of Cusco (Peru), in Anta province, Mollepata district, 2 kilometers from the small town of Soraypampa.
In the past, Humantay Lake was visited only by those doing multi-day treks, but today it has become one of the most visited tourist sites in Cusco after Rainbow Mountain, thanks to its enigmatic natural beauty. Without a doubt, it is a unique trekking experience in Peru.
Be surprised by the exotic Andean flora and fauna, as well as beautiful lakes, green valleys, small Indigenous villages, and impressive views of towering mountains and glaciers.
The tour begins with hotel pickup between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., then travel by transport to the town of Mollepata. Once there we have breakfast and continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), from where the hike of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes begins to reach Humantay Lake, surrounded by glaciers.
We then descend to Soraypampa for lunch and return to Cusco approximately at 5:30 p.m.
The total approximate distance is 6 km (round trip) and the ascent takes approximately 1.3 hours at a normal pace: about 45 minutes up and 45 minutes down. Additional time is also provided to take the best photos of Humantay Lake, rest, and listen to the guide’s explanation.
Yes, you can rent horses for the ascent if you wish. The approximate cost is 90 soles and the horses cover about 90% of the climb; the final meters must be done on foot.
It is a short hike: even without experience it is possible to complete the ascent without much difficulty.
