Overview
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake, one of the best-known glacial lakes near Cusco.
- Reach Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft above sea level.
- Enjoy impressive views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay mountains.
- Admire the lake’s vibrant turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic high-Andean scenery.
- Hike approximately 5 km / 3.1 miles through the Peruvian Andes.
- Experience the natural landscapes and high-altitude environment of the Soraypampa area.
- Learn about the surrounding mountains, wildlife, ecosystem, and local traditions with your guide.
- Enjoy breakfast and lunch during the full-day excursion.
- Travel with a professional local guide and organized round-trip transportation from Cusco.
- Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers looking for an active day trip from Cusco.
JOURNEY OVERVIEW
FULL DAY
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – CuscoDepart Cusco early in the morning and travel to Mollepata for breakfast before continuing to Soraypampa. Hike to Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery, descend to the trailhead, return to Mollepata for lunch, and travel back to Cusco.
Itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Cusco
Your adventure begins early in the morning with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. Pick-up is available from hotels located in or near the Historic Center. From Cusco, travel through the Andean highlands toward Mollepata.
Upon arrival in Mollepata, enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast at a local restaurant and take some time to prepare for the day’s hike. After breakfast, continue by vehicle for approximately one hour to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trail to Humantay Lake.
Before beginning the hike, your guide will provide a safety briefing and allow time for final preparations. The trail starts with a gradual ascent and becomes steeper as you approach the lake. Your guide will maintain a comfortable pace, allowing time for short breaks along the way.
During the ascent, your guide will share information about the surrounding mountains, local wildlife, and the high-Andean ecosystem. After approximately two hours of hiking, reach Humantay Lake at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.
At the lake, take time to admire its striking turquoise waters and spectacular setting beneath the Humantay Glacier. Enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery and take photographs before beginning the descent.
After exploring Humantay Lake, hike back toward Soraypampa, where your transportation will be waiting. From there, return to Mollepata and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the journey back to Cusco.
The estimated arrival time in Cusco is approximately 6:00 p.m., bringing the full-day experience to an end.
- Walking Distance5 km / 3.1 miles
- Walking TimeApproximately 3.5 hours
- Starting Elevation3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Humantay Lake Elevation4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- MealsBreakfast and lunch
- DifficultyModerate
Inclusions
We carefully organize every aspect of your experience from transportation and professional local guides to the services and activities included in your itinerary allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your adventure.
Because every tour is unique, included services may vary depending on the itinerary you choose. We encourage you to review each program carefully before booking to ensure you have all the information you need and can prepare for an unforgettable experience in Cusco and Peru.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake.
Quality Service & Safety
- Experienced Tour Guide: Our guides are selected for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, and commitment to providing a safe and comfortable experience.
- Trekking poles.
- Medical kit or first aid kit.
- High-altitude safety support.
- 24/7 customer service.
Meals
- Breakfast.
- Lunch.
Transportation
- Pick-up from your hotel in or near the Historic Center of Cusco.
- Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and Soraypampa.
- Return transportation from Soraypampa through Mollepata to Cusco.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Dinner.
- Personal hiking gear.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for our staff.
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control, including landslides, severe weather conditions, itinerary modifications required for safety reasons, illness, pandemics, changes in government regulations, political unrest, strikes, force majeure, or other unforeseen circumstances.
To ensure the smooth operation of your tour, we secure entrance tickets, transportation, staff, and other logistical services well in advance. As these services are prepaid and confirmed before departure, any additional expenses resulting from unforeseen events or changes beyond our control will be the responsibility of the traveler.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation should any exceptional circumstances arise. Our team will make every reasonable effort to minimize disruptions and provide assistance throughout your journey.
Before you go
Please read the following details carefully, as they will help you have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Hotel Pick-Up Information
Hotel pick-up is available within Cusco city. For better accessibility, we recommend staying in the historic center or areas with easy vehicle access.
Our team will confirm your exact pick-up time one day before your tour begins.
Due to traffic conditions and the location of your accommodation, pick-up times may vary slightly.
Cusco is a historic city with narrow streets, cobblestone roads, and some steep areas. Certain hotels or accommodations may not have direct vehicle access, which can make transportation with luggage more difficult. We recommend choosing accommodation with convenient access.
Group Tours
Our group tours bring together travelers from different countries, backgrounds, ages, and physical conditions. Each participant has their own hiking pace and level of experience.
During the tour, everyone is encouraged to enjoy the route at their own rhythm while following the recommendations of our guides.
Any changes to the planned itinerary must be evaluated by the guide, considering weather conditions, safety, and the agreement of the group members.
Strikes, Protests, and Unexpected Situations
In Peru, occasional strikes, demonstrations, or road closures may affect travel plans. These situations can sometimes impact transportation routes, access points, or scheduled activities.
Our operations team will always work to provide the best possible solution and maintain your itinerary whenever conditions allow. In some cases, schedules may need to be adjusted to guarantee your safety and the quality of your experience.
Your safety is our main priority, and all decisions will be made with your well-being in mind.
Lost or Forgotten Items
Please take care of your personal belongings throughout your trip. Before leaving transportation, campsites, restaurants, or any visited location, make sure you have collected all your items.
Experience Colibri Peru is not responsible for lost, forgotten, or damaged personal belongings during the tour.
Packing list
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Clothing
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Trekking pants
Trekking socks
Pair of thermal pants
Long sleeve t-shirts
Warm jacket
Rain poncho
Sun hat
Gloves
Equipment
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Recommended
Camera and charger
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Pricing
Humantay Lake One Day Trek
Request a personalized quote for your group.
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