13-Hour Humantay Lake Hiking Tour from Cusco with Salkantay Views

13 Hours Round trip from Cusco Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Engage in an exciting hike to Humantay Lake
  • 02 Take in splendid views of valleys, mountains, and the glacier
  • 03 Travel through canyons, cloud forests, and beautiful Andean landscapes
  • 04 See the Salkantay Glacier, the second biggest glacier in the Cusco region

Sign up for a full-day excursion to Humantay Lake, a turquoise alpine lake in Peru known for its intensely bright blue and green water, snow-capped mountain backdrop, and the exotic flora and fauna of the region. Marvel at the beautiful lake and its surrounding valleys and mountains, sacred to the Incas, and enjoy stunning views of the glacier.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cusco, Salcantay
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cusco to Humantay Lake Hike and Return

  • The Humantay Lake tour departs from Cusco at approximately 04:00 am. Pickup time may vary depending on your hotel location.

  • Once the group is ready, the journey to Humantay Lake begins. You will travel for approximately 2 hours in tourist transport to the community of Mollepata, where breakfast will be served before continuing the tour.

  • The tour then continues as the vehicle leaves the main road and follows a dirt road for approximately 1 additional hour. Along the way, you will enjoy views of landscapes, canyons, cloud forests, and glaciers, including the Salkantay Glacier, the second-largest glacier in the Cusco region.

  • Humantay Lake hike

  • Upon arriving at the final vehicle stop, the group will begin a hike of approximately 1.5 hours. This is an average estimate and may vary depending on your pace; you may hike at your own rhythm. The trail is slightly steeper than the Rainbow Mountain Tour, so it is recommended to take several short breaks to avoid fatigue.

  • After reaching the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, the guide will provide information, followed by free time to explore the area. Approximately 40 minutes are scheduled before returning to the parking area.

  • End of the tour

  • After about 1 hour, lunch will be served at the same restaurant visited in the morning. As the hike requires significant effort, lunch is served buffet-style to help you replenish your energy.

  • At the end of the tour, you will return to Cusco. The van will drop you off in the city center or, for private services, at your hotel. Arrival is scheduled between 17:00 and 18:00 hrs.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cusco 2 cities · 13 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional tour guide.
  • Tourist transport and professional driver.
  • Breakfast and lunch.
  • First aid kit and oxygen tank.
  • Entry ticket.
  • Handmade trekking poles.

What's Not Included

  • Emergency horse, one way (20.00 USD).
  • Pair of walking sticks (5.00 USD).
  • Horses (25.00 USD).
  • Services not mentioned.
  • Water and snacks.
  • Tips.

What to bring

  • Passport or identity document (a copy is also acceptable).

  • Small backpack (for your water bottle, snacks, and more).

  • Extra cash (Soles).

  • Hat or cap for the sun and sunglasses.

  • Sunscreen.

  • Trekking sneakers.

  • Light and warm clothes, gloves, scarf, and jacket.

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho if your visit is between October and March.

  • Walking sticks.

  • Camera and extra batteries.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Cusco
Tour start
Cusco
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 13 hours finish where they began, in Cusco.

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Starting from

USD 42 /person
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