Peru · Trekking

1-Day Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

1 Day Round trip from Laguna de Humantai Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Marvel at Humantay Lake beneath the imposing Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains
  • 02 Enjoy panoramic high-altitude scenery at 4,200 meters in the Peruvian Andes
  • 03 Trek through the Soraypampa area on a rewarding hike to one of Cusco's most striking lakes
  • 04 Savor local flavors with breakfast in Mollepata and a buffet lunch after the hike

Discover Humantay Lake, nestled beneath the legendary Salkantay mountain, on a full-day trek from Cusco. This experience combines a scenic drive through Andean towns with a rewarding hike to one of the region's most striking high-altitude landscapes. At 4,200 meters, the lake offers beautiful views of turquoise waters framed by the imposing Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains. Breakfast and a buffet lunch are included, making it a well-rounded day in the Peruvian Andes.

At 4,200 meters, the lake offers beautiful views of turquoise waters framed by the imposing Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
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 Trek with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

  • Early in the morning, at 4:00 hrs, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco, and we will begin our journey by tourist transport heading northeast of the city.
  • Along the way, we will pass through different towns and hamlets until reaching the town of Limatambo. From this point, we will ascend toward the town of Mollepata, where we will enjoy our buffet breakfast. We will then continue by transport for about one more hour until we reach the end of the road at Soraypampa.
  • After arriving at Soraypampa, our guide will provide the respective recommendations and hand out walking sticks. From here, we will begin the hike toward Humantay Lake.
  • The walk lasts approximately one and a half to two hours. If you wish, you can rent horses along the route (paid in cash in soles and at your own expense). Upon arriving at Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 meters (about 13,780 feet), you will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscape and the imposing views of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains.
  • After a break, we will take photos, and our guide will explain more about the place and its enigmatic views. Later, we will return by the same route, walking back to Soraypampa. We will then take our transportation back to Mollepata, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
  • Finally, we will return to the city of Cusco, where we will leave you at a point close to the Plaza de Armas, arriving at approximately 17:30 hrs.

End of services.

Humantay Lake, Salkantay snow-capped mountains, Soraypampa

Where this trip takes you

Humantay Lake, Salkantay snow-capped mountains, Soraypampa

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Laguna de Humantai 2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up from the hotel.
  • Tourist transport.
  • Professional English and Spanish guide.
  • Breakfast and lunch buffet.
  • First aid kit.
  • Oxygen tanks for any emergency while hiking at high altitude.

What's Not Included

  • Tips, snacks, extra food, and services not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Entrance to Humantay Lake: S/25.00 soles per person (it is important to carry cash in soles to purchase the entry tickets).
  • Optional horse rental: negotiable price between 80-100 soles (approx. $25), to be paid directly to the owner, who will accompany you during the route and guide the horse.

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Hiking shoes (trekking, hike)
  • Water bottle
  • Raincoat (long poncho) in the rainy season
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Long pants
  • Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for sunny days
  • Sunglasses
  • Photographic camera
  • Have low-denomination money on hand, such as soles or dollars

Know before you go

  • You will need to climb 1.8 miles (3 km) to reach the top of Humantay Lake; all participants should be in relatively good physical condition.
  • Bring an extra warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves, as the first few hours of the tour will be very cool.
  • If, for any reason, you need to rent a horse, please note that the activity provider does not manage these rentals and will not be involved in the process.
  • The activity provider cannot be held responsible for changes in weather conditions during your tour; it is recommended that you check weather conditions via apps or any other method and choose the best departure day based on that research.
  • Since a pick-up service is included, please note that the activity provider may take 30-45 minutes to pick up the entire group. Therefore, if you are one of the first to be picked up, it might take some time before the tour begins while the rest of the group is collected.
  • The only available local currency for entrance fees and extra expenses is soles.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Cusco, Perú
Tour start
Laguna de Humantai, 08645, Perú
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 1 day finishes where it began, in Laguna de Humantai.

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