Overview
Known by many and visited by few, the 1 Day Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco is one of the most beautiful places you can see in Peru. This incredible turquoise lake is situated at the base of the glacier-covered Humantay and Salkantay Mountain Range in the Vilcabamba Andes.
The ancient Peruvians considered Humantay Lake sacred, and when you see it for yourself, you will understand why. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Take your time, savor the hike, and enjoy one of the most spectacular natural wonders near Cusco.
The turquoise color of the lake comes from mineral-rich glacial meltwater from Humantay Glacier. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and high Andean landscapes, this is a photographer’s paradise. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
We are a licensed tour operator based in Cusco with many years of experience operating treks in the high Andes. All tours are led by professional, local, licensed, English-speaking trekking guides in small groups for a better experience and better acclimatization.
This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want a challenging day hike with huge rewards, without camping.
Highlights of the 1 Day Humantay Lake Tour
- Hike to the stunning Turquoise Humantay Lake at 4,200m / 13,779 ft
- Breathtaking views of the sacred Salkantay Mountain – 6,279m / 20,600 ft and Humantay Glacier – 5,473m / 17,956 ft
- Beautiful Andean scenery, traditional villages and Apurimac River Valley
- Small group experience – Maximum 10 guests, average 5 people per guide
- Professional local trekking guide fluent in English and Spanish
- Delicious hot breakfast and buffet lunch with panoramic mountain views
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco – Door-to-door service
Full Itinerary for 1 Day Humantay Lake Tour
Day 1. Cusco – Humantay Lake – Cusco
To begin this scenic and rewarding day, your professional, licensed, local English-speaking trekking guide will be at your hotel lobby in Cusco at 4:30am. Set off in our private van for a beautiful 3-hour drive to Soraypampa, the start of the trail, located in a stunning high Andean valley on the banks of the Apurimac River.
You will travel through the traditional Andean villages of Izcuchaca and Limatambo, with views of the Apurimac Canyon. As we gain altitude, the landscape changes from green valleys to high mountain scenery.
On arrival at Soraypampa at 3,869m / 12,690 ft, you will enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared hot breakfast in a local restaurant to give you energy for the hike. Take in the first views of the massive Salkantay and Humantay glaciers.
Start your hike on a beautiful path called Camino Real, the original Royal Inca Path. The trail begins gently, then gains altitude as you advance. Passing a small traditional Andean village with llamas and alpacas grazing, the hike continues upward for another hour and a half, gaining 366 meters in just 2 miles / 3.5km. This is the most challenging section due to the steep climb and high altitude, so we will go very slowly with plenty of stops for photos and to catch your breath.
After you have reached the last hill, get your first incredible glimpse of the wonderful turquoise Humantay Lake at 4,200m / 13,779 ft. Enjoy the spectacular surrounding high peaks of the Peruvian Andes – a moment you will never forget.
Trekking along the final ridge, enjoy close-up views of the high Salkantay Mountain, considered to be one of Peru’s most sacred mountains by the traditional Andean people, reaching heights of 6,279 meters / 20,600 ft, towering above, covered in snow, all majestic and beautiful. You will also see Humantay Peak at 5,473m directly above the lake. According to traditional Andean beliefs, local Shamans still come to give blessings and make offerings to the Apus – the Mountain Spirits – at the crystal-clear waters of the amazing Humantay Lake.
On reaching the shore of the lake, relax and take in the beauty of the lake and surrounds. Have time to explore, take incredible photos of the turquoise water against the white glacier, and learn from your guide about the Andean cosmovision. Have a snack, reflect on your time at the lake, and enjoy the powerful energy of this sacred place.
Once you have finished enjoying the lake, trek back down to the trailhead at Soraypampa. The downhill trek takes about 1 hour and is much easier.
Travel back to Soraypampa where you can enjoy a tasty hot buffet lunch with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Our local cook prepares fresh, traditional Andean food.
On the return drive to Cusco, relax, sleep and reflect on an amazing day hiking in the high Andes. We will arrive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel around 5:00pm.
- Duration: Full Day 4:30am – 5:00pm – Door-to-door service from Cusco
- Distance: 7 km / 4.4 Miles Round Trip – 3 to 4 hours of hiking total
- Elevation: Trailhead 3,869m / 12,690 ft – Humantay Lake 4,200m / 13,779 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging – Difficult due to altitude and steep uphill climb. Suitable for travelers with basic fitness who are acclimatized in Cusco for 2 days.
- What You Will See: Turquoise Humantay Lake, Humantay Glacier 5,473m, Sacred Salkantay Mountain 6,279m, Apurimac River Valley, Traditional Andean Villages, Llamas and Alpacas
Hourly Schedule Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour
Timings are approximate and stay flexible to suit photo stops and hiking pace
Private pickup from your hotel in Cusco – Private van to Soraypampa – 3 hour scenic drive
4:30 AM
Arrival & Hot Breakfast
Arrive at Soraypampa (3,869m) – Hot breakfast included with panoramic mountain views
7:30 AM
Ascent Hike to Humantay Lake
Hike to Humantay Lake (4,200m) – 3.5km uphill – 366m ascent – Slow pace with professional guide
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Free Time at Turquoise Lake
Guided explanation, photo stops, traditional Andean blessing offering, and relaxation at the lake shore
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Descent Hike to Soraypampa
Hike down to Soraypampa trailhead – 1 hour downhill – Easier return journey
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hot Buffet Lunch
Hot buffet lunch in Soraypampa – Traditional Peruvian lunch served with mountain views
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Return Drive to Cusco
Scenic return drive to Cusco – Relax and sleep in comfortable private van
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Hotel Drop-off in Cusco
Arrive back at your hotel in Cusco – End of tour and door-to-door service
What’s Included for the 1 Day Humantay Lake Tour?
Included
- Hot breakfast and hot buffet lunch in Soraypampa with panoramic mountain views
- Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco with private van door to door service
- Professional trekking guide fluent in English and Spanish licensed and experienced local guide
- Fees to access private land and Humantay Lake community conservation fee
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank for your safety at high altitude
- Small group experience maximum 10 guests average 5 people per guide
- Walking sticks available on request free of charge
Not Included
- Water please bring at least 1.5 to 2 liters per person
- Tips for guide driver and cook optional but greatly appreciated
- Travel insurance recommended
- Horse rental available on the trail for approximately 20 to 30 USD one way you pay directly to local horseman
We run our trips daily with a 2 person minimum. We take only small groups and private trips to enhance the experience giving you the full attention of our guides and staff. We are a licensed tour operator based in Cusco with many years of experience.
Pricing – 1 Day Humantay Lake Tour
Tour Details: Small group tour with private door-to-door transportation, professional trekking guide, hot breakfast, hot buffet lunch, and all entrance fees included | Minimum 2 hikers to depart
Price Per Person (Small Group Tour)
- 2 Persons – Small Group Tour: $150 USD pp
- Private transportation, professional trekking guide, hot breakfast and hot buffet lunch, all entrance fees, first aid, and oxygen included
- 3 Persons – Small Group Tour: $125 USD pp
- Private transportation, professional trekking guide, hot breakfast and hot buffet lunch, all entrance fees, first aid, and oxygen included
- 4 Persons – Small Group Tour: $99 USD pp
- Private transportation, professional trekking guide, hot breakfast and hot buffet lunch, all entrance fees, first aid, and oxygen included
- 5 Persons – Small Group Tour: $80 USD pp
- Private transportation, professional trekking guide, hot breakfast and hot buffet lunch, all entrance fees, first aid, and oxygen included
- 6 Persons to 10 Persons – Small Group Tour: $70 USD pp
- Private transportation, professional trekking guide, hot breakfast and hot buffet lunch, all entrance fees, first aid, and oxygen included
Extras – Service Upgrade
- Extra – Private Service Upgrade: $50 USD pp
- For private service for 2 or more people on any date (private van and private guide just for your group)
Added Values For FREE
- Walking Sticks / Trekking Poles – FREE: Included
- Available on request free of charge to assist with the steep climb and descent
- All Entrance & Conservation Fees – FREE: Included
- Fees to access private land and Humantay Lake community conservation fees fully covered
- First Aid Kit & Emergency Oxygen Tank – FREE: Included
- Safety gear carried by your licensed guide along the trek for high-altitude emergency support
Key Information
- Availability & Small Groups: The 1 Day Humantay Lake Tour is available on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers. We run our tours daily. We take only small groups and private trips to enhance the experience giving you the full attention of our guides and staff. All entrance fees are included and we operate in small groups averaging 5 persons with a maximum of 10 per guide
What You Need to Pack for 1 Day Humantay Lake Tour
Tour Details: 7km / 4.4 miles round trip to 4,200m / 13,779 ft | Full-day challenging hike in the high Andes with hot breakfast and buffet lunch included
Cash, Documents, and Personal Items
- Passport Copy & Small Cash (Peruvian Soles)
- Original passport is not required for Humantay Lake (a physical copy or digital photo on your phone is sufficient)
- Bring small cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) for local toilet fees along the trail, tipping your guide or driver, snacks, or optional horse rental ($20 to $30 USD payable directly in cash to local horsemen)
- Personal Toiletries & First Aid
- Bring hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, lip balm, and personal medications (including altitude sickness medication like Acetazolamide/Diamox if prescribed)
- Guides carry a full first-aid kit and an emergency oxygen tank for high-altitude safety
Clothing, Footwear, and Weather Protection
- Layered Clothing for Extreme Temperature Changes
- The high Andes experience rapid weather shifts; wear base thermal layers, a breathable hiking shirt, a warm fleece layer, and a heavy thermal/down jacket
- Mornings in Soraypampa (3,869m) and the ridge at Humantay Lake (4,200m) can be very cold and windy, while the uphill hike will warm you up quickly
- Rain Protection (Jacket or Poncho)
- Bring a lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood or a durable rain poncho that covers both you and your daypack
- Andean mountain weather is unpredictable year-round, and rain or snow showers can occur suddenly
- Sturdy Hiking Boots or Shoes with Good Grip
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes with strong traction are required
- The 3.5km uphill trail gains 366 meters quickly over loose dirt, steep rocks, and slippery paths, making proper footwear essential for safety
- Sun Protection (High Altitude UV Protection)
- UV rays are intense above 4,000 meters; bring UV-blocking sunglasses, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm with SPF, and a wide-brimmed sun hat or cap to protect against severe sun exposure
- Cold Weather Accessories (Hat & Gloves)
- A warm beanie or wool hat to cover your ears and thermal/windproof gloves are essential when resting at the lake shore where glacial wind chills drop temperatures rapidly
Hydration, Gear, Snacks, and Electronics
- Small Daypack (20 to 25 Liters)
- A comfortable lightweight backpack (20L to 25L) is ideal for carrying personal essentials for the day
- Make sure it has enough room for water, extra warm layers, rain gear, camera, and personal snacks during the 7km trek
- Water Supply (1.5 to 2 Liters Minimum)
- Water is not included, so bring at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person in reusable bottles or a hydration bladder
- Staying well-hydrated is critical to mitigating altitude sickness and fatigue while climbing to 4,200m
- Trekking Poles / Walking Sticks
- Trekking poles significantly reduce impact on your knees during the steep 1-hour descent and provide stability on the rocky uphill path
- Walking sticks are available on request free of charge from your guide
- Energy Snacks & Camera Equipment
- Pack energy bars, chocolates, nuts, or dried fruit for quick energy during the steep climb
- Bring a camera or smartphone with fully charged batteries/power bank (cold mountain air drains battery life faster at high altitude)
