Humantay Lake Full Day

The trekking to Humantay Lake, includes a challenging hike in the middle of nature, in the company of the highest snow-capped peaks of Cusco and beautiful landscapes, having as a final reward the visit to this turquoise jewel in the Andes. Therefore, we recommend that you enjoy this adventure without worries and leave everything in our hands!

• Departures: Every day.
• Duration: One day (5:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Maximum altitude: Laguna Humantay (4,200 masl).
• Distance of the hike: 5 km.
• Hiking time: 4:00 hours (round trip).
• Difficulty level: Medium.
• Type of trip: Hiking/Trekking.
• Group size: Less than 18 people per group. 
• Location: Anta.

SHORT ITINERARY

Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Cusco

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport to Mollepata. Duration: 2 hours.
• Breakfast at this point.
• We continue to Soraypampa Camp. Duration: 1 hour.
• Beginning of the hike from Soraypampa to the Humantay Lake. Duration: 2 hours.
• Visit to the Humantay Lake.
• Return hike to Soraypampa. Duration: 2 hours. 
• We continue by transport to Mollepata. 
• Lunch at Mollepata town
• Return to Cusco by tourist transport.

Note: The times indicated are only for reference.

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon - Cusco

We will start our trip very early in the morning, picking you up from your hotel at the agreed time. This in order to be able to fulfill all our itinerary. We will travel in our tourist transport to the northwest of Cusco for 2 hours. We will arrive to Mollepata town (2,800 meters above sea level), where we can already feel the energy of the Andes. At this point we will have a delicious breakfast, which will allow us to be ready for the hike.

We will continue in our transport for another hour until we arrive at Soraypampa Camp (3,900 masl). In this area we will begin our hike to the Humantay Lake, with a duration of two hours. On the route, we will be able to see streams, small waterfalls and in the background the imposing Nevado Salkantay (6,270 masl). Revered by the locals as an Andean deity. On our way we will see some alpacas and llamas that graze in the area. 

Following the route will arrive to a point where we will begin our ascent. For this reason, we must climb slowly, following the directions of our guide to avoid fatigue. At the end of this path we will find the great reward of this adventure. Surrounded by mountains covered by a soft velvet of vegetation and bathed by the waters of a snow-capped mountain, we find the Humantay Lake. Its turquoise color is completely real.

Once here, our guide will tell us more about this natural jewel and then we will be able to walk around the lake. At the highest points we will have incredible views and get unique panoramic photos. We will also take some time to relax, breathe fresh air and enjoy the energy that emanates from these soothing waters. Remembering that for many this is a sacred place.

Our return hike will last two hours. We will head back to the starting point Soraypampa Camp. Then, in our transport we will continue to Mollepata where a delicious typical lunch will be waiting for us. and after a short rest, we will return to Cusco.

Note: 

• To avoid trekking fatigue. There is the option of renting horses.
• The times indicated are for reference only.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped mountains.

Both are considered Andean deities. Legends say that Salkantay is the father of Humantay. The truth is that both snow-capped peaks are gigantic and imposing, being part of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. The intense white color that characterizes them, together with the clouds that normally settle on the top, make unforgettable images.

Apachetas

On the way and in the same lagoon you will find this pile of stones, known as "Apacheta" which has a sacred meaning. On the one hand, its purpose is to ask the Pachamama to take care of the travelers on their way, on the other hand, it is a sign of respect and gratitude. You will see many of them on this day hike to Humantay lake.

Humantay Lake

Although, it has many complementary names because of how famous it is, the truth is that it is considered a sacred area. While in the more technical part, the origin of its colors is due to the fact that its waters selectively absorb sunlight, leaving the blue and green colors to our sight. Supporting this mission are the algae and minerals inside the lake.

INCLUDED:

• Pick up service from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport Cusco - Mollepata - Cusco.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• 1 breakfast.
• 1 lunch.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Walking stick for the hike.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Entrance fee to the Humantay Lake: 20.00 soles for foreigners and 10.00 soles for Peruvians.
• Horse rental (Its use is optional). Average cost: 80.00 soles.
• Tips.
• Travel insurance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What should we bring for our trip?

In our trekking to Humantay Lake, we can find varied climates for that reason we recommend you to bring:

General:

• Passport or Identification Document.
• Trekking shoes.
• Light backpack to carry personal belongings. Preferably with rain protection.
• Cell phone/camera.
• Portable charger.
• Personal snacks (water, dried fruits, etc.).
• Personal medication.
• Mosquito repellent.

For the cold or rain:

• Warm clothing: warm jacket, polo shirt and pants, gloves, socks, etc.
• Waterproof clothing/rain poncho.

For the sun:

• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are some recommendations to consider before your trip to the Humantay Lake:

• We recommend you to be acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before doing this tour. You must be at least two days in the city. You can previously do other tours such as the Cusco City tour, Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley.

• We will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel and walk for approximately 4 hours. For this reason, we recommend that the day before the trip you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or partying.
• The hike to  Humantay Lake day trip has areas that are flat, but also steep climbs. For this reason, there is the option of renting horses to avoid fatigue.
• You must be in good physical condition to be able to do this tour, as you will have to walk for approximately 4 hours.
• This tour is not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Swimming is prohibited in the Humantay Lake.

Group service: 45 usd per person,  you wil join a group tour, it could be bilingual languaje

Private service: the price depend of the number of people.