Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake near Cusco: where it is, its elevation, the hike from Soraypampa, entrance fee, weather, what to wear, and whether you can swim.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
Humantay Lake is a turquoise glacial lake at about 4,200 m (13,800 ft), below the Humantay glacier and close to Salkantay mountain, in the Cusco region of Peru. It is a day trip from Cusco: about 3.5 hours by road to Soraypampa, then a 1.5-hour hike up. Along with Rainbow Mountain, it is one of the most popular hikes from Cusco. This guide, from our team in Cusco, covers where it is, the hike, the elevation, the fee, the weather and what to wear.
Humantay Lake at a glance
| Location | Mollepata district, Anta province, Cusco region, Peru |
| Elevation | About 4,200 m (13,800 ft) |
| Trailhead | Soraypampa, about 3,900 m (12,800 ft) |
| From Cusco | About 120 km by road, around 3.5 hours |
| Hike | About 1.5 h up and 1 h down |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging, because of the altitude and the slope |
| Best time | April to October (dry season) |
| Entrance fee | S/ 20 (included in our tour) |
| Swimming | Not allowed |
Where is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is in the Mollepata district, Anta province, in the Cusco region of southern Peru. It sits in the Vilcabamba range, below the Humantay glacier and very close to Salkantay (6,271 m), one of the most sacred mountains for the Incas. That is why the road to the lake is also the start of the Salkantay Trek.
The route is Cusco → Anta plain → Limatambo → Mollepata → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake. Soraypampa is the last point vehicles reach; from there you go up on foot or on horseback.
Elevation of Humantay Lake
The lake is at about 4,200 m above sea level, or 13,800 ft. The hike starts at Soraypampa, at about 3,900 m, so you gain about 300 m, but in a short distance: that is why the climb feels hard.
For comparison, Cusco is at 3,400 m and Rainbow Mountain at about 5,000 m. If you arrive from sea level, spend at least 2 days in Cusco before going to Humantay. Read our guide to Machu Picchu and Cusco altitude.
How to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco
On a day tour (the easiest way)
Most travelers go on a full-day tour:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 4:30 am | Pickup at your hotel in Cusco, breakfast in Mollepata |
| 7:30 am | Arrival at Soraypampa |
| 8:30 am | Start the hike to the lake |
| 10:00 am | About an hour at the lake |
| 11:30 am | Back down to Soraypampa for lunch |
| 5:30 pm | Back in Cusco |
Our Humantay Lake tour leaves Cusco every day, with transport, breakfast, lunch, guide and the entrance fee included.
Without a guide
You can also go on your own: public transport from Cusco to Mollepata (2.5–3 hours), then a taxi or shared car on the dirt road to Soraypampa (about 1 hour). Keep in mind that:
- you need to leave very early to be back the same day;
- transport from Mollepata to Soraypampa has no fixed schedule and is more expensive alone;
- you still pay the S/ 20 entrance fee at the checkpoint.
The trail itself is clear and easy to follow. If you are short on time, a tour is usually more convenient.
The hike to Humantay Lake
From Soraypampa, the trail climbs the glacier’s moraine in a zigzag. It takes about 1.5 hours up at a steady pace and about 1 hour down on the same path. It is not technical, but the slope and the altitude make it moderate to challenging.
- Go at your own pace: stop every few minutes, breathe deeply and drink water.
- On horseback: horses can be rented in Soraypampa for most of the way up, paid in soles to the community horsemen. The last stretch is on foot.
- At the lake: you have about an hour for photos and rest. Many guides make a small offering to the mountain with coca leaves, an Andean tradition.
The S/ 20 entrance fee is paid at the checkpoint run by the local community. It is included in our tour. Carry your passport, as it may be checked.
Weather at Humantay Lake
Because of the altitude, it is cold most of the year:
- Early morning: very cold, and below freezing in June and July.
- At the lake: often windy.
- At midday: the sun is very strong even when the air is cold.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | April to October | Clearer skies and the best turquoise color. Very cold mornings, especially in June and July. |
| Rainy | November to March | Frequent rain, clouds and a slippery trail. Greener and less crowded. |
The lake is open all year. It can close for a few days because of bad weather or landslides on the road; if that happens on your date, we let you know and find another option. For the weather in the month you travel, see Machu Picchu month by month, for example Machu Picchu in July.
What to wear to Humantay Lake
- Layers: a thermal base layer, a fleece and a windproof jacket.
- A waterproof jacket or rain poncho (essential from November to March).
- A warm hat, gloves and a scarf or buff.
- Hiking shoes with good grip.
- Sunglasses, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen.
- A reusable water bottle and snacks.
- Cash in soles for the horse, restrooms and tips.
- Your original passport.
Can you swim in Humantay Lake?
No. Swimming is forbidden: for the local communities, the lake and the surrounding glaciers are sacred. The water also comes from the melting glacier and is freezing. Please respect the signs and take your rubbish with you.
Humantay Lake vs. Rainbow Mountain
Many travelers have time for only one high-altitude day hike from Cusco. Here is how they compare:
| Humantay Lake | Rainbow Mountain | Ausangate 7 Lakes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest point | About 4,200 m | About 5,000 m | Higher than Humantay |
| Hike | 1.5 h up, steep zigzag | 1.5–2 h up, steep finish | A loop past several lakes |
| Scenery | Turquoise lake and glacier | Striped mountain and the Red Valley | Lakes, glaciers and hot springs |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging | Challenging (altitude) | Moderate to challenging |
| Tour | Humantay Lake tour | Rainbow Mountain tour | Ausangate 7 Lakes |
If it is your first high-altitude hike, Humantay is the gentler choice. It also works well as acclimatization before the Classic Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. With two free days in Cusco, you can do both: Humantay first, Rainbow Mountain second.
Tips for visiting Humantay Lake
- Acclimatize: spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the hike.
- Eat a light breakfast and drink water; avoid alcohol the night before.
- Go early: morning light shows the turquoise color best.
- Protect yourself from the sun: at 4,200 m it burns even when it is cold.
- Respect the place: do not swim, stay on the trail and carry out your rubbish.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Cusco day tour
Humantay Lake
Day hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake below the Salkantay glacier. Transport, breakfast, lunch, guide and entrance fee included.
Cusco day tour
Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
Hike Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, and the Red Valley in one day from Cusco. Breakfast, lunch, guide and community fees included.
Andean trek
Salkantay Trek
Cross the 4,630 m Salkantay Pass, turquoise Humantay Lake and cloud forest to Machu Picchu. Camps, meals, train and Machu Picchu ticket included.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Where is Humantay Lake?
In the Mollepata district, Anta province, in the Cusco region of Peru, about 120 km by road from the city of Cusco. It lies below the Humantay glacier in the Vilcabamba range, close to Salkantay mountain.
What is the elevation of Humantay Lake?
About 4,200 m (13,800 ft) above sea level. The hike starts at Soraypampa, at about 3,900 m (12,800 ft), so you climb about 300 m.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
About 1.5 hours up a steep zigzag trail from Soraypampa and about 1 hour down. You can rent a horse for most of the way up.
Can you swim in Humantay Lake?
No. Swimming is forbidden because the lake is sacred to the local communities, and the glacial water is freezing.
How much is the entrance fee?
S/ 20 per person, paid at the checkpoint run by the local community. It is included in our tour.
Can you visit Humantay Lake without a guide?
Yes. You can take public transport to Mollepata and a taxi to Soraypampa, then hike on a clear trail. You need to leave very early, and transport on the last stretch has no fixed schedule.
What is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?
April to October, the dry season, when skies are clearer and the turquoise color looks best. It is open in the rainy season too, but the trail gets slippery.
Is Humantay Lake harder than Rainbow Mountain?
No. Humantay is lower (about 4,200 m vs. 5,000 m) and the hike is shorter, though steeper in places. Rainbow Mountain is higher, colder and longer.
Is Humantay Lake worth it?
Yes. The turquoise water below a glacier, with Salkantay nearby, is one of the most beautiful day trips from Cusco, and a good way to acclimatize for longer treks.