Photo gallery
Humantay Lake tour photos
Tour overview
Humantay Lake tour at a glance
A turquoise glacier lake at 4,200 m, below the peak of Salkantay. A shorter, greener alternative to Rainbow Mountain.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Humantay Lake tour
- Turquoise glacier lake at about 4,200 m
- Views of the Salkantay snow peak
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Shorter and greener than Rainbow Mountain
Detailed itinerary
Humantay Lake tour itinerary
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
4:30 am — Pickup and drive to Mollepata
We pick you up at your Cusco hotel and drive west through the high plains of Anta and down into the Limatambo valley. Breakfast is in the village of Mollepata, at the start of the Salkantay route, where you can use the toilets and buy snacks or rent a walking pole.
7:30 am — Soraypampa
A narrow dirt road climbs to Soraypampa, a wide meadow at the foot of the Salkantay glacier (6,271 m), the second most sacred mountain of the Incas. Your guide gives you a short briefing on the hike, the altitude and the horses available for hire.
8:30 am — Hike up to Humantay Lake
The trail climbs steadily up the moraine in tight zigzags, with stops to catch your breath. At the top, the turquoise Humantay Lake lies at the foot of the Humantay glacier, and its color changes with the light and the clouds. You have about an hour to enjoy it, take photos and watch your guide make a traditional offering to the mountain with coca leaves.
11:30 am — Down to Soraypampa and lunch
You walk back down the same trail to Soraypampa, where lunch is served in a local restaurant, a welcome hot meal after the hike.
Afternoon — Return to Cusco
The van drives back to Mollepata and up across the plains to Cusco, dropping you at your hotel in the late afternoon.
What's included
What's included in the Humantay Lake tour
Included
- transport
- guide
- breakfast and lunch
- Humantay entrance fee
- oxygen and first-aid kit
Not included
- horse rental
- tips
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport
- Warm layers, wool hat, gloves and a rain jacket
- Sunglasses, sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
- Hiking shoes, a refillable water bottle and snacks
- Cash in soles for the horse, toilets and tips
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Humantay Lake tour FAQs
Is Humantay a good warm-up for Salkantay or the Inca Trail?
Yes. It helps your body adjust to altitude before a multi-day trek.
Humantay or Rainbow Mountain?
Humantay is lower, greener and shorter. Rainbow Mountain is higher and colder.
Can I swim in the lake?
No. Swimming is not allowed because the lake is sacred to the local communities.
How hard is the Humantay Lake hike?
About 1.5 hours up a steep zigzag trail from Soraypampa (3,900 m) to the lake (4,200 m), and about 1 hour down. Horses are available for most of the way up, paid locally in soles.
What time does the tour start?
Pickup at your Cusco hotel is at 4:30 am. Breakfast is in Mollepata, and you reach Soraypampa around 7:30 am.
What is the minimum age?
8 years, because of the altitude.
What should I bring?
Warm layers for the cold morning and the wind at the lake, sun protection for later, a rain jacket from November to March and your original passport, which is checked at the entrance.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Seamless Last-Minute Machu Picchu Trip!
“The entire process was seamless, and everyone was absolutely wonderful to work with.”
★★★★★
Once in a lifetime experience, curated by kind professionals.
“All this mess of mine was treated with kind understanding, prompt replies, and genuine friendliness.”
★★★★★
Professional attention and impeccable support
“Always responding quickly, clearly, and professionally.”
Translated from Spanish
