This tour takes you to one of Cusco’s newest and most stunning natural attractions: Humantay Lake. Located in the Soraypampa region, this turquoise lagoon was once a hidden gem for trekkers heading to the Salkantay Mountain.
Now, it’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes. The hike is manageable if you’ve acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude, and the reward is a mesmerizing view of the lake surrounded by towering Andean peaks.
What is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake, whose name means “Head of the Gods,†is nestled on the slopes leading to the high jungle. It’s considered the most beautiful lake in Cusco, with its striking turquoise waters formed by the melting snow of the Humantay Mountain, part of the Salkantay range. The lake’s unique color comes from its crystal-clear waters and the reflection of the sky, creating a scene that’s perfect for photography.
Where is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is located near the Salkantay Glacier in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru. Its coordinates are:
The lake sits at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level and is about a 1.5-hour hike from the Soraypampa community in the Mollepata district.
Highlights of the Tour
Your day begins early with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. From there, you’ll embark on a 2.5-hour drive to the town of Mollepata, where you’ll stop for breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues to Soraypampa (3,900 meters / 12,795 feet), the starting point of the hike.
The hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 meters / 13,780 feet) takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll pass through stunning landscapes, including wide pampas and views of the Salkantay Mountain. Once at the lake, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and soak in the beauty of the turquoise waters.
Afterward, you’ll return to Soraypampa and head back to Mollepata for lunch. The tour concludes with a drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM.
To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:
Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:
This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
“ITAN Adventure” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “ITAN Adventure,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “ITAN Adventure,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “ITAN Adventure” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “ITAN Adventure” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“ITAN Adventure” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
EXCLUSIVE HUMANTAY LAKE ADVENTURE
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Small Group Tour | $160 USD |
| 4+ Travelers | Contact for deal |
Notes:
Why Choose This Tour?
✅ Small Groups: Intimate experience with personalized attention.
✅ Flexible Payments: Secure your spot with ease.
✅ Breathtaking Views: Trek to the iconic turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
Book now and embrace the Andes’ natural beauty! đŸ”ï¸đŸ’§
Additional Recommendations
Transportation Options
Horse Rental
For those who prefer not to hike the entire way, horses are available for rent at Soraypampa. The cost is approximately 90 Peruvian soles ($30) for the uphill journey.
Weather Information
| Month | Max. Temperature | Min. Temperature | Rainfall Frequency |
| January | 18°C / 64°F | 6°C / 42°F | High |
| February | 18°C / 64°F | 6°C / 42°F | High |
| March | 18°C / 64°F | 6°C / 42°F | High |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 4°C / 39°F | Medium |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 2°C / 35°F | Low |
| June | 18°C / 64°F | 0°C / 32°F | Low |
| July | 18°C / 64°F | 0°C / 32°F | Low |
| August | 19°C / 64°F | 1°C / 33°F | Low |
| September | 19°C / 64°F | 3°C / 37°F | Low |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 5°C / 41°F | Medium |
| November | 20°C / 68°F | 5°C / 41°F | Medium |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 6°C / 42°F | Medium |
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Humantay Lake vs. Rainbow Mountain
Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain are popular hikes in Cusco. While Humantay Lake Tour offers a serene turquoise lagoon surrounded by mountains, Rainbow Mountain is known for its vibrant striped colors. Each requires a full day to visit, so plan accordingly if you want to experience both.
Final Tips
This tour is a perfect option to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Andes in just one day!
