INCA
Moderate to difficult
Classic Inca Trail
4 days / 3 nights · Dead Woman's Pass 4,215 m · tents · Machu Picchu at sunrise
Humantay Lake.
A turquoise lake at the foot of the Humantay snow-capped peak, one day from Cusco.
Duration1 day
Max. altitude4,200 m
DifficultyModerate
FromUSD 70
The route
What the experience is like
The Humantay Lake tour takes you from Cusco to a turquoise lake at 4,200 m at the foot of the Salkantay snow-capped peak, with breakfast, lunch and hotel pick-up included.
It is the most spectacular day trip from Cusco and a great way to acclimatize before the Inca Trail or Salkantay. A short but intense climb takes you to a glacial lake of a color that looks unreal.
Humantay Lake full day from Cusco: what to expect
We leave in the early hours, walk between an hour and a half and two hours to the lake and return to Cusco in the afternoon. It is an excellent first excursion to acclimatize before a multi-day trek. More details in our Humantay Lake guide.
Turquoise water
Glacial lake at the foot of Humantay (5,473 m).
Acclimatization
Perfect before a multi-day trek.
Meals included
Breakfast in Mollepata and buffet lunch.
Optional horse
You can ride a horse up if you prefer.
Itinerary
- Transfer · 3 h
4:30 · Pick-up at your hotel
We leave Cusco toward Mollepata, where we stop for breakfast.
- Start of the hike · 3,850 m
8:30 · Soraypampa
We start the zigzag climb with the Salkantay snow-capped peak in the background.
- 4,200 m · 1 h free
10:00 · Humantay Lake
Time for photos, an offering to the Pachamama and rest by the lake.
- Arrival in Cusco 18:00
13:00 · Lunch and return
We descend to Soraypampa and have lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco.
All set to walk
Included
- Pick-up and return to your hotel in Cusco
- Professional bilingual guide
- Breakfast and buffet lunch
- Tourist transport
- Oxygen and first-aid kit
What you will see
Frequently asked questions
Before you go
Is it very demanding?
The climb lasts 1 to 1.5 hours and is steep because of the altitude. If you have spent at least one day in Cusco you can do it at your own pace.
Can you swim in the lake?
No. It is a sacred place for local communities and the water is glacial.
What clothes should I bring?
Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, hat, sunscreen and trekking shoes.
Guides for this tour
Keep exploring
Other routes
SALKANTAY
Challenging
Salkantay via Llactapata
5 days / 4 nights · Pass at 4,650 m · coffee in Lucmabamba · hot springs · Llactapata
SHORT INCA
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