Name: Humantay Lake Peru Day Trip – Lake Humantay
Brand: Machu Picchu Peru Cusco
SKU: 1

+51 982 052 038 info@machupicchuperucusco.com

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Tour Details

Humantay Lake is a hidden gem in Cusco, Peru as the Rainbow Mountain. It is one of the popular full day tours from Cusco.

Laguna Humantay or Lago Humantay as referred by locals is a turquoise lake up in the Andes. The high altitude lake has been sacred for ages. It flows on the foothills of Mount Humantay and Salkantay Peak. Apu Salkantay is one of the sacred peaks in the Incan mythology.

Often Andean priests (Shamans) hike to the lake to seek blessings of Apus (Mountains) and Pachamama (Mother Earth). They offer something called Apacheta to express their gratitude. It is a process where they pile stones each on top of the other.

The name “Humantay” derives from the snow capped peak which feeds the lake. Depending on the weather the shade of water varies from emerald to dark green.

From the base camp in Sorayapampa, it is a 1.5 hours hike. The route offers a captivating view of the snow capped Andean peaks and farms. You will also be passing through herds of Llamas and Alpacas.

The trek up to the lagoon could be somewhat challenging to some. Hence we highly recommend you to be properly acclimatize in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness. If you are not sure of hiking you can also rent a horse from the community to reach the turquoise waters of Humantay.

We also offer a Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco on a group tour or private tour.

Why Machu Picchu Peru Cusco?

Machu Picchu Peru Cusco is a local tour operator based in Cusco. Travelling with us means adventure, fun and security. We maintain high safety standards. Our guides are trained on first aid and use of Oxygen cans.

We believe that choosing the right travel company is important to determine your experience in Cusco. We aim to offer a seamless experience that would make your trip unforgettable. Check our reviews in TripAdvisor.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

04:20 in the morning

Price Includes

Transport
Bi-lingual guide
Breakfast and Lunch
First aid kit

Price Excludes

Entrance Fees (10 Soles)
Guide Gratuity
Any Private Expenses

Things to carry

Daypack to carry your things.
Sunscreen
Snacks and Water
Peruvian soles in cash

04:00 - 04:35 Pickup to your hotel or hostel
04:40 - 08:40 Cusco to Mollepata
08:40 - 09:30 Breakfast in Mollepata
09:30 - 11:00 Start walking from Soraypampa to Humantay Lagoon
12:30 - 14:00 Trekking back to Soraypampa
14:00 - 15:00 Lunch in Soraypampa
15:00 - 18:00 Back Soraypampa to Cusco

Itinerary

Humantay Lake From Cusco

We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transport, we will embark on a drive to Mollepata. It is a small Andean village. Here we will be stopping for breakfast.

After relishing on a nutritious Peruvian breakfast, we will be driving along the panoramic sight of Apurimac Valley to Sorayapampa. It is the starting point of the trek.

Here, our guide will give you a short briefing and will share some tips on hiking in the Andes. Sorayapampa is at 3871 metres above sea level and Humantay Lake nestles at 4236 metres. It normally takes an hour and a half to reach.

If you are feeling tired, you can rent a horse from the community at an additional cost. The lake is truly a hidden gem, you will discover this on this tour.

Our guide will give you an insight to the Andean mythology and why the lake is sacred to locals. You will have ample of time to immerse in the beauty and tranquility of the lagoon.

Once you have had your fill, we will start our hike back down to the parking lot. Our driver will pick you up from here and will drive you to Mollepata. We will stop here for lunch.

After lunch, we will be driving back to Cusco. We will be dropping you off at Plaza Regocijo at around 0600 PM.

Photos

FAQs

How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?

Humantay Lake trail head (Sorayapampa) is at a three hours drive away from Cusco. It takes 1.5 hours hike from Sorayapampa to reach Humantay Lake.

Can you swim in Humantay Lake?

Yes you can swim in Humantay Lake.

Is Humantay Lake worth it?

Yes it is totally worth visiting Humantay Lake.

Can you get to Humantay lake and back in 8 hours?

Yes, you can. It is a full day trip from Cusco.

Can you go to Humantay lake without hiking?

Yes, you can visit Humantay Lake without hiking. You can rent a horse from Sorayapampa.

3 Reviews

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William

Solo Traveller

everything was perfect, the service was spectacular. the guide Jaime was great very attentive …. SUPER RECOMMENDABLE …
the delicious food!!!
It was an amazing experience the colors of the lagoon are from another world, the landscapes very beautiful. EVERY MOMENT HAS BEEN INTERESTING.

April 15, 2020

Fernanda

Solo Traveller

The tour was in a group, it was well organized by Karen’s agency, the way to get there is steep, a bit strenuous, but the effort rewards the beautiful view and the landscape, as they say the good things are not easy but it is rewarding, the route It became beautiful and stimulating to continue walking and arrive, the experience with Alex the guide was great

February 11, 2020

Yesem

Group Traveller

THE tour was a complete success … the guide and driver were very attentive and professional, always punctual and everything well organized, we were able to get to LAGUNA HUMANTAY with effort but we all arrived and it was the best you appreciate in all its splendor the great beauty from LAGUNA
our experience was very good, we felt well informed and accompanied throughout the excursion.
EVERYONE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL

December 10, 2019

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Humantay Lake Peru Day Trip – Lake Humantay

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