Our Humantay Lake trek leaves Cusco early, so we can enjoy a hearty American breakfast with a beautiful view in Mollepata. Then we continue by vehicle to Soraypampa, where the walk begins. A hike of about 1.5 hours takes us to the lake, where the Humantay and Salcantay snow-capped peaks rise above the turquoise water. After that, we return along the same route, enjoy a delicious lunch in Mollepata and head back to your hotel. Choose a shared or private service, and we tailor-make every detail to your travel style, needs and budget.
Turquoise Humantay Lake
Humantay and Salcantay snow-capped peaks
Led by a local expert team
Breakfast and lunch in Mollepata
Route and Itinerary
One Day, One Turquoise Lake
Follow the route from the start of the trek through Soraypampa to Humantay Lake and back, and check the altitude changes along the way.
Distance (round trip)
6.48 km
Walk to the lake
About 1.5 hrs
Start of the trek
3,810 m a.s.l.
Highest point
4,258 m a.s.l.
Route map
Elevation profile
Altitude comes from the route’s GPS track, so every value is in m a.s.l.
Itinerary
Your day begins at 4:30 a.m., when we pick you up at your hotel and head northeast of Cusco toward Mollepata. There, a hearty American breakfast with a beautiful view gives you the energy for the walk ahead. We continue by vehicle to Soraypampa, while your guide shares stories about the local flora, fauna and customs. Before we set off, your guide explains how to move at altitude, so you can enjoy every step.
Then the trail leads you for about 1.5 hours to Humantay Lake, where turquoise water rests beneath the snow-capped Humantay and Salcantay peaks. Pause by the shore to breathe, listen and take in the mountains. After a short rest, we return along the same route to Soraypampa, drive back to Mollepata for a delicious lunch, and bring you safely back to your hotel in Cusco.
Your day
What’s Included
Guide and safety
Professional tourism guide.
First-aid kit.
Meals and entrance
Breakfast and lunch.
Entrance fees.
Transport
Pickup and return to your hotel.
Tourist transport.
What’s not included
Tips for the guide.
Important Notes
Shared or private service, tailored to your dates and group size.
We pick you up at your hotel at 4:30 a.m.
A reusable water bottle is mandatory. Refilling it at your hotel each morning helps reduce plastic waste.
Times are approximate.
FAQ
Difficulty and altitude
The Humantay Lake trek is a full-day excursion with a walk of about 1.5 hours to the lake. According to our GPS track, the round trip covers 6.48 km and climbs about 450 m, from 3,810 m a.s.l. at the start of the trek to 4,258 m a.s.l. at Humantay Lake.
Good physical condition is recommended. Before the walk begins, your guide explains how to walk at altitude, and we carry a first-aid kit.
We recommend spending at least one full day in Cusco (3,399 m a.s.l.) before the trek, so your body has time to adjust to the altitude. The trek starts at 3,810 m a.s.l. and reaches 4,258 m a.s.l. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before you travel.
Packing and booking
Bring a reusable water bottle (mandatory), warm clothing, a small backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks and comfortable trekking shoes (please do not wear brand-new sneakers). Walking poles are also helpful. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Book as early as possible, so we can confirm availability for your dates.
You can choose a shared or a private service, and we tailor-make every detail to your travel style and needs. The price depends on your group size and the services you choose, so request a quote.
Write to us on WhatsApp with your preferred dates and group size, and we will confirm availability and explain how to secure your booking. We will reply as soon as we can.
Before and after the trek
On the day of the trek, we pick you up at your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and drive northeast of Cusco to Mollepata for breakfast. Then we continue to Soraypampa, where the walk begins.
Breakfast and lunch are included, and both are served in Mollepata. Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
After the hike back to Soraypampa, we drive you to Mollepata for lunch and then return to your hotel.
Vegetarian meals are available; vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals are available with advance notice. Times are approximate.
Pack light
What to bring
The bag you carry yourself while walking.
Sun and cold
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Warm clothing
Daypack essentials
Small backpack
Snacks
Footwear and poles
Comfortable trekking shoes (no brand-new sneakers)
Walking poles
Water
Reusable water bottle (mandatory)
Refill your water bottle at your hotel each morning: Cusco has no recycling system, so this helps reduce plastic waste.
Tripadvisor · 2026 Reviews
What Our Travelers Say
Recent Tripadvisor reviews of Santu trips in Peru, posted in 2026.
This is Santu’s overall rating, not a rating specific to the Humantay Lake trek.
“The experience was incredible; we were 3 families and we loved it. The level of food, the tents, the guides. A ten.”
Edgardo C · Toledo, Spain Written 4 August 2026 · Translated from Spanish by Tripadvisor
“… Giuliana exceeded our expectations. She did an amazing job listening to our wants/needs, make recommendations and take care of all the steps along the way. We felt fully informed.”
“Giuliana who is an amazing travel agent who planned everything for Us and give us lots of great ideas and she came with an amazing package that it took care of all our needs …”
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