Experience one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Andes on a guided Humantay Lake hike from Cusco, where turquoise waters meet towering snow-capped peaks. This unforgettable day tour takes you deep into the Salkantay region, offering a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and high-altitude beauty.
Hike through dramatic mountain scenery to Humantay Lake, a stunning glacial lagoon over 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the sacred Salkantay and Humantay mountains while your expert guide supports you through a rewarding, well-paced trek.
Designed for travelers seeking challenge and comfort, this Humantay Lake day tour combines small-group or private service, professional guidance, and seamless logistics to deliver an authentic journey into the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
This is Not Just a Hike, It’s One of Peru’s Most Iconic Landscapes
Challenge yourself and experience a glacier-fed lake that is unmatched in its beauty.
Claim Your Spot Before the Trail Fills Up!
Overview
Itinerary
Inclusions
Packing List
Prices
FAQS
Discover Humantay lake tour
Join our guided hike from Cusco to Humantay Lake, one of the most scenic locations in the Andes. This high-altitude journey takes you to a turquoise glacial lagoon at the base of the sacred Salkantay mountain.
The hike starts in the Soraypampa valley and passes through alpine scenery to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), where turquoise waters contrast with snowy peaks. Your guide will adjust to your pace and share insights on Andean nature, culture, and the significance of the mountains.
Why Choose This Tour
This Humantay Lake tour is ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful connection with nature and a rewarding high-altitude adventure.
Iconic Andean Scenery: Experience one of Peru’s most photographed natural wonders.
High-Altitude Adventure: Enjoy a challenging yet accessible trek.
Authentic Experience: Learn about Andean traditions and mountain spirituality.
Well-Paced Journey: Benefit from guided support for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Seamless Logistics: Enjoy organized transportation and a well-managed experience from start to finish.
Humnatay Lake Tour Details
Duration: Full day, about 8 to 9 hours
Departure: Early morning pickup, around 4:30 AM
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Maximum altitude: 4,200 meters or 13,780 feet
Start Point: Cusco
Best for: Adventure seekers and nature lovers
Tour Highlights
Hike to the scenic Humantay Lake.
Enjoy views of the Salkantay and Humantay peaks.
Explore the Soraypampa valley.
Experience high-altitude Andean landscapes.
Capture panoramic photographs of the landscape.
Travel with Confidence
We prioritize your safety and comfort throughout this high-altitude experience.
Professional mountain guides
Gradual pacing tailored to your fitness level.
Oxygen and first-aid support are available.
Comfortable transportation is provided to and from the trailhead.
All logistics are fully organized to ensure a stress-free experience.
Depart Cusco at 4:30 AM in a luxury executive vehicle, heading through the scenic Limatambo Valley. Arrive at the Soraypampa base camp for a private gourmet breakfast prepared with organic Andean ingredients, designed for high-altitude energy.
The Ascent: Guided Trek to the Glacial Rim
Begin the steady climb through rugged alpine terrain under the expert guidance of your Senior Mountain Guide. Your guide will manage a bespoke pace to ensure comfortable acclimatization while sharing insights into the glacial geology and sacred "Apu" mythology.
The Summit: Turquoise Waters & Sacred Peaks
Reach the 4,200m shoreline of the Humantay Lagoon. Enjoy private time at this turquoise jewel, participate in a traditional stone-offering ceremony, and access exclusive vantage points for unobstructed photography of the Humantay and Salkantay peaks.
Afternoon: Restorative Lunch & Return
Descend to base camp for a multi-course, farm-to-table lunch featuring restorative Andean-fusion cuisine. Your journey concludes with a tranquil private transfer, arriving directly at your hotel door in the early evening.
Accommodation: No include
Tickets: Include
Meals: Breakfasta and Lunch
What Is Included in Your Tour
We manage every logistical detail so you can focus entirely on the raw glacial beauty and spiritual energy of the high Andes. This private expedition is fully inclusive of the following premium services:
Senior Mountain Guide
A licensed, expert-level trekking specialist with advanced training in high-altitude safety, glacial geology, and the Andean mythology of the Salkantay region.
Executive Private Transportation
Door-to-door service in a modern, climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated professional chauffeur, providing a safe and tranquil 6-hour round-trip journey to the trailhead.
Gourmet High-Altitude
Dining A curated culinary experience featuring a hot, private breakfast and a multi-course restorative farm-to-table lunch at a premium mountain lodge, showcasing organic Andean ingredients.
Humantay Trail & Community Permits
All-access entry fees and local community permits for the Soraypampa area and the Humantay Lagoon pre-secured for a seamless arrival.
High-Alpine Wellness Kit
Our guides and vehicles are equipped with medical-grade emergency oxygen, professional first-aid kits, and pulse oximeters to monitor your wellness at 4,200 meters.
100% Bespoke Flexibility
As a private trek, you dictate the pace. Whether you need more time for acclimatization or want to spend an extra hour for professional photography at the shoreline, the day is tailored to your rhythm.
What is Not Included
Personal Gratuities: Tips for your private mountain guide and chauffeur, which are entirely at your discretion as a reflection of your satisfaction. Personal Travel Insurance: We highly recommend comprehensive coverage that specifically includes high-altitude trekking for all international travel within Peru.
What to Pack for the Humantay Lake Day Hike
Prepare for a high-altitude adventure with the right essentials. Each item will help you stay comfortable, safe, and enjoy the experience.
Clothing & Hiking Gear
Trekking boots or hiking shoes Essential for the rocky, uneven trail. Good grip and ankle support make the hike safer and more comfortable.
Trekking pants Lightweight and flexible, ideal for hiking. They protect your legs from sun, wind, and dust.
Warm layers (jacket or fleece) Temperatures can drop quickly near the lake. Layering helps you adjust during the hike.
Waterproof jacket or poncho Weather in the Andes can change quickly, especially during the rainy season.
Sun & Weather Protection
Sun hat or cap Protects you from strong high-altitude sun.
Sunglasses Reduces glare and protects your eyes from intense UV rays.
Sunscreen The sun is much stronger at altitude, even on cloudy days.
Lip balm The air is dry and cold. Lip balm is essential to avoid cracked lips.
Essentials
Small daypack (backpack) Easily carry all your essentials during the hike without extra weight.
2 liters of water Hydration is key at high altitude and during physical activity.
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate) Helps maintain energy levels during the hike.
Camera or smartphone You’ll want to capture the stunning views of Humantay Lake.
Pack light but smart. Every item should have a purpose. Comfort and hydration are key at 4,200 meters.
Humanatay Lake Day Hike Price
Experience the breathtaking majesty of the high Andes with expert-led mountain guiding, all-inclusive luxury logistics, and a bespoke trekking pace. This expedition highlights the pinnacle of natural alpine beauty, from the sacred glacial peaks of Salkantay to the vibrant, turquoise waters of the Humantay Lagoon.
Group Expedition Pricing. Max 06 People.
$130 per person (Min 2 people)
For a more personalized adventure, book a private tour that suits your group size and enjoy the Sacred Valley at your own pace.
Why Book with Qoricancha Expeditions?
Instant Permit Confirmation: We secure your legal permits immediately upon booking.
No Hidden Fees: Your price includes Guide, transportation, entry fees and lunch.
Support Local:Qoricancha Expeditions funds the library through a percentage-of-profit model. A portion of the cost from every Tour or Inca Trail booking goes directly towards:
Book Donations: Purchasing textbooks, literature in both Spanish and Quechua, and reference materials.
Infrastructure: Maintaining the physical space and providing furniture like desks and shelves.
Supplies: Providing basic school supplies (notebooks, pens, art materials) that are distributed to the children who use the library.
Authentic Native Guides | Deep Incan History | Cusco Based Company
The hike is considered challenging due to the steep incline and high altitude. The ascent typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Because this is a private tour, your guide will set a bespoke pace tailored to your fitness level, ensuring a safe and manageable experience.
We prioritize a 4:30 AM pickup to reach the trailhead before the large commercial bus groups. The tour typically lasts 10 to 12 hours, returning you to your hotel in Cusco by late afternoon.
Yes. If you prefer not to hike the entire way, local community members offer horse rentals at the trailhead. While our tour is designed as a trek, your guide can assist you in arranging a horse if you find the elevation gain too strenuous.
The Humantay Lagoon sits at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). This is significantly higher than Cusco. We strongly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimatize before attempting this trek.
Weather at the glacier is unpredictable. We recommend wearing layers (thermal base, fleece, and a waterproof outer shell), sturdy hiking boots, a hat, and high-SPF sunblock. We provide professional trekking poles for your stability.
Yes. Your tour is fully inclusive. This covers private executive transport, a senior mountain guide, all community entrance fees at Soraypampa, and gourmet breakfast and lunch.
Our safety protocol includes carrying medical-grade oxygen and a comprehensive first-aid kit on every trek. Your guide is trained in altitude physiology and will monitor your oxygen saturation levels throughout the ascent.
Absolutely. Our farm-to-table lunch can be tailored for vegan, gluten-free, or any specific allergy requirements. Please notify us at the time of booking so our culinary team can prepare a bespoke menu for you.
Due to the physical exertion and extreme altitude, we recommend this tour for active travelers. However, with the option of horse rentals and our private, pace-adjusted guiding, it is accessible to any traveler in good physical condition.
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We had a wonderful couple of days on this trip. The trek on the first day was fab- 500-600m of ascent through jungle with orchids and other exotic plants. Chef prepared lunch on the mountain was a lovely surprise. Our guide, Aldo, was charming, amenable and knowledgeable. Arriving at the sun gate for the first view of Machu Picchu was amazing . And great to have the opportunity to return on the second day to visit close up and learn more about the site.
Kng M
Like friends giving the best tour
there are many operators for this tour itinerary but we are glad we chose Qoricancha Expeditions. Ronaldo is quick in responding to our queries, helped to arrange airport transfer for us and always checking on us. Our guide Simon took good care of us and is very patient and encouraging during our hikes. They are like friends giving us the best tour. highly recommend!
Kerry M
Amazing!
Amazing! We booked our short Inca Trail hike with Qoricancha Expeditions, and it was a great experience. Upon booking online, we were immediately contacted via email to confirm our details. Ronaldo and our guide, Simon, met with us the day before our departure to provide an overview and set expectations. Simon was a great guide - very personable and knowledgeable. I appreciate that he grew up in the area and speaks the native language (in addition to Spanish and English). The climb was difficult for me, but Simon was very patient and encouraging. I observed some of the other companies rushing their groups. We did not feel that way and had adequate time to enjoy. I highly recommend booking with Qoricancha Expeditions!
Ana Lucia V
Amazing 2 day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour
Our 2 day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour was amazing and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. We began in the Sacred Valley by visiting a local alpaca farm, where we saw llamas, alpacas, a condor and even guinea pigs. This fun and unique stop helped us appreciate Andean culture even more.
Next, we visited Pisac an impressive Inca site high in the mountains. The views were stunning and our guide Victor made the visit special with his knowledge and clear explanations about the site's history and importance. His passion made the ruins feel alive.
After that, we had a tasty buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba. In the afternoon we explored Ollantaytambo, a beautiful Inca town with huge stone terraces and an interesting history. Later, we took the train to Aguas Calientes and stayed overnight at La Jaya Machu Picchu Hotel. The hotel was very comfortable and even had a jacuzzi, which was a great way to relax before our visit to Machu Picchu.
On the second day, we visited Machu Picchu. It was cloudy at first, but after waiting a bit, the weather cleared and we got amazing views of the citadel. Victor was patient and gave us a great walking tour, explaining the history, architecture and mysteries of Machu Picchu in detail.
In the afternoon, we took the 1:30 pm train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver Juan met us at the station. He drove us safely back to our hotel in Cusco, making the trip back simple and stress-free.
This tour was well organized, informative and truly unforgettable. Thank you to Qoricancha Expeditions Victor, Juan and the whole team for giving us such a great experience. They are professional, friendly and we highly recommend them.