Humantay Lake 1-Day
Nestled deep within the Peruvian Andes, Humantay Lake is one of Cusco’s most stunning natural jewels. Situated at 4,200 m (13,780 ft), its brilliant turquoise waters sit directly beneath the towering, snow-capped Humantay Glacier. Pictures simply cannot capture the true magic of this pristine high-altitude lagoon.
Escape the city for a day and immerse yourself in pure mountain scenery with our premier Humantay Lake Day Trip. A must-do hike for nature lovers and adventurers visiting Cusco!
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Pristine Turquoise Glacial Lagoon
Trek directly to the vibrant turquoise shoreline nestled beneath the towering, snow-draped Humantay Glacier at 4,200m. -
Authentic Quechua Coca-Leaf Ceremony
Participate in a traditional Andean ritual with your guide honoring the sacred mountain spirits (Apus). -
Scenic High-Valley Soraypampa Base Camp
Stunning alpine mountain drive through Mollepata to Soraypampa, surrounded by Salkantay and Humantay peaks. -
Nutritious Andean Breakfast & Buffet Lunch
Enjoy delicious energizing meals prepared by professional mountain cooks catering to all dietary requirements.
Itinerary
Explore your day-by-day journey curated by Edgar Adventures local specialists.
Humantay Lake 1-Day
Highlight: Trek to the majestic turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and participate in a traditional Quechua coca-leaf ceremony.
Early Pickup & Breakfast: Depart Cusco at 4:00 AM via private transport to Mollepata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in panoramic views of the early morning Andes.
Scenic Transfer to Soraypampa: Drive through high-mountain valleys to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the base camp surrounded by the towering Humantay and Salkantay glaciers.
Guided Glacier Hike: Following a brief safety briefing, begin a 2-hour ascent over rocky mountain terrain to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
Turquoise Lake & Sacred Ritual: Arrive at the stunning glacial lagoon, walk along its shores, or climb higher for breathtaking views. Experience an authentic Andean ritual as your guide honors the sacred Apus (mountain spirits) with coca leaves.
Descent, Mountain Lunch & Return: Hike 1.5 hours downhill back to Soraypampa to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at Sky Camp before returning to Cusco with direct drop-off at your hotel around 6:30 PM.
Technical Overview
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi round-trip
Hike Duration: 3.5 hours total (2 hours up, 1.5 hours down)
Elevations: Starting (Soraypampa): 3,900 m (12,795 ft) | Highest (Humantay Lake): 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Chef-Prepared Lunch
Transportation: Private round-trip transfer with hotel pickup/drop-off
What's Included
INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Curated signature services included in your tour fare- Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Entrance Ticket: Full entry fee to the Humantay Lake reserve.
- High-Quality Service & Safety
- Certified Expert Guide: Bilingual (English/Spanish) tour guide trained in mountain safety, high-altitude first aid, and Andean culture.
- Trekking Poles: Rubber-tipped poles included to improve stability and reduce joint impact.
- First Aid & Oxygen: First aid kit, altitude sickness treatments, and emergency medical oxygen.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Around-the-clock telephone assistance before and during your trek.
- High-Altitude Catering & Snacks
- Chef-Prepared Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch with options for all dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
- Daily Snacks & Hydration: Bottled water, fresh local fruit, chocolates, and treats provided in an eco-friendly cloth bag.
- Complete Transportation
- Private Transfers: Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off service in Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Personal & optional items not covered in the fare- Personal Expenses & Optional Extras
- Dinner: Final evening meal in Cusco.
- Personal Gear: Technical hiking clothing, footwear, and daypack.
- Insurance, Gratuities & Contingencies
- Travel Insurance: Personal medical and emergency coverage is required.
- Staff Tips: Voluntary gratuities for guides, cooks, and support crew.
- Force Majeure Expenses: Extra costs due to extreme weather, landslides, strikes, or travel delays beyond operator control.
Unrivaled Andean Comfort & Private Speedboats
Travel with complete peace of mind. Our signature journeys feature private, modern high-speed boats across Lake Titicaca, climate-controlled vehicles with complimentary bottled water and on-board oxygen, and senior native guides born and raised in the communities you visit.
Enquire About This Tour
From: $75.00 / person • Direct Operator Guarantee
