Humantay Lake

Your full-day adventure to Humantay Lake begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 AM. From the city, you’ll embark on a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours to the town of Mollepata, located at 2,900 meters (9,514 ft). Here, you’ll stop for a well-earned breakfast in a local restaurant to energize for the hike ahead.

After breakfast, the journey continues by car for another hour to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) — the starting point of the hike. As you arrive, the dramatic landscape of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped mountains comes into view, setting the tone for an unforgettable day in the high Andes.

The hike to Laguna Humantay is a challenging yet rewarding uphill trek of about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering a distance of roughly 3 km (1.9 miles). Along the way, you’ll pass through alpine meadows, rugged terrain, and ancient trails while gradually ascending to over 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). Once you reach the top, the stunning turquoise lake reveals itself in a breathtaking setting at the base of Mount Humantay. You’ll have plenty of time to rest, take photos, and connect with the natural and spiritual energy of the place.

After enjoying the view and exploring the area, you’ll begin the descent back to Soraypampa (approximately 1 hour), where your transport will be waiting. The return trip includes a stop at Mollepata for a freshly prepared lunch featuring local Andean cuisine.

You’ll arrive back in Cusco at approximately 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, depending on the group’s pace and traffic.