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1 Day (4:30 AM – 5:00 PM)

Lake Humantay 1 Day Hike

From $29 / per Person

Overview

Cusco • Mollepata • Soraypampa • Lake Humantay

Explore the high-altitude turquoise waters of Lake Humantay on a thrilling day trip into the Peruvian Andes. Nestled at the base of the iconic Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay, this spectacular glacier lagoon offers some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in South America.

We operate daily small-group departures (maximum 8 participants) with safe, modern tourist transport, an expert native guide, and freshly prepared local meals. This hike serves as an exceptional acclimatization excursion for travelers preparing for longer alpine treks like the Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail.

The Ultimate High-Altitude Acclimatization Hike

While many day tours rush travelers in large 30-person buses, our high-altitude day hike is crafted specifically for small-group comfort, personalized pacing, and maximum safety at 4,200 meters.

  • Vibrant Turquoise Glacial Lagoon: Stand directly before the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Lake Humantay, fed continuously by the melting snows of the surrounding glaciers.
  • Towering Alpine Panoramas: Experience front-row views of sacred Andean peaks (Apus), including the massive Mount Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and Mount Humantay (5,473 m / 17,956 ft).
  • Guaranteed Small-Group Comfort: Hike comfortably in intimate groups capped at a maximum of 8 guests for a peaceful, uncrowded mountain experience and personalized attention from your guide.
  • Ideal Trekking Warm-Up: Reach an elevation of 4,200 m (13,779 ft) in a single day, making this the single best conditioning trip to prepare your lungs and legs for the Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail.
  • Seamless Local Operations: Enjoy door-to-door hotel pickup in Cusco, executive tourist transport, comprehensive safety gear (medical oxygen and pulse oximeters), and fresh sit-down local meals.

Highlights

  • Glacier-Fed Alpine Waters: Marvel at the intense turquoise hues of Lake Humantay set against towering ice walls.
  • Immersive Mountain Scenery: Hike through the high-altitude Soraypampa valley surrounded by snowcapped Andean peaks.
  • Guaranteed Small Groups: Travel with an average of 6 and a strict maximum of 8 participants for an intimate atmosphere.
  • Included Local Meals: Fuel your adventure with a hearty sit-down breakfast and a full Andean buffet lunch in Mollepata.
  • Optional Horseback Upgrade: Save your energy on the steep uphill trail by renting a local riding horse at the trailhead.
  • Door-to-Door Service: Relax with direct, round-trip transport pickup and drop-off at your Cusco hotel.

About this activity

TYPE SERVICE

Group or Private Tour

ACTIVITIES

Alpine Trekking, Nature Observation & Photography

GROUP SIZE

Guaranteed Small Group (Max 8 participants) or Private Party

ACCOMMODATION

N/A (Full 1-Day Excursion)

DIFFICULTY

Moderate to Challenging (Steep Incline at High Altitude)

DURATION

1 Day (4:30 AM – 5:00 PM)

Lake Humantay 1 Day Hike

From $29 / per person
  • GROUP SIZE: Guaranteed Small Group (Max 8 participants) or Private Party
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Challenging (Steep Incline at High Altitude)
  • DURATION: 1 Day (4:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
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Tour Itinerary

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Lake Humantay – Cusco

Early Pickup & Scenic Drive to Mollepata

Your day begins early with a direct pickup from your Cusco hotel lobby between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM. We travel by comfortable tourist minibus through the Andes for approximately 2.5 hours to the rural town of Mollepata. Here, you will enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast featuring fruit juice, hot tea, coffee, fruit salad, bread, butter, and jam.

Ascent to Lake Humantay

After breakfast, we drive another 45 minutes along a winding mountain road to the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Your guide will provide walking sticks and lead a brief briefing before you begin the 3 km (1.8-mile) uphill trek. The trail climbs steadily for 1.5 to 2 hours, bringing you to the rim of Lake Humantay (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).

Glacier Exploration & Return to Cusco

Once at the lake, you will have 45 to 90 minutes to take photos, explore the shoreline, and listen to your guide share local legends about Andean mountain spirits (Apus). Afterward, we trek 1.5 hours downhill back to Soraypampa and drive to Mollepata for a hearty buffet lunch. We finish with a 2-hour drive back to Cusco, dropping you off near the main plaza or at your hotel around 5:00 PM.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
  • Maximum Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft (Trailhead: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
  • Trekking Distance: 6 km total round-trip (3 km up, 3 km down)
  • Total Driving Time: Approximately 5 hours total round-trip transport
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (Steep trail at high altitude)

The Ultimate Acclimatization Hike for Salkantay & Inca Trail Trekkers

The Lake Humantay hike brings you up to 4,200 meters (13,779 ft), making it one of the absolute best high-altitude conditioning hikes in Cusco. Completing this day trip before starting our 4-Day Salkantay Trek or 4-Day Classic Inca Trail helps your body adjust to high elevations safely while keeping your legs active.

What is Included

  • Hotel Pickup: Direct transportation pickup from your hotel lobby in Cusco.
  • Modern Tourist Transport: Round-trip tourist vehicle (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or executive van).
  • Professional Local Guide: Fully certified, bilingual native guide equipped with medical emergency training.
  • Included Meals: 1 Sit-down breakfast and 1 full buffet lunch in Mollepata.
  • Site Entry Ticket: All community and entrance fees for Lake Humantay included.
  • Trekking Poles: Complimentary wooden or aluminum walking sticks provided upon request.
  • Safety Equipment: High-altitude medical kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen bottle on board.

What is Not Included

  • Horse Rental: Optional horseback riding service available directly from local handlers (80 PEN / ~$22 USD).
  • Personal Snacks & Extra Drinks: Bottled water and personal energy snacks for the trail.
  • Staff Gratuities: Voluntary tips for your professional guide and driver.

Pricing

Service TypeRegular PriceOffer Price*
Group Service (Max 8)$29 USD per person$24 USD per person
Private Service (2 to 3 people)$75 USD per person$70 USD per person
Private Service (4+ people)$55 USD per person$50 USD per person

*Special Offer Discount: Save $5 USD per person if you have already booked any multi-day trek or tour to Machu Picchu with Apple Travel Peru!

Optional Trail Upgrades

  • Horse Rental (80 PEN / ~$22 USD): Local community members offer riding horses at the Soraypampa trailhead. The local owner leads the horse while you ride comfortably up to the lake viewpoint. You can arrange this directly on the morning of the hike with your guide’s assistance.

Booking & Reservation Options

Online Reservations

Complete your booking online by paying a $20 USD deposit per person. You can pay your remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco at our office, directly to your guide on the tour day, or in full online.

In-Person Bookings

Stop by our Cusco office anytime to book your excursion with our team. Our staff will guide you through the itinerary details and lock in your reservation. We welcome walk-in bookings up to 24 hours before your hike!

Why Choose Apple Travel Peru?

Apple Travel Peru is an authentic, family-owned tour operator based directly in Cusco. We are a 100% independent Cusqueñian company dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality adventures across the Peruvian Andes.

What Sets Us Apart

  • 100% Local & Independent: As a local Cusqueñian company without outside shareholders, we reinvest directly into our community and operate every excursion using our own local team.
  • Guaranteed Small Groups: We cap our group sizes at a maximum of 8 travelers (averaging 6 per group). This ensures a flexible, intimate atmosphere and dedicated personal attention from your guide.
  • Expert Native Guides: Our bilingual guides are passionate Cusqueñian natives holding university degrees in Tourism, History, or Archaeology. They bring Andean mountain culture to life with historical accuracy and safety-first leadership.
  • Fair-Trade & Sustainable Operations: We treat our team like family, providing fair living wages, quality equipment, and ethical working conditions to empower local Andean households.
  • Community Support: Responsible tourism drives our mission. We work directly with highland communities in Mollepata and Soraypampa, hiring local staff and supporting village development projects.
  • Recognized Excellence: Recommended by leading travel publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Lonely Planet, our commitment to honest, seamless service is backed by hundreds of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor.

What Do I Need to Pack for the Lake Humantay Hike?

Essential Travel Documents & Gear

  • Passport Copy: You can carry a physical copy or smartphone photo of your passport for general emergency ID.
  • Local Cash Reserve (Peruvian Soles): Bring 100 to 150 Soles for optional horse rental, extra drinks, trail snacks, and tipping.
  • Compact Daypack: A 15L to 25L backpack to carry water, extra clothing layers, and personal items.
  • Sturdy Footwear: High-traction hiking boots or trail runners (the steep trail can feature loose gravel).

Clothing & Layering System

  • Layered Clothing: Thermal base layer, breathable shirt, fleece sweater, and a warm insulated jacket (mornings at 3,900 m are cold!).
  • Waterproof Outer Layer: Lightweight rain jacket or waterproof poncho (essential during rainy season).
  • Warm Accessories: Wool beanie hat, warm gloves, and thermal socks.

Sun Protection & Health

  • Sun & Skin Defense: High SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sun hat.
  • Hydration: At least 2 liters of water in a refillable bottle or hydration bladder.
  • High-Energy Trail Snacks: Chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, or energy bars for quick calories on the trail.

How long does the hike to Lake Humantay take?

The uphill hike from the Soraypampa trailhead to Lake Humantay takes between 1.5 and 2 hours along a steady, 3 km incline. Returning downhill along the same path takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.

When is the best time of year to visit Lake Humantay?

The dry season (May through November) brings clear blue skies, sunny days, and peak visibility for mountain photography. However, we operate excursions year-round. During the wet season (December through April), morning conditions are often dry with passing afternoon showers.

Will the altitude affect me on this hike?

Because Lake Humantay sits at 4,200 meters (13,779 ft), almost all travelers feel the effects of thin air. We recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco prior to this trek to acclimatize. Your guide carries pulse oximeters and portable medical oxygen tanks to ensure your safety throughout the trip.

Can I ride a horse to Lake Humantay instead of walking?

Yes! Local community members rent riding horses at the Soraypampa trailhead for approximately 80 PEN (~$22 USD). The horse owner leads the animal safely up the mountain while you enjoy the scenery.

Do I need to carry my physical passport on this tour?

No. Unlike the Inca Trail, local checkpoints do not require an original physical passport. Carrying a digital photo or paper copy on your phone works perfectly for emergency verification.

What type of vehicles do you use for transportation?

We transport all groups in modern, fully licensed Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses or executive tourist vans. Our mechanics service and inspect these vehicles daily to guarantee maximum safety and cleanliness.

How do I reserve my spot for the Lake Humantay hike?

Reserving requires two quick steps through our website:

  • Step 1: Click the BOOK NOW button and fill out your travel details (full names, passport numbers, and travel date).
  • Step 2: Pay a $20 USD deposit per person to secure your van seats and guide. You can pay your remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco at our office or directly to your guide.

What is your cancellation and deposit policy?

If you notify us of a cancellation at least 24 hours prior to departure, we provide a 100% full refund on your deposit. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable due to pre-allocated vehicle space and staff scheduling

1 Day (4:30 AM – 5:00 PM) Day

$ 29 USD per person Book Now
Traveler feedback

Read Our Reviews

Excellent 5.0 16 traveler reviews Write a review
A

Aracely c

January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru

TA

The best agency

It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.

Read more
D

Davide

October 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru

TA

Incredible service and experience in Inca trail

Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.

Read more
S

Smileybpk

October 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru

TA

2 day trek to Machu Picchu was so amazing

The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.

Read more
E

Edward A

October 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru

TA

The best trip on Cusco

It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.

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A

Anna R

Mar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru

TA

Fantastic 4 Day Salkantay Trek

A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.

Read more
G

Georgia Hayes

Mar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru

TA

Great experience with Sam Travel Peru

The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.

Read more
D

Danielle Nikka T

Mar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru

TA

2 day Inca Trail with Sam Travel

A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.

Read more
D

dave d

Mar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru

TA

Two day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour

The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.

Read more
M

Matt Ward

Jan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru

Wonderful Cusco and Sacred Valley days

A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.

Read more
T

Tess Edwards

Jan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru

Outstanding 3-day Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour

The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.

Read more
N

Nina Shen

Oct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru

Amazing Machu Picchu experience

The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.

Read more
M

Marcelle James

Feb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru

Excellent Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu guide

The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.

Read more

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