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January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
The best agency
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read more1 Day (4:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
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.
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.
Group or Private Tour
Alpine Trekking, Nature Observation & Photography
Guaranteed Small Group (Max 8 participants) or Private Party
N/A (Full 1-Day Excursion)
Moderate to Challenging (Steep Incline at High Altitude)
1 Day (4:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
Lake Humantay 1 Day Hike
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.
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).
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.
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.
| Service Type | Regular Price | Offer 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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reserving requires two quick steps through our website:
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
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
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 moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
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.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
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