Humantay Lake

1 day

Group up to 8 people

3,869 m.s.n.m

Moderate

Considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru, Humantay Lake is a incredible turquoise lake that is situated at the base of the glacier covered Salkantay Mountain Range. Enjoy breathtaking views and take your time to hike to the lake. Take many photos of this stunning natural lake. Pass through local villages on your way back to the Inca city of Cusco.
  • Duration: Full Day 4:30am- 5pm
  • Distance: 7 km (4.4 Miles) Round Trip  – 3 hours of hiking
  • Elevation: 3,869m (12,690 feet) / 4,200m (13,779 feet)
  • Difficulty: difficult (altitude and uphill climb)

Itinerary

This marvelous day begins at 4:30am when the guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will drive 3 hours to the trailhead of Soraypampa located in the lush valley of the Apurimac River.

Hike along a path called the “Camino Real,” which slowly gains altitude. After reaching a tiny traditional village, we continue for another hour and a half, ascending 1,200ft/366mt in just 2 miles up a steep path. After conquering the last hill, we will gaze down on a turquoise lake below, which is surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier.

On the trek you are looking directly up to the Salkantay Mountain, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains, towering 20,600ft/6,279mt with a sheer and snowy face. The equally impressive Humantay Peak, rising 19,412ft/5,917mt, is also within view. Shamans and others who follow traditional Andean beliefs, give blessing when reaching the crystal-clear waters of Humantay Lake.

Once we reach the lakeshore, we relax, enjoy a snack, or give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). When you are ready to hike back down, we descend to Soraypampa and have a hot lunch while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the snowy peaks. Tired from such a beautiful day, we drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel at about 5pm.

Included

  • Breakfast & lunch.
  • Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco
  • Professional trekking guide fluent in English & Spanish
  • Fees to access private land
  • First aid kit & emergency oxygen tank
  • Small group experience (max 8 guests)

Not Included

  • Water: please bring 1 liter per person
  • Tips for guide, driver and cook

We run our trips daily with a 2 person minimum. We take only small groups & private trips, to enhance the experience giving you the full attention of our guides and staff.

Recommendations

Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and Humantay Lake trek. 

ARRIVAL TO  CUSCO

You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange Auki Cusco Explorers board at the exit from the arrival terminal.

HOW TO BOOK THE TREK

FIRST, to book your Humantay Lake trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

SECOND, we require a deposit of $53.00 USD per person.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address. 

BRIEFING

The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek, other entrances and reservations.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Auki Cusco Explorers destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

Packing list

  • A lightweight, waterproof day pack
  •  Sturdy hiking boots
  •  Warm clothes and hiking pants, not jeans
  •  Layers of clothes for variable temperatures
  •  Camera with extra film and batteries
  •  Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
  •  Thermals, wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool hat in cold season
  •  Insect repellent
  •  Waterproof clothing and or a rain poncho
  •  Water bottles
  •  Personal medical kit with a simple whistle
  •  Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
  •  Walking sticks if needed (rentable)
  •  Favorite snacks
  • Hand sanitizer
  •  Toilet paper
  •  Passport

You need assistance?

Join Auki Cusco Explorers for an Unforgettable

Travel Experience In Peru

100% Locally Owned and Operated
Years of Experience in all Areas of Peru
Knowledgeable Staff ready to Help You
Individually Curated Tours and Treks
Especially Designed Tours and Treks
The Highest Quality Personal Service
Fantastic Value for Money with Many Added Extras
Your adventure. Our expertise.

Why Travel with SAM travel Peru?

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