Humantay Lake Tour Peru Full Day: Best Cusco Hiking Tour to Turquoise Glacier Lake
Discover one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Andes with this Humantay Lake tour Peru full day, one of the most popular Cusco day tours for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This unforgettable experience takes you to a stunning turquoise glacier lake nestled beneath snow-capped peaks in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
The Humantay Lake hike from Cusco offers a perfect combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and high-altitude adventure. As you journey through remote Andean valleys, you will witness dramatic landscapes, traditional villages, and untouched nature that make this one of the best hiking tours in Cusco Peru.
Whether you are looking for a glacier lake tour in Peru, a moderate trekking experience, or an unforgettable Andes mountain adventure, this tour delivers incredible views, fresh mountain air, and a deep connection with nature. The vibrant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake create one of the most photogenic destinations in South America.
Trip Summary
Discover one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Andes with this Humantay Lake tour Peru full day, one of the most popular Cusco day tours for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This unforgettable experience takes you to a stunning turquoise glacier lake nestled beneath snow-capped peaks in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
The Humantay Lake hike from Cusco offers a perfect combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and high-altitude adventure. As you journey through remote Andean valleys, you will witness dramatic landscapes, traditional villages, and untouched nature that make this one of the best hiking tours in Cusco Peru.
Whether you are looking for a glacier lake tour in Peru, a moderate trekking experience, or an unforgettable Andes mountain adventure, this tour delivers incredible views, fresh mountain air, and a deep connection with nature. The vibrant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake create one of the most photogenic destinations in South America.
Detailed Itinerary
Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive
Your Humantay Lake tour from Cusco begins early in the morning with hotel pickup. We head northwest through the Andes, passing traditional villages, agricultural fields, and breathtaking valleys. As the sun rises, you will enjoy incredible views of the mountains, making this one of the most scenic Cusco day tours in Peru.
Breakfast Stop in Mollepata (Approx. 7:00 A.M.)
After a 2-hour drive, we arrive in Mollepata, where you will enjoy a buffet breakfast with local Andean products. This stop is perfect to recharge, stretch, and prepare physically for the hike ahead.
Drive to Soraypampa – Trailhead (Approx. 3,900 m)
We continue by vehicle for about 1 hour to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Humantay Lake hike Peru. Surrounded by impressive peaks of the Vilcabamba range, this area offers a dramatic natural setting.
Here, your guide will provide a safety briefing, hiking tips, and recommendations for managing altitude.
Start of the Hike – Andean Landscapes & Gradual Ascent
We begin the ascent toward Humantay Lake along a well-defined mountain trail. The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace.
During the trek, you will experience:
Panoramic views of snow-capped mountains
High-altitude valleys and natural streams
Native flora and occasional wildlife sightings
Peaceful and untouched Andean scenery
This section makes the tour one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Cusco Peru.
Arrival at Humantay Lake – Turquoise Glacier Lagoon
Upon reaching Humantay Lake Peru, you will be welcomed by its stunning turquoise waters set against a backdrop of glaciers.
You will have 30 to 40 minutes of free time to:
Take photos from different viewpoints
Walk around the lake
Rest and enjoy the silence of the Andes
Your guide will share insights about the lake’s glacial origin and its spiritual significance in Andean culture.
Descent to Soraypampa – Scenic Return Hike
After enjoying the lake, we begin the descent along the same trail. The downhill hike takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, offering new angles of the landscape and more photo opportunities.
Lunch in Mollepata – Traditional Peruvian Cuisine (Approx. 1:30 P.M.)
We return to Mollepata for a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes, allowing you to relax and recover after the hike.
After lunch, we begin the drive back to Cusco. During the return, you can rest and reflect on your experience while enjoying the Andean scenery. Arrival is approximately at 6:00 P.M.
Optional Upgrade: Horse Assistance for the Hike
For travelers who prefer less physical effort, horse rental is available at the trailhead as an optional service, making this tour accessible to a wider range of visitors.
DAY STATISTICS:
Duration: 4:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Hiking distance: 6–8 km (round trip)
Maximum altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level
Starting altitude: 3,900 meters above sea level
Difficulty level: Moderate
Hiking time: 1.5–2 hours up / 1–1.5 hours down
What's Included?
Includes
Round-trip tourist transportation (Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Cusco) in comfortable vehicles
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco (central locations)
Andean buffet breakfast in Mollepata
Buffet lunch with traditional Peruvian dishes (vegetarian options available upon request)
Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake Peru
Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish)
Guided hike with explanations about the landscape and Andean culture
First aid kit and oxygen tank for altitude assistance
Continuous assistance during the tour
Not Included
Optional horse rental for the ascent (available locally)
Additional snacks and beverages
Travel or medical insurance (strongly recommended)
Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Any services not mentioned in the itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
The Humantay Lake tour from Cusco starts between 4:00 and 4:45 A.M. with hotel pickup and returns around 6:00 P.M., making it a full-day experience.
The hike is considered moderate, mainly due to the altitude and incline. It is suitable for travelers with basic fitness and some acclimatization.
Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, so altitude awareness is important.
No prior trekking experience is required, but being in good physical condition and acclimatized to Cusco will improve your experience.
Yes, due to the high altitude. It is recommended to acclimatize for at least 1–2 days, stay hydrated, and hike at a steady pace.
Yes, the tour includes a buffet breakfast and lunch with traditional Andean and Peruvian dishes.
Yes, horse rental is available as an optional service at the trailhead for those who prefer assistance during the ascent.
Bring warm layered clothing, trekking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your passport or ID.
Yes, this Cusco hiking tour is suitable for beginners, but participants should be comfortable walking at high altitude.
The best time is during the dry season (April to October), when weather conditions are clearer and views are more stable.
What should you pack?
When organizing your trip, it is important to have everything you need to enjoy it to the fullest. Make sure to include the essential items that will provide comfort, safety, and convenience throughout the experience.
Essential










Other
Travel Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco 1–2 days before the tour for proper acclimatization
Wear layered clothing (cold mornings, warm midday, possible rain)
Bring a warm jacket, gloves, hat, and scarf
Use trekking shoes or hiking boots with good grip
Apply sunscreen and lip balm (high UV exposure at altitude)
Wear UV-protection sunglasses
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water
Bring energy snacks (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit)
Carry a small backpack (20–25L)
Bring your passport or valid ID
Pack a rain poncho or waterproof jacket
Carry cash in Peruvian soles for optional services
Walk at a steady pace and follow your guide’s instructions

