Humantay Lake is one of the most impressive natural landscapes you can visit from Cusco. Its turquoise waters, surrounded by mountains and located at the foot of Humantay Mountain, make this excursion one of the most popular day hikes in the region.
The lake is located at 4,200 m above sea level, so getting there requires combining several hours of road travel with an uphill hike from Soraypampa.
If you are planning your visit, this guide explains how to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco, how long the trip takes, what the hike is like, what to bring, and whether it is better to go on your own or book a tour.
Quick facts about Humantay Lake
| Fact | Approximate information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mollepata District, Anta Province, Cusco |
| Lake elevation | 4,200 m above sea level |
| Starting point of the hike | Soraypampa, around 3,900 m above sea level |
| Usual route | Cusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake |
| Cusco – Mollepata | Approximately 97 km |
| Mollepata – Soraypampa | Approximately 25 km |
| Uphill hike | Between 1 and 2 hours, depending on your pace and acclimatization |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging due to the incline and altitude |
| Best time to visit | Generally from May to October |
| Excursion duration | Full day |
Mincetur lists Humantay Lake as a natural tourist attraction in the district of Mollepata at 4,200 m above sea level, while official tourism promotion sources place Soraypampa at around 3,900 m above sea level.
Where is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is located in the district of Mollepata, Anta Province, Cusco Region, in the mountainous area dominated by Humantay and Salkantay mountains.
Salkantay Mountain reaches approximately 6,271 m above sea level and is considered one of the highest peaks in Cusco. Humantay, for its part, is part of the same glacial landscape that surrounds the lake.
From the city of Cusco, the overland journey to Soraypampa exceeds 120 kilometers when the different sections are combined. From there, the rest of the route is completed on foot.
How to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco step by step
The most commonly used route is divided into three stages:
Cusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake.
1. From Cusco to Mollepata
The excursion begins very early. Tours usually depart from Cusco at approximately 4:00 to 5:00 a.m., although the schedule may vary depending on the operator.
From Cusco, you take the road toward Limatambo and Mollepata. According to Mincetur’s tourism inventory, the route between Cusco and Mollepata’s main square is about 97 kilometers and can take approximately two hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Mollepata is located at a lower elevation than the lake and is usually the place where tours stop for breakfast and to get ready before continuing toward the mountains.
2. From Mollepata to Soraypampa
From Mollepata, the route continues toward Soraypampa, located at around 3,900 m above sea level and considered the main starting point for the hike to Humantay Lake.
The route is approximately 25 kilometers long and follows a mountain road. Conditions can change depending on the season, especially during the rainy months, so travel times are approximate.
Soraypampa is also part of the route used by travelers doing the famous Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
3. Hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake
The most demanding part of the route begins in Soraypampa.
The uphill hike usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on physical condition, pace, and especially how each traveler responds to the altitude.
The trail does not require technical mountaineering skills, but it has a steady incline. In addition, going from about 3,900 meters in Soraypampa to 4,200 meters at the lake can make the effort feel much more intense than a similar hike at a lower elevation.
That is why it is important to walk slowly, take short breaks, and avoid trying to keep up with other travelers.
When you arrive, you will find Humantay Lake surrounded by mountain walls and Humantay Mountain.
How long does it take to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco?
Consider the visit a full-day excursion.
Between transportation from Cusco, stops in Mollepata, the drive to Soraypampa, the round-trip hike, and the return journey, the day can easily take between 11 and 14 hours.
For this reason, departures from Cusco usually take place before dawn, and the return is generally in the afternoon or early evening.
Can you get to Humantay Lake on your own?
Yes. You do not have to book a tour to visit Humantay Lake, but organizing the trip independently requires more planning.
You will need to coordinate transportation between Cusco and Mollepata, arrange transportation between Mollepata and Soraypampa, pay the corresponding local entrance fees, and make sure you have transportation available for the return trip.
The main challenge is usually not getting to Mollepata, but coordinating the section to Soraypampa and, especially, the return.
If you decide to travel on your own, it is best to arrange your return transportation in advance.
Is it better to go independently or book a tour?
For most travelers with limited time in Cusco, an organized tour to Humantay Lake is usually the easiest option.
Depending on the company you book with, the service may include tourist transportation from Cusco, breakfast, lunch, a guide, assistance during the hike, and in some cases, the entrance ticket.
Not all operators include exactly the same services, so before booking, it is a good idea to check what is included in the price.
If you prefer independence and have experience arranging transportation in Peru, you can make the visit on your own. If you want to simplify the logistics and complete the excursion in a single day, a tour is more practical.
How much is the entrance fee to Humantay Lake?
Access to Humantay Lake requires a ticket or locally managed entrance fee. Mincetur’s official tourism inventory lists different rates for Peruvian visitors, foreign visitors, and local residents.
However, rates may be updated. For that reason, it is advisable to confirm the current price before your trip or check whether the entrance fee is already included in your booked tour.
It is also a good idea to carry cash in Peruvian soles for local expenses.
Can you ride a horse up?
In Soraypampa, it is usually possible to hire a horse with a handler for part of the ascent.
This can be an alternative for travelers who have difficulty during the climb, although the service depends on local availability and is usually hired directly in the area.
Keep in mind that the horse does not necessarily go all the way to the edge of the lake, so you may still need to walk part of the route.
How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The difficulty can be considered moderate to challenging, mainly because of the altitude.
The distance is not especially long, and the trail is not technical. The real challenge is walking above 4,000 meters in elevation, where less oxygen is available.
A person who is used to trekking and well acclimatized may complete the climb with relative ease. For someone who has just arrived in Cusco from a city at sea level, the same route can feel much more demanding.
How many days should you acclimatize before visiting Humantay?
If you have just arrived in Cusco from a low-altitude area, it is best to avoid doing Humantay immediately.
A good strategy is to spend the first few days doing more relaxed activities in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before taking on a hike that reaches 4,200 m above sea level.
Walk slowly and pay attention to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or unusual fatigue. If the symptoms get worse, do not continue ascending.
Coca is traditionally consumed in the Andes as an infusion or by chewing the leaves, but there is no solid scientific evidence that it prevents or cures altitude sickness, so it should not replace proper acclimatization.
What to bring to Humantay Lake
For a more comfortable excursion, it is a good idea to bring:
- Layered clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or windbreaker.
- Comfortable trekking pants.
- Hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
- Hat or beanie.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Water.
- Light snacks.
- Rain poncho, especially between November and April.
- Trekking poles if you are used to using them.
- Cash in Peruvian soles.
- Small backpack.
- Identification document or passport.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers allows you to adapt more easily to both the cold of the early morning and the physical effort during the climb.
What is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake can be visited year-round, but from May to October conditions are usually drier and skies are clearer.
Mincetur’s tourism inventory notes that rainfall is heavier between December and April, while from May to November cold days with more hours of sunshine are more common.
During the rainy season, the landscape remains spectacular and there is usually more vegetation, but there is also a greater chance of rain, mud, cloud cover, and changes in access conditions.
Important: check the route conditions before traveling
Conditions on high-mountain routes can change.
During 2026, temporary closures and restrictions were reported on the Humantay and Salkantay circuit due to landslides and safety assessments, so it is important not to assume that access remains open every day of the year.
Before traveling, especially during the rainy season, confirm the condition of the road and trail with your tour operator or check communications from tourism authorities in Cusco and Mollepata.
Humantay Lake and Salkantay: a 2-day alternative
If you have more time and want to explore this area of the Andes in greater depth, you can combine Humantay Lake with a hike to Salkantay Pass.
Salkantay Mountain reaches approximately 6,271 m above sea level and is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region.
Instead of returning immediately to Cusco after visiting the lake, a two-day itinerary allows you to enjoy the area at a more relaxed pace and venture farther into the landscapes along the Salkantay route.
Discover our 2-day Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass tour, ideal for travelers who want a more complete mountain experience.
Can Humantay be combined with Rainbow Mountain?
It is also possible to include two of Cusco’s most famous hikes in the same itinerary: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.
Because both destinations are located at high altitude, it is best to do this experience after you have properly acclimatized in Cusco.
Our 2-day Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain tour lets you experience both landscapes with logistics organized from Cusco.
Final tips before visiting Humantay
Leave early, do not underestimate the altitude, and avoid turning the hike into a race. Humantay is much more enjoyable when you keep a comfortable pace and allow time to take in the scenery.
Check the route conditions before you leave, bring suitable clothing for sudden temperature changes, and verify exactly which services are included if you book a tour.
With proper acclimatization and good planning, the hike to Humantay Lake from Cusco can become one of the best memories of your trip through the Peruvian Andes.
Visit Humantay Lake with Incredible Peru Tours
At Incredible Peru Tours, we organize experiences to visit Humantay Lake from Cusco, from classic excursions to itineraries that combine this destination with other mountain landscapes.
Our goal is for you to enjoy the experience with clear logistics, organized transportation, and support throughout the route.
If you are looking for a more complete experience, you can choose the 2-day Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass route or combine Humantay with Rainbow Mountain on a 2-day trip.
