Hike to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain – 2 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 2 days/1 nights.
Point of departure: Cuzco
Point of Return: Cuzco
Size of Group: Small Group (maximum 10 People).
Travel style: Trekking, in addition is an Archaeological and Cultural voyage.
Value of the route: The Salkantay route is considered one of the 25 best walks in the world.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Minimum Height: 2900 m.s.n.m. (People of Mollepata).
Maximum height: 4630 m.s.n.m. (Abra Salkantay)
Distance from the route: 23 km.
Date of departure: Daily departures throughout the year according to availability
Accommodation 1st Night: 01 Nights of accommodation in accommodation: simple or double according to your requirement in own and exclusive hostel “Mama Andrea” in Andean Cabanas in the sector of Soraypampa.

Price Hike to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain – 2 Days

Price 250.00 USD Per Person

DETALLES DEL TOUR

Information

INTRODUCTION

This hike is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to enjoy an easy yet fascinating trek through the Peruvian Andes. This interesting mountain route leads to the incredible “HUMANTAY LAKE,” located above 4000 meters above sea level.
It’s a unique experience where you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate unparalleled, beautiful landscapes. The hike begins at a place known as Soraypampa and takes you to Humantay Lake. You’ll capture the best photos of the lake, which has turquoise waters, and enjoy a close-up view of the Nevado Humantay.
Humantay Lake is formed from the meltwater of a large glacier, which is part of a mountain range called the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
This great adventure starts in Cusco, and we are confident it will satisfy even the most demanding hikers, providing unforgettable memories through pristine, wild nature, crystal-clear rivers, and panoramic views of the Salkantay Mountain, the highest peak in the area at 6,271 meters above sea level. It’s a place where you’ll share unforgettable moments in direct contact with nature, admiring the charm and magic of this breathtaking location.
Finally, before you embark on this fabulous trek, we invite you to join us on a virtual tour of the Peruvian Andes, exploring one of the most fascinating hikes. Now, breathe, imagine, and dream — you’re almost there, standing before “HUMANTAY LAKE”… Welcome!

RECOMMENDATIONS

Book your excursion in advance as soon as possible as the spaces are quickly exhausted.
Arrive at least 1 day before your Excursion as it will serve you as an acclimation prior to your Walk. Remember that the City of Cusco is at 3400 m.s.n.m.
Check out your Personal Items that will take you on your trip.
Visit us at our Main Office located in the Historic Center of the City of Cusco, 1 day before your walk at 7:00 pm. to receive an Informational Talk about the tour led by the Tour Guide. This will help you be much more Informed, Safe and Ready for your Tour.
Leave your luggage not to take the Excursion free of charge in the luggage-luggage of our Main Office.
If you have any questions or wish to have more information about this Tour, please do not hesitate to contact us: Cell: +51 984525006/WhatsApp: +51 984683047 or email us: info@incredibleperutours.com

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the charm and magic of the Peruvian Andes.
Explore these fascinating places and learn about life in the Andes.
Be amazed by the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
Discover the fascinating colors of Rainbow Mountain.
Travel with an informative and friendly local guide.
Hike through beautiful landscapes and admire canyons, lagoons, and towering mountains.
All entrance fees are included.
Pick-up from all hotels in Cusco is included.
Ideal for couples, groups of friends, nature lovers, and families.
All necessary equipment is included.
Free luggage storage while you enjoy your excursion.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

HORARIOS DEL TOUR

DAY 1:

4:30 am: Pick-up from your hotel.
4:45 am: Departure by Tourist Transport from the city of Cusco.
7:00 am: Arrival in the village of Mollepata.
7:20 am: Breakfast at a local restaurant.
8:00 am: Departure by Tourist Transport from the village of Mollepata.
9:00 am: Arrival at Soraypampa.
9:20 am: Start of the hike.
11:00 am: Arrival and visit to Humantay Lake.
12:00 pm: Departure from Humantay Lake.
1:00 pm: Arrival at the Mamá Andrea Eco Lodge in Soraypampa.

DAY 2:

5:00 am: Wake up.
5:30 am: Breakfast.
6:00 am: Transfer to Cusipata (5 hours).
11:00 am: Arrival in Cusipata and lunch.
1:00 pm: Start of the hike (1:30 hours to the summit).
3:30 pm: Descent to the transport terminal (1:30 hours).
5:00 pm: Depart in transport towards Cusco.
7:30 pm: Arrival in Cusco.

Itinerary

DAY 01: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – MAMA ANDREA ECO LODGE IN SORAYPAMPA.

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am in our private transportation and travel for 2 hours to reach the village of Mollepata. Here, we will have breakfast at a local restaurant to fuel up for the day.

We will then board our transport again and continue our journey for 1 more hour to the area known as Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level), arriving around 9:00 am.

After a short break, we will begin our hike to Humantay Lake, located at 4300 meters above sea level. After an approximately 1-hour and 30-minute uphill hike, we will reach this wonderful place, admire its turquoise waters, and take photos of the beautiful panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Humantay Mountain and Salkantay Mountain. After a well-deserved rest, we will return, walking only downhill for about 1 hour until we reach our Eco Lodge “Mamá Andrea” located in Soraypampa around 1 pm for lunch and to relax in the afternoon.

In the evening, after a restful break, we will enjoy a delicious dinner. If the weather permits, we can also enjoy a unique starry sky.

DAY 02: SORAYPAMPA – CUSIPATA – PHULAWASIPATA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO.

We wake up very early at 5:00 am. After breakfast, we will board our transportation around 6:00 am and travel for about 5 hours to reach Cusipata for lunch at a local restaurant. We will then continue our journey for about 1 more hour to reach the Phulawasipata area around 1:00 pm – the point where the road ends (Start of the Hike).

Upon arriving at the beginning of the hike, our guide will give us a brief introduction to the place and the route, and around 1:30 pm, we will start our hike, which will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the Rainbow Mountain, a unique place that Mother Nature has whimsically shaped as if it were a great work of art. If we’re lucky, we may have the chance to see the largest flying bird in the world, the magnificent Condor.

At Rainbow Mountain, we will have enough time to take memorable photos, rest, and enjoy our snacks. From here, we will have the best panoramic views of Mount Ausangate. After about an hour, we will start descending, retracing our steps for approximately 2 and a half hours until we reach the Quesiuno Peasant Community around 2:00 pm. On the way, we may see herds of South American camelids, such as llamas and alpacas, as well as small local birds and crystal-clear streams.

In Quesiuno, our transport will be waiting to take us to the town of Pitumarca, where we will enjoy a comforting lunch. After our delicious and refreshing meal, we will board the transport once again to return to the city of Cusco, arriving around 6:30 pm.

Included Services

THIS TOUR INCLUDES

Meeting and informative preparation talk with your 1 or 2 day guide before the walk.
Pick up and tourist transport from Cusco to Challacancha (Start Point of the Walk).
Bilingual Professional Guide (Spanish and English).
Cook to prepare all the food.
Food: 02 breakfasts, 02 lunches and 01 dinner.
01 Hour of tea, hot drinks will be served as: tea, coffee, coca mate, chocolate with milk; as well as cookies, special snacks and pop corn.
There is a possibility to prepare vegetarian meals or special diets according to your requirement.
Boiled water to fill the water bottles.
We will carry up to 7 kg. /15 pounds of the pax luggage. To carry this load, we will provide you with a canvas bag (there will place the personal items) that will be provided at the information meeting, one day before the trip.
First aid kit and emergency oxygen balloon to be carried by the Tourist Guide.

Transportation of Return to the City of Cusco.
01 Night of Accommodation in accommodations: simple and/or double, according to your requirement in our own exclusive Eco-Lodge “Mama Andrea” in Andean Cabanas that feature comfortable beds, pillows, blankets, pen covers, etc. Our hostel uses solar power that allows you to charge cellular and electronic equipment, in addition, it has showers with hot water.

NOT INCLUDED:

Personal items.
Entrance ticket to the Humantay Lagoon.

NOTE: No sleeping bag is needed.

What to bring?

LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BE CARRIED

Many people assume that South America is generally hot, but in the higher-altitude areas of the Andes, temperatures can feel very cold, especially at night. To help you prepare, we’ve provided a complete list to organize your backpack. If you don’t already have some of the items, we recommend purchasing them in advance. But don’t worry if you can’t—there are plenty of camping shops in Cusco where you can rent or buy what you need.

Please review this list of essentials for your 2-DAY TOUR carefully. Remember, every item is important for the success of your journey.

Documents

Original passport
Student card, if you are a student
Travel insurance (some copies)

Essential

Pack of day.
I get out of sleep.
Water bottle.
Purification or filter tablets
Some snacks like cookies, candy, chocolates, energy bars.
Belt money and some money, if you want to buy some memories of your visit.

Clothing and Calzado

Shoes and sandals.
Hot clothes: especially nights like Thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, wool socks, wool cap for cold nights.
Waterproof clothing (jacket and poncho)
Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, socks, pants, shorts, 4 hiking shirts)
Bathing suit
Hat for the sun

Pharmaceutical products

Personal kit with anti-inflammatory bandages and tablets
Insect repellent.
Solar blocker
Lip bar

Personal hygiene articles

Small towel.
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Washed body soap
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothbrush
Body spray deodorant
Toilet paper

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here, you will find the Frequently Asked Questions from our customers. Before reaching out with any inquiries, we encourage you to carefully read through these questions and answers, as well as explore all the links related to this tour. This will help you find the information you need in a simple, quick, and practical way.

1. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?

We understand the great curiosity you have about the quality of the food you will have during your trip. For your peace of mind we include All Meals and Snacks throughout the walk. All the reports and comments made by our customers guarantee and show that our meals are excellent.

All the food is prepared with fresh ingredients, which are bought in the local market of Cusco the day before the trip. Everything is carried by the porters, and then prepared by our cook. We do not use any canned or rehydrated food. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!

Each chef is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. The food is served daily starting in the morning with a great breakfast, then we will give you some snacks that you will enjoy during the road, at noon you will have a good lunch, arriving at the camp will enjoy the time of the tea, and finally by the night you will have a delicious dinner. Without a doubt, all of this will exceed all your expectations about the food on the walk.

Here are some examples of what our cooks can prepare and serve at meals:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, breads, pancakes, tortillas, cereals, fruit salad, toast, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter, jam.
Snacks for the Walk: Fruits, Biscuits, Cereals, Chocolate, Candy.
Lunch: Corn Soup, Mushroom Crema, Asparagus Crema, Rice with chicken, sausages, Truca fried, ceviche, meat, frejoles, fried rice, fries, boiled vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
Time of Tea: popcorn, wantan fried, tea, coffee.
Dinners: Stuffed Chicken, vegetable tortillas, pizza, spaghetti, pork chops, sautéed vegetables, salads.

In case you have special dietary needs, there is no problem! .. We are prepared to cater to vegetarians, vegans, coeliacs and any type of food allergy at no extra cost, so you will always be well fed throughout the journey.

2. HOW DO I RESERVE THIS TOUR?

Booking this Tour with Us will really be very safe, easy and practical, plus you will enjoy Payment Facilities like Pay your Excursion up to 1 day before your Tour and in 2 Quota:

The First Share, you can pay online from the comfort of your home by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card of any Bank, using our secure and reliable money transfer system. The Pre-Payment will be made by a deposit of USD $200 per person. (Give Click on the Reserve link)
The Second Share, will pay you when you arrive in the City of Cusco, personally in our Main Office located in the Historic Center of the City until 1 day before your Tour.

To book your TOUR, just follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Fill out the Booking Form: You are on the Reserve link.

2. Pay the First Fee (Pre-Payment): We accept all the cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and any denomination: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.

3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it to you immediately after you have made the Pre-Payment.

Article OTHER MEANS OF PAYMENT: If you want to do the Pre-Payment by another means such as: PayPal , Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other means of payment, let us know to send you all the information you need to make your Pre-Payment.

3. HOW WILL THE WEATHER BE ON THE WALK?

The weather is very unpredictable along the Way, it’s impossible to say exactly what kind of weather will come in during your Tour. No matter what month trips, make sure you have to hand waterproof clothing like a waterproof jacket or a good poncho for rain.

During the dry season (From April to November), the early ones are cloudy and can be cold. As the morning hours pass the clouds clear and the sun rises, so it can do quite a lot of heat. Sun protection, insect repellent and a good hat are essential. However, keep in mind that sometimes there may be luvia in June and sunshine in December.

During the rainy season (From November to April means), the rainfall is very strong. However, don’t be surprised if this season is a few days sunny.

Remember a rain poncho is highly recommended, regardless of the season in which you travel. He also considers that when the stones rain on the road they become slippery, so it is very important to wear shoes with a good tread and perhaps a stick with rubber tip.

4. HOW SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE, COOK AND CARRIER?

The tips are not required, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour you can give tips for tourist days, cooks and porters. As you can see, this is something extra and totally voluntary, really what you consider will be very good for your Attention Staff.

5. WHAT IF I FELL ILL WITH ALTIUD?

Don’t worry! All our Guides are trained in case you get sick with this evil. All our Guides carry a bottle of oxygen and a First Aid Botiquin, this ensures you are very well evaluated and cared for, allowing you to continue your walk. In addition, all our staff are prepared in emergency cases. After being treated, there is the case that you still feel very bad and you cannot continue with the walk, the Guide will make the best decision for you if you continue or return. For us their Safety and Health are first.

6. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?

Yes, only if you want to buy some snack like cookies, dehydrated fruit, chocolates, etc or some additional drink like soda, beers or some energy drink, as it is possible to acquire these products in the small commercial premises of the area the first 2 days.

Also if you want to buy some souvenir or souvenirs of your trip you can buy it at the People’s Crafts of Soraypampa. For all this we recommend that you carry between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an Emergency, you should make sure you have enough cash.

7. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

8. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH AMAZING TOURS OF PERU?

There are very good reasons to reserve your Excursion with Us, let’s look at some:

Very good location of Our Travel Office which allows for better coordination at any time. We are located in the Historic Center of the City of Cusco.
Excursion organized by a Peruvian and Authorized Tourism Agency We are 100% local workers. We are very proud to be Peruvian and have the great opportunity to share our Culture with you, with over 15 years of experience organizing the best tours to the most incredible tourist destinations in our region. We have all our documentation updated and in order to comply with all the procedures and procedures before the Local Government, thus being a Travel Agency recognized as the Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu-2020, this gives you backup and security. It also guarantees a new series and commitment to your satisfaction, which are available with a lot of responsibility and a pleasure.
The Best Price for your trip and no hidden charges. Getting the best price is excellent and getting the best value is inclu better. We provide an All-Inclusive Service trip at an affordable price, offering you the best deals. We save your search time with our Low Price Guarantee. How do I get this? … Simply because you are the Direct Tour Operator managing the costs of the business locally and employing local people who develop their journey and without any intermediary.
Travel with Experts: The best Tourist Guides, Cooks and Porters of the region. Our Attention Staff, locally known as “The Steel Team” is always trained to assist all kinds of groups, families, friends, couples and all those who love outdoor activities.
High Quality Equipment for your trip. From a simple trekking pillow to the softest walking stick, going through the more comfortable Carpas bedrooms and the best quality feather sleeping bags that ensure a good break. We buy new equipment every year, with a 2-year rotation constantly looking for the best brands and that are the most comfortable and safe for your trip.
Excellent meals-All included. You shouldn’t worry about food, because we included all the food throughout the Walk. Our chef will impress you with the quality of food prepared in a small tent and small kitchen. All the food is prepared with fresh ingredients, we don’t use canned or dehydrated food. In addition, there is the possibility to prepare plant or special diets according to their needs without charge.
Safe and guaranteed exits. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees you all the departures, as we operate 100% of our Walks. Other agencies expect to have enough customers to start with an extension. Even if we only have a single traveler for a Travel date, this trip will be operated by us with the prices listed on this website and without surcharge. Normally our groups are small and with an average of 4 to 8 people.
We treat our travel staff in the best way and are made up of our region’s social projects. We practiced a good deal primarily for our workers. That’s why we provide tickets to Camino Inca, accommodation, transportation, uniforms and good food for all our staff. Cooks and porters have paid Health Insurance and all of them have wages razed according to the work they do. We are also committed to social program projects that sponsor benefits for children in local communities in Health and Education, which helps improve their living conditions.
We practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. We are a green company and measure with the environment and in the sustainable use of ecological resources which must have a minimal impact on the part of the tourism. An important act is that our kitchen staff use detergents for biodegradable dishwashers. In addition, he is constantly participating in the Inca Trail Cleaning Campaign to Machu Picchu.
Customized Service and Support. When you do a query, we will always answer you. We are here to help provide personalized care and support. Call or email our contact center from anywhere and anytime.

Prices and Availability

IMPORTANT:

The available permissions shown on our website are always Updated and in Real Time .
These permits available at this time are being purchased, so these permits will go down as the hours and days go up to finish.
Please note that the available permits are not only for our Company, but for all Authorized Tour Operators to perform this route.
We recommend you book your excursion as soon as possible to avoid missing this great experience.

PREVIEW 2025

USD $250.00 per person
USD $240.00 per student or child from 4 to 17 years old.
USD $0.00 per child (0-3 years)-Free, travelling with a parent.

IMPORTANT:

Note that this is a group excursion.

If you wish to book PRIVATE TOUR , ask for your quote by emailing info@incredibleperutours.com or via whatsaap at +51 984525006

TO CONSIDER:

Our passion is family travel! If you’re traveling with children, feel free to contact us to learn about our special promotions.
We also offer discounts and promotions for student groups and groups of friends. Get in touch with us to receive our exclusive offers!
Incredible Peru Tours – IPT guarantees your peace of mind by having no hidden charges or fees.
Prices are listed in U.S. dollars (USD $) and are per person.
If you are interested in this route and would like to book or need more information, contact us at:
📞 Cell: +51 984 525 006
📱 WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047
✉️ Email: info@incredibleperutours.com

AVAILABILITY:

JANUARY 2025: NOT AVAILABLE
FEBRUARY 2025: NOT AVAILABLE
MARCH 2025: AVAILABLE
APRIL 2025: AVAILABLE
MAY 2025: AVAILABLE
JUNE 2025: AVAILABLE
JULY 2025: AVAILABLE
AUGUST 2025: AVAILABLE
SEPTEMBER 2025: AVAILABLE
OCTOBER 2025: AVAILABLE
NOVEMBER 2025: AVAILABLE
DECEMBER 2025: AVAILABLE