One day trip Sacred Valley
The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.
Lake Humantay 1 Day
- Duration 1 Day
- Type Group or private
- Group Size Up to 8 people
- Languages English, Spanish
From $29.00 / Person
Overview
Cusco • Mollepata • Soraypampa • Humantay Lake
Discover the brilliant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake on an exciting full-day adventure into the Peruvian Andes. Tucked beneath the snowy giants of Salkantay and Humantay, this stunning glacial lake is home to some of the most striking high-mountain scenery anywhere in South America.
We run small-group departures every day (no more than 8 hikers), with safe and modern tourist transport, a knowledgeable local guide, and freshly cooked regional meals. It is also one of the best ways to acclimatize before tackling a longer Andean trek such as the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail.
The Best Day Hike for Altitude Acclimatization
Many day tours pack travelers into big 30-seat buses and hurry them along. Our hike is designed differently, with small groups, a comfortable pace adapted to you, and safety as the top priority at 4,200 meters.
- A Dazzling Glacial Lake: Stand on the shore of Humantay Lake and admire its clear turquoise water, constantly fed by meltwater from the glaciers above.
- Spectacular Mountain Views: Enjoy close-up views of the sacred Andean peaks known as Apus, including mighty Mount Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and Mount Humantay (5,473 m / 17,956 ft).
- Small Groups, Always: Hike in groups of no more than 8 people for a calm, crowd-free experience and plenty of personal attention from your guide.
- The Perfect Trek Preparation: Climb to 4,200 m (13,779 ft) in just one day, an ideal way to train your lungs and legs before the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail.
- Hassle-Free Organization: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, executive tourist vehicles, full safety equipment (emergency oxygen and pulse oximeters), and freshly prepared sit-down meals.
Highlights
- Glacier-Fed Waters: Be amazed by the vivid turquoise color of Humantay Lake beneath towering walls of ice.
- Stunning Andean Landscapes: Walk through the high Soraypampa valley, surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks.
- Small Groups Guaranteed: Share the day with an average of 6 and never more than 8 fellow hikers, for a more personal experience.
- Local Meals Included: Start the day with a filling sit-down breakfast and refuel afterward with a full Andean buffet lunch in Mollepata.
- Optional Horse Ride: Save your energy on the steep climb by hiring a local horse at the trailhead.
- Door-to-Door Transport: Sit back and relax with round-trip transport from and back to your hotel in Cusco.
Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco • Mollepata • Soraypampa • Humantay Lake • Cusco
Hotel Pickup & Breakfast in Mollepata
The day starts early, with pickup at your Cusco hotel lobby between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM. A comfortable tourist minibus takes you on a 2.5-hour drive through the Andes to the small farming town of Mollepata. Here, a freshly made breakfast awaits, with fruit juice, coffee or hot tea, fruit salad, and bread with butter and jam.
Uphill Hike to Humantay Lake
From Mollepata, a 45-minute ride along a twisting mountain road brings you to the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Your guide hands out walking sticks and gives a short briefing before the climb begins. The 3 km (1.8-mile) trail rises steadily for 1.5 to 2 hours until you reach the edge of Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
Time at the Lake & Return to Cusco
At the lake, you have between 45 and 90 minutes to take pictures, walk along the shore, and hear your guide tell local stories about the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits of the Andes. We then hike downhill for about 1.5 hours back to Soraypampa and drive to Mollepata for a generous buffet lunch. A 2-hour drive takes you back to Cusco, where we drop you off near the main square or at your hotel at around 5:00 PM.
- Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles round trip (3 km up, 3 km down)
- Hiking Time: About 3 to 3.5 hours
- Highest Point: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft (trailhead at 3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
- Driving Time: About 5 hours in total, round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (steep trail at high altitude)
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch
The Perfect Acclimatization Hike Before the Salkantay or Inca Trail
Reaching 4,200 meters (13,779 ft), the Humantay Lake hike is one of the best ways to prepare your body for high altitude in the Cusco region. Doing this day trip before our 4-Day Salkantay Trek or 4-Day Classic Inca Trail lets you adapt to the elevation safely while keeping your legs in shape for the bigger adventure ahead.
Inclusions
What Is Included in the Humantay Lake Day Hike?
- Hotel Pickup: We collect you directly from your hotel lobby in Cusco.
- Comfortable Tourist Transport: Round-trip transfer in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or executive tourist van.
- Local Expert Guide: Certified, bilingual guide from the region, trained in emergency first aid.
- Meals: A sit-down breakfast and a full buffet lunch, both in Mollepata.
- Entrance Fees: All community and access fees for Humantay Lake.
- Walking Sticks: Free wooden or aluminum walking sticks, available on request.
- Safety Equipment: High-altitude first-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen carried on the vehicle.
What Is Not Included?
- Horse Ride: Optional horse rental, paid directly to local horse owners (80 PEN / about $22 USD).
- Snacks & Extra Drinks: Bottled water and any personal snacks for the hike.
- Tips: Optional gratuities for your guide and driver.
Price
Humantay Lake Hike Prices
| Service Option | Regular Price | Special Price* |
| Group Tour (Max 8) | $29 USD per person | $24 USD per person |
| Private Tour (2 to 3 People) | $75 USD per person | $70 USD per person |
| Private Tour (4 or More People) | $55 USD per person | $50 USD per person |
*Special Price: Get $5 USD off per person when you have already booked a multi-day trek or a Machu Picchu tour with Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu.
Optional Extra
- Horse Ride (80 PEN / about $22 USD): Local families rent out riding horses at the Soraypampa trailhead. The owner walks beside the horse and leads it up to the lake viewpoint while you ride. Your guide can help you arrange it on the morning of the hike.
How to Book Your Hike
Book Online
Reserve your spot online with a $20 USD deposit per person. The remaining balance can be paid at our Cusco office when you arrive, directly to your guide on the day of the hike, or online in full.
Book at Our Cusco Office
Prefer to book in person? Drop by our office in Cusco and our team will walk you through the itinerary and confirm your place. Walk-in bookings are accepted up to 24 hours before the hike.
Why Us
Why Hike Humantay Lake with Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu?
Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu is a genuine family-run tour operator based right here in Cusco. As a fully independent local company, we focus on creating personal, high-quality experiences throughout the Peruvian Andes.
Locally Owned & Independent: We have no outside investors, so we reinvest in our own community and run every tour with our own Cusco-based team.
Small Groups Guaranteed: Groups are limited to 8 travelers, with an average of 6. This keeps the atmosphere relaxed and flexible and gives you more time with your guide.
Knowledgeable Local Guides: Our bilingual guides were born in Cusco and hold university degrees in Tourism, History, or Archaeology. They share the culture of the Andes accurately and always put your safety first.
Fair & Ethical Employment: Our team is like family. We pay fair living wages, provide quality equipment, and offer ethical working conditions that support Andean households.
Supporting Local Communities: Responsible travel is at the heart of what we do. We work directly with the highland communities of Mollepata and Soraypampa, hire local staff, and contribute to village development projects.
Packing List
What to Bring on the Humantay Lake Hike
Documents & Essentials
- Copy of Your Passport: A printed copy or a photo on your phone is enough as ID in case of emergency.
- Cash in Peruvian Soles: Around 100 to 150 soles for an optional horse ride, extra drinks, snacks, and tips.
- Small Daypack: A 15L to 25L backpack for water, extra layers, and personal items.
- Good Footwear: Hiking boots or trail-running shoes with strong grip, as the steep path can be covered in loose gravel.
Clothing & Layers
- Layers: A thermal base layer, a breathable shirt, a fleece, and a warm insulated jacket. Early mornings at 3,900 m are very cold.
- Rain Protection: A light rain jacket or waterproof poncho, essential in the rainy season.
- Warm Accessories: Wool hat, warm gloves, and thermal socks.
Sun Protection & Energy
- Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Water: At least 2 liters in a refillable bottle or hydration bladder.
- Energy Snacks: Nuts, chocolate, dried fruit, or energy bars for a quick boost on the climb.
Important Info
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The climb takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake is 3 km long with a steady incline. Coming back down the same path takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is the best time of year to hike to Humantay Lake?
The dry season, from May to November, offers the best conditions. Expect blue skies, sunny days, and excellent visibility for photos of the mountains. That said, we run this hike all year. In the rainy season (December to April), mornings are usually dry, with occasional showers in the afternoon.
Will I feel the altitude on this hike?
Most likely, yes. Humantay Lake lies at 4,200 meters (13,779 ft), and nearly everyone notices the thinner air at that height. We suggest spending at least 2 days in Cusco before the hike to acclimatize. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and portable emergency oxygen to keep you safe throughout the day.
Can I go up to Humantay Lake on horseback?
Yes. Local families rent horses at the Soraypampa trailhead for about 80 PEN (around $22 USD). The owner leads the horse up the mountain, so you can sit back and enjoy the views.
Do I need my original passport for this tour?
No. Unlike on the Inca Trail, there are no checkpoints on this route that ask for your original passport. A paper copy or a photo of it on your phone is all you need for identification in an emergency.
What vehicles do you use?
Modern, fully licensed tourist vehicles. We use Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses or executive tourist vans, which our mechanics check and service every day to keep them safe and clean.
How do I book the Humantay Lake hike?
Booking online takes two simple steps:
- Step 1: Click the BOOK NOW button and enter your trip details (full names, passport numbers, and hike date).
- Step 2: Pay a deposit of $20 USD per person to reserve your seat and guide. The rest can be paid at our Cusco office when you arrive or directly to your guide.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure and your deposit is refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the hike are not refundable, as vehicle seats and staff have already been assigned.
What You'll Experience on the Trail
From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.
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Stop 01 / 03Wiñay Wayna
Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.
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Stop 02 / 03Inti Punku
The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.
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Stop 03 / 03Machu Picchu
By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.
Lovely Words From Our Travelers
Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Read all on Tripadvisor
Amazing experience with Sam travels
I had the best experience with Sam travels, we had an amazing time doing the 4d Salkantay trek, we had the best weather. Specifically want to mention Josep what an amazing cool guy he was. A real leader, great story teller, motivator and made you feel like you were taking on something special. Secondly another special mention for Andres and his catering team. The food was amazing, real nutritious and energising for the long trekking days.
Finally the horse man Donato, he managed to get all of our fresh clothing to the next camp very efficiently. Highly recommend a trip with this company.
Great experience at short Inca trail
We did the 2-day Short Inca Trail and it was a fantastic experience! Our guide, Fredy Zapata, was excellent. He told us so much about the history of the Incas and the region, and was able to answer every question we had. He did a great job and made the whole experience really enjoyable.
The highlight was definitely arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. An unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend!
Great experience because of the team!
Amazing trip! What a great experience, so well organized. Our guide Josep was a guiding star who knows so much and shared a lot of information. Very kind and helpful in every way. The cooking team of Andres was amazing and we had wonderful and a great variety of meals every evening. Donato the horseman made sure we got our stuff safe and in time to every stop. I could not ask for a better experience to be honest. Especially Josep, thank you for being so flexible, organized and sharing your knowledge.
Unforgettable Salkantay Experience with Sam Travel
We did the Salkantay Trek with SAM Travel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice! Our guide, Josep, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. He answered every single one of our questions about nature, history and Peruvian culture honestly, even better than ChatGPT! ;) We especially loved being in such a small group. It made the whole experience feel much more personal, relaxed and authentic.. The accommodations throughout the trek were excellent, and the food prepared by Andrés was absolutely outstanding. We were honestly surprised by the quality and variety of the meals, especially considering we were in the middle of the mountains. We spent a long time researching different companies before booking the Salkantay Trek, and choosing SAM Travel was definitely the right decision. Everything was extremely well organized, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend SAM Travel, and especially Josep and Andrés, to anyone planning to do the Salkantay Trek!
SAM travel
Great trip. Great people. Loved my time with Joseph, Andres, Donato.and Elvis. Amazing world to explore made extra special with great people. Shout to my fellow travellers
Best trek ever!
It was amazing. We had the best Guide with Josep who is Sperling really good English and explaining so many things to us as well as introducing us perfectly to the altitude and the landscape. The Pick Up, accomodation and especially the food was so well organized and delicious. I highly recommend doing this trek, it was spectacular. 😍
Google Reviews
Read all on Google
We had an amazing experience on the 4 day/3 night Salkantay Trek with Sam Travel Peru. Everything was seamless from beginning to end.…
I joined the 2-day, 1-night tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu with SAM TRAVEL, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.…
We had an incredible time on the 3D/2N Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to visit some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray on the first…
We did the 4-day Inca Trail with Sam's Travel, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It's something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.…
We had a great time on our 3d/2n tour of the sacred valley and short inca trail. The sacred valley prepared us very well for Macchu Picchu and the information provided was great. Our guide Rolando was very knowledgeable about the inca…
We’ve just done the 4-Days Inca trail with SAM travel. Our main guide Josep was very professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He really made sure that we enjoy the journey and our needs are addressed. Jimmy, our assistant guide, helped…
We had a great experience with Sam Travel Peru. Always felt well taken care of and safe. Our guide, Israel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The office staff were always quick to reply to emails.…
Trustpilot Reviews
Read all on Trustpilot
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide…
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide Mario the chef with amazing food and porters who were our hero’s.
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow…
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow Mountain and it had been just perfect. Fernando, our guide, was really kind and attentive. All the staff is professional and friendly, totally recommended!
Incredible Salkantay Trek with Exceptional Guide Jhordy
We recently completed the Salkantay Trail trek with Sam Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Our guide, Jhordy, was exceptional. He was highly professional, providing great insights, facts, and stories that enriched our journey. Jhordy was very patient with us and demonstrated remarkable flexibility, adjusting the itinerary when we weren't feeling our best. We highly recommend Sam Travel, especially Jhordy, for making our trek an incredible time.
