Humantay Lake Peru or Laguna Humantay Peru day trip takes you to the picturesque turquoise lake near Cusco Peru. This hidden gem nestles up in the Vilcabamba Mountain range in the Peruvian Andes.
It is the first stop on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. Just like Full day tour to Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake Peru too is an unmissable attraction on your trip to Peru.
Humantay Lagoon has been sacred since the Incan civilization. People used to leave sacred offerings to mother earth on the banks of the river. In modern times, Shamans visit the lake to do offerings. Locals call these Apacheta.
Apacheta is a process to pile small stones, each on top of the other. They do this to express their gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth). The Shamans use three coca leaves to seek blessings from “Apus”, sacred peaks.
The shades of water vary from dark green to emerald. It depends entirely on the time of the day and the rays of the sun. The glaciers from Humantay Mountain feed the lake.
The only way to reach Humantay Lake Peru is by hiking from Sorayapampa or on a horseback. This high-altitude trek could be somewhat challenging to some.
However, the views on the way are absolutely breathtaking. It is a natural beauty. You can also rent a horse at an additional cost from the base camp.
Treks in Cusco is one of the top-rated tour operators in both group and private tours. We offer high-altitude eco tourism on our tours.
We have dedicated tour guides who have done this trek plenty of times. They have extensive knowledge about the flora and fauna. Our guides are also aware of the traditions that the Andean people follow here.
As the lake nestles at 4,200 meters above sea level. It is highly recommended to be well acclimatized to avoid altitude sickness. You may opt to do one of our easy tours Waqrapukara or Sacred Valley tour to make the most of your time while acclimatizing.
If you are not keen on group tours, we also offer private Laguna Humantay Peru Trips.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0600 AM
We will pick you up at 0600 AM, from your hotel in Cusco. Then we will drive you to Soraypampa. Full-Day Trek to Lake Humantay Peru begins here.
On our way, we will make a brief stop at Limatambo. From here you will get a panoramic view of the Apurimac Valley. Here we will serve breakfast. You can also buy some snacks and water you may need during the trek.
Once in Soraypampa, our guide will brief you on safety and will share some tips. The hike could be challenging to some. It takes about 1.5 hours to two hours to hike up the hill. If you are not keen on hiking, you can rent a horse from the community.
The trekking route is scenic. It offers enchanting views of the Andean valley. Along the way, you will be crossing many farms. You will also get to see Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuñas.
From the summit, you will have a pristine view of the snowcapped peaks. The landscape here is out-worldly. The turquoise waters are a unique attraction. Our local expert will explain to you the rituals and how the Incas continue to worship them.
Once you have had your fill of the enchanting views and your visit to Humantay Lake, we will start our hike back to Soraypampa. It will take about 45 minutes to an hour.
Here will meet our driver at the parking lot. We will then drive you to Mollepata for lunch. You can savor some authentic Peruvian meals with options for vegans.
After lunch, we will drive you back to the city of Cusco. You will be dropped off at Plaza Regocijo, a block away from Plaza De Armas.
It is a two hours hike up the hill from Sorayapampa to Laguna Humantay. On the way back it takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Yes, you can. Although beware the water is extremely cold. There are people who do paddle boarding in Laguna Humantay.
It is a 3 hours drive from Cusco to Mollepata and an hour more to Sorayapampa. From Sorayapampa it is a two hours hike up the hill.
I was very happy to do the tour with you, the coordination was excellent, my most sincere thanks we spent an unforgettable day, they were excellent professionals and punctual.