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Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco: Day Trek through Beautiful Valleys and White Mountains
4.7
261 Ratings
Cusco
Embark on a day trek from Cusco to Humantay Lake, a stunning destination steeped in Incan mythology. Explore beautiful valleys and white mountains, guided by professionals, with hotel pickup, entrance fees, and meals included.
Embark on a day trek from Cusco to Humantay Lake, a stunning destination steeped in Incan mythology. Explore beautiful valleys and white mountains, guided by professionals, with hotel pickup, entrance fees, and meals included.
Duration:
14 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Cusco - The driver will meet guests at their hotel between 3:30 am and 4:00 am, followed by a private transport journey to Mollepata village. Enjoy the scenic views of the lush Apurimac River valley during the 2-hour drive.
- Mollepata - A brief stop for breakfast will provide energy for the upcoming hike.
- SORAYPAMPA - The journey…
- Cusco - The driver will meet guests at their hotel between 3:30 am and 4:00 am, followed by a private transport journey to Mollepata village. Enjoy the scenic views of the lush Apurimac River valley during the 2-hour drive.
- Mollepata - A brief stop for breakfast will provide energy for the upcoming hike.
- SORAYPAMPA - The journey continues by car to Soraypampa, taking approximately one hour (3900 masl).
Here, the trek to Humantay Lake begins, situated at 4200 masl (13,779 feet).
- Humantay Lake - The challenging hike up takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For those finding the climb too strenuous, horseback riding to the lake is an option. Upon reaching the top, the effort is rewarded with the stunning view of Apu Humantay Lake.
At the mountain’s summit, there will be an opportunity to learn about the site’s sacred significance to the Incas and to take in the breathtaking scenery. Afterward, the group will return to Mollepata.
- SORAYPAMPA - Upon descending, the group will head back to Mollepata for a delightful lunch.
- Cusco - Finally, transportation from Mollepata will return guests to Cusco, where they can enjoy a well-deserved siesta.
Drop-offs are conveniently located near Plaza San Francisco around 6:00 pm.
What's Included
- Entrance fee (if the option is selected)
- 1 American Breakfast, 1 lunch (vegetarian option)
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup in Cusco city
- Transport by private minivan
- 1 walking stick
- Entrance fee (if the option is selected)
- 1 American Breakfast, 1 lunch (vegetarian option)
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup in Cusco city
- Transport by private minivan
- 1 walking stick
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Drinks
- Drop off at the hotel.
- Gratuities
- Drinks
- Drop off at the hotel.
Additional Information
Embark on a day-long hiking journey, departing from Cusco and traversing picturesque valleys and snow-clad mountains to reach a lake significantly valued in Inca mythology - the Humantay Lake, a location of remarkable beauty in the area. This excursion package includes expert guidance, transportation from a hotel in Cusco City, admission charges, and…
Embark on a day-long hiking journey, departing from Cusco and traversing picturesque valleys and snow-clad mountains to reach a lake significantly valued in Inca mythology - the Humantay Lake, a location of remarkable beauty in the area. This excursion package includes expert guidance, transportation from a hotel in Cusco City, admission charges, and food. Option to select between communal or personal tour is available during reservation.
- Minimum age is 14 years old.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required for the small group option
- Not recommended for Sedentary individuals.
- Not recommended for children and elderly people.
- Be responsible and do not bring your baby or small child to this trip.
Location
Cusco
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(261 Ratings)
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Kana_a
May 14, 2026
Thank you Eduardo! - Eduardo gave us the team name of Team Sexy Llamas, and we were absolutely here for it! It was easy to find our group every time. We went to the same spot for breakfast and lunch, both of which were delicious and plentiful. It also had a gorgeous mountain view and clean bathrooms. Our driver Nicholas was also fantastic at navigating the difficult turns up the mountain. When we finally started our hike, we were given hiking sticks to assist us. Eduardo was great to chat with during the way up, making jokes and sharing information about the Humantay lake and Peru. The trail in the beginning was tolerable but for the more difficult steep incline section up the mountain, we had the option to rent horses for 80PEN which we gladly took. The way down was much easier on foot for everyone and the horse option is not available. Once reaching the lake, we had about an hour to explore, take photos, and rest. The lake was so beautiful and worth the hike. Eduardo took this time to give a history lesson for the entire group. He also helped a party member that was struggling with altitude sickness by giving her an oxygen tank from his backpack. He met us back down the mountain at the bus, and constantly counted to make sure everyone was both safe and accounted for. Would absolutely recommend this exact itinerary to anyone interested in visiting!
Review provided by Viator
Adam_b
Apr 25, 2026
Wonderful Experience - The experience was wonderful from the guides, driver, and meals provided. One of the coolest places I’ve been to. Horses are an option for those who can’t hike, so wear boots as there was a lot of horse manure on the way down.
Review provided by Viator
Tomasz_s
Apr 11, 2026
Humantay lake - You must see it. The views you admire along the route—along with the ever-changing weather—make for an unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_m
Jan 21, 2026
A beautiful site ! - It was an incredible hike with so much to see! It is difficult if you’re not a hiker so I def recommend riding the horse up. The families that rent them are really kind and help guide you up. Our tour guide Joel was amazing and so kind. He consistently checked in on us the whole time to ensure we were having a great time!
Review provided by Viator
Bobby_t
Dec 18, 2025
Beautiful lake with stunning snow covered mountains in the background - This tour company took really good care of us. They gave us clear instructions the night before (be sure to have whatsapp on your phone). Pickup was on time and the transportation to and from the lake was smooth and orderly (during pickup, we had to wait 25 minutes for a group of six inconsiderate guests to get ready, which caused pickup of subsequent guests to be delayed, but that was not the tour company's fault).
The included breakfast and lunch were greatly appreciated and the food for good.
Once we got to the base of the mountain, we had to hike a ways to get to the horse stables. That portion of the hike is flat but the rest of the way up to Humantay Lake is quite steep so we decided to take some horses up the mountain (you can hike up yourself if you prefer). It cost 80 Soles for each horse, but beware that if you are a bit heavy, they may charge you extra. Note that the horses are managed by another outfit and this tour operator has nothing to do with the horses. The trek up the mountain was fine for a while but something spooked my horse and it bucked me off, causing me to fall on my back. Fortunately, I was not seriously injured. They gave me another horse and the rest of the ride up was uneventful. At the horse dropoff point, you still need to hike a little further to get to the Lake. Once you get there, the view is beautiful, with the turquoise color of the lake and the stunning mountain backdrop forming a great background for a gorgeous picture. On the way back, we hiked about halfway down the mounting and picked up a ride that took us all the way back to the bus parking area. This cost us 30 Soles per person. This was of course the easy way to do the tour but after doing Rainbow Mountain the day before, we were exhausted and appreciated having the easy option. You can of course walk the whole way back to the bus parking area if you prefer. Overall, our guide Bryan was wonderful (he was the one who arranged the ride back to the parking area). He kept track of everyone the whole way and was very patient. Overall, this was a very worthwhile experience and a great value for the buck. Finally, be sure to tip these guys. They work really hard for you. Enjoy!
Review provided by Viator
Rosa_g
Dec 5, 2025
Hidden Gem - Our tour guide Yesenia was amazing, she made the trip so pleasant, very supportive on our steep hike. The view was worth the hike, and if you are not a hiker and still want to go up the mountain to see this beautiful magical lake, there’s lovely towns people that let you take a horse up for 80 soles. I went with three other friends, and only one of use chickened out and took a horse. It’s a hard hike but very fulfilling experience. The food was delicious, once again Yesenia was so lovely, and will definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Nilvanr2025
Nov 24, 2025
Incredible experience - It was an incredible experience! The lagoon looks like artificial intelligence of so beautiful. The company was very organized from the start to the end of the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aiswarya_s
Apr 3, 2026
Altitude Challenges and Limited Support – Not for beginners - It was an okay tour overall, but I would strongly recommend not doing this unless you are well acclimatized to high altitude and reasonably fit.
I chose the horse option, assuming it would make things easier. However, even walking short distances at this altitude was quite difficult and caused breathing issues. There is still walking involved before and after the horse ride (from the bus parking to the horse point, and from where the horse drops you off to the lake), and the altitude makes it more challenging than expected.
The group I was with was much more advanced and not very supportive, although people from other groups were kind enough to check on me. At one point, a girl sprained her ankle, and the guide asked other participants for painkillers, which was surprising as I expected basic first aid to be included.
Regarding the horse ride — instructions were minimal, and the system is different from what many may be used to. During the ride, another participant dropped a bottle which spooked my horse. I tried asking for help (in the little Spanish I knew), but didn’t receive any assistance at that moment, and we continued the journey. Later, the horse veered off route and threw me off. Thankfully, I was not injured, but the response I received was that I should have held on tighter, which didn’t feel very supportive.
I also felt that the horses were overworked or not properly cared for. When they stopped, possibly to rest, the handler was hitting the horse to keep it moving, which made me uncomfortable about using this option.
Later, another guide mentioned that someone from his group had previously suffered a fracture and had to be taken back to Cusco, which raises concerns about overall safety preparedness.
By the time we reached the top, it was cloudy and crowded, and I couldn’t fully enjoy the experience. Throughout the tour, I felt judged for struggling, even though altitude affects everyone differently. I was otherwise fine in Cusco, but this was a completely different level.
I would say this tour is better suited for those who are already well acclimatized and comfortable in high-altitude conditions. Otherwise, it can be physically and mentally overwhelming.
Review provided by Viator
Beth_m
Jan 10, 2026
Guide was not sympathetic... - Guide was not sympathetic to different fitness levels of the group and oxygen was not offered to those that needed it, please make sure you acclimatise before doing this trip and have a good level of fitness it’s a challenging hike. Food was ok. The driver was going so fast around corners that two of the group had to sit out at the breakfast stop. A lot of us felt nauseous at the lunch stop after the drive.
Review provided by Viator
Maxwell_a
Apr 12, 2026
They canceled on me last minute. - They canceled on me last minute. Woke up at 2AM for no reason. Very unprofessional and was one of my main reasons for visiting this destination. Avoid booking with them.
Review provided by Viator
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