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Just a stone’s throw away from Cusco lies the majestic Andes Mountains and breathtaking Humantay Lake. This jewel, surrounded by towering peaks and untouched landscapes, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a day of adventure and beauty.

View of Humantay Lake

How my day went

I opted for a day trip with Willka Cusco, a reputable local company that provided an experienced guide, all for under $40. At the time of my booking, TripAdvisor was running a promotion that made the day excursion $67 for two people. This all-inclusive package includes hotel pick-up in Cusco, comfortable transportation in a mini-van, wonderful homemade breakfast and lunch, walking sticks, and the entrance fee to Humantay Lake. It was an incredible experience for an exceptional price! 

The adventure started in Cusco, Peru with a dark and early morning being picked up from my hotel at about 4:15 AM. From there the guide picked up a few other tour guests from nearby hotels and we started the drive towards Humantay Lake! 

View of Humantay Lake

With an early kick-off, everyone on board seized the opportunity for a power nap until the sun decided to join the party. We rolled into Mollepata, Peru at around 7 AM and found ourselves at a beautiful home. A fantastic homemade buffet-style breakfast was made for us so we could fuel up for the intense hike ahead. 

Where we ate breakfast and lunch in Mollepata, Peru

After a delicious breakfast, we hopped back in the van for a 1-hour journey to the start of the Humantay Lake hike.

At the start of the hike, each person on the tour went at their own pace. Being from Florida and not used to the elevation, my pace was undoubtedly slow! But in my defense, the highest elevation in Florida is a whopping 345 feet (105 meters).

The Humantay Lake hike is no joke, starting at 12,630 feet (3,849 meters) and reaching a height of 13,779 feet (4,200 meters) – an elevation gain of 1,150 feet (350 meters). I’ll reiterate, this hike is hard!

Alpacas near the start of the hike

Because this hike is at such a high elevation, it is recommended to stay in Cusco for a few days to acclimate. Cusco is also located in the Andes Mountains, at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level, so it’s a great starting point for all the high-elevation activities in the region.  

Thankfully, I did not have any altitude sickness here or even on our Rainbow Mountain hike (article coming soon) which was at a shocking 17,100 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level – nearly the same elevation as Everest Base Camp, for perspective.

If you don’t have the same luck when it comes to higher altitudes, along with medication you can bring to Peru, try the cocoa tea – a natural remedy that is very popular in the Cusco region. The bed and breakfast I stayed right in the heart of the historic district had coca tea available 24/7 for guests. Some people swear by it, so you will have to give it a try.

The great thing about this destination is that hiking is not the only way up. Locals have horses and mules available for an additional cost, typically 80 soles or $21 per person. Mentally, I wanted to push myself to make it to the top on foot, but I was slowing down after 45+ minutes of hiking. I eventually decided to take a horse the rest of the way up and stopped a local coming down with his horses who offered a ride for half the typical fare. If you are not used to hiking at this elevation, I strongly urge you to consider a horse at the beginning on the hike. 

Once I arrived at the top, I was met with live traditional Andean music, referred to as “taqui” in Quechua, and the stunning backdrop of Humantay Lake. In front of me was a panorama of serene beauty – the turquoise alpine lake with the reflection of the towering snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and vibrant addition of purple Lupins lining the lake shores.

Even with my slow hiking, I was able to spend at least a half an hour admiring the lake and views. Humantay Lake is considered a sacred site by the local Quechua people. It means “rest” and “stay forever,” and it’s no doubt this name was given because of the immense natural beauty of the site. 

The hike down can only be done on foot, there are no horses available. But I found the trail down was much easier to catch my breath on and takes about 1 hour. And the views never disappointed. For much of the trail down, I followed a beautiful stream. Picture the perfect nature playlist with the sound of running water and lively birds in the background – that is this hike!

I met back at the tour van once I finished the hike and our group hit the road, headed for lunch. We stopped back at the same family restaurant where we had breakfast, located in Mollepata, and enjoyed another fantastic buffet-style meal before continuing the drive back to Cusco. The tour guide dropped us off right outside our hotel by 6 PM. 

A day trip to Humantay Lake from Cusco is not just an excursion; it’s a journey into the heart of Peru’s natural wonders. With the convenience of a guided tour, the experience become enriched with insights and stories that bring the landscape to life. Although Humantay Lake tested my hiking abilities, or lack thereof at high elevations, I look back at the adventure with so much appreciation! Humantay Lake is a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. 

What is Humantay Lake?

Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes is Humantay Lake, a stunning gem formed from glacier runoff, creating a vibrant emerald-turquoise shade of water with the reflection of the surrounding mountains. Humantay is pronounced Uman-Tie and is considered a sacred lake to the Quechua people.

View of Humantay Lake

Where is it located?

Humantay Lake is located 2.5 miles above sea level in the Andes mountain range in Peru, about 3 to 3.5 hours from Cusco, in the town of Soraypampa.

How did Humantay Lake get its turquoise color?

Mineral runoff from the glaciers surrounding Humantay Lake and the presence of microalgae creates the unique coloring.

What tour did I take for Humantay Lake?

I booked my Humantay Lake tour with Willka Cusco on TripAdvisor. The tour was fantastic and included everything we needed for a long day out at a fantastic price. If you have any questions, you can reach out to the company on WhatsApp at +51 984951059 or visit their office at Calle Garcilaso 265 Office 7 Cusco.

Can I take a taxi?

Yes, but you’ll be paying much more than an all-inclusive tour. A taxi to and from Humantay will run about 290 soles or $75, not including the 20 soles (~$5) entry fee per person. An all-inclusive tour costs less than $40 per person and includes the entry fee to Humantay Lake along with both breakfast and lunch. I personally would opt for a tour unless you are familiar with the region and can find a reputable driver that is willing to wait 3+ hours while you hike. The only perk to taking a taxi is being able to explore Humantay Lake without all the crowds since you can arrive later in the day.

How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike is 1.5 hours up, 1 hour back, and approximately 2.6 miles. The first half of the trail runs at an incline of about 40% whereas the second half of the trail is at 65-70% incline. 

Is the elevation that bad?

Yes! Do not downplay the effects of high elevation. Before hiking make sure you are acclimated to the elevation or know from previous experience that you will not fall ill to the high elevation.

Is hiking the only option to get up to the lake? 

No, you also have the option to pay an additional fee for a horse. The fee runs about 90 soles or $24 per person and has a weight limit of about 180 pounds. The horses take you up the majority of the way, stopping shy of the end, where you are required to hike an additional 10 minutes to the lake.

Horses are only available for the upward journey – you will need to hike down on foot.

Is there a bathroom?

Yes, there is a bathroom at the base of the hike and you’ll need a few soles to use it.

Where did I stay in Cusco?

I stayed at a fantastic bed and breakfast in the historic district of Cusco called Amaru Inca, located at Cuesta San Blas, 541, Cusco City Centre, 84 Cusco, Peru. My stay included breakfast and a private bathroom (with plenty of hot water)! The view of the city from the hotel was stunning.

View of Cusco at night from Amaru Inca Hotel

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