This full-day Humantay Lake trek from Cusco pairs an early-morning drive with a high-altitude hike to a striking turquoise lagoon beneath Humantay Mountain. The guided tour includes transfers, breakfast and lunch — ideal for visitors wanting a day trip that packs alpine scenery into a single, attainable outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Before dawn the van slips out of Cusco, headlights carving a path through Andean silence. You arrive at Soraypampa with a cold sky above and a simple breakfast warming your hands; the trail climbs into a world where oxygen thins and peaks loom like quiet giants. Humantay Lake waits above the ridge — a bowl of turquoise pushed up against a glacier-scoured flank — and the final switchbacks reward the steady with a view that flattens the breath and quickens the camera.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–14 hours
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and prior experience with sustained uphill hiking at altitude recommended
Wildlife
History
Humantay and surrounding peaks are part of the Quechua highlands where mountains have long been venerated as apus; local communities maintain ritual ties and seasonal grazing patterns.
Conservation
The high-altitude wetlands and fragile vegetation recover slowly from trampling — stick to trails, pack out waste, and support local guides who practice low-impact tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Lake Humantay Full Day Trip with Transfers, Breakfast and Lunch today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco first
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco at lower exertion before the trek to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Bring at least 2 liters of water
High elevation and dry air increase dehydration — carry enough water or an electrolyte mix for the ascent.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
UV is strong above 4,000 m; wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a brimmed hat even on cloudy days.
Wear grippy, broken-in boots
Trail includes loose rock and short steep sections; sturdy ankle-support boots improve comfort and safety.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
Temperature drops quickly at elevation; a warm mid-layer is essential for stops at the lake.
Waterproof shell jacket
Weather can shift fast in the Andes; a breathable shell protects from wind and rain.
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
Provides traction and reduces injury risk on rocky, uneven trail sections.
Sunscreen and UV sunglasses
High-altitude sun is intense—protect skin and eyes during exposed climbs.