A turquoise gem of a lake nestled in the Peruvian Andes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a fantasy novel.
That’s Humantay Lake, folks! If you’re a traveler with a thirst for adventure, jaw-dropping views, and a little bit of bragging rights, this is your next must-do.
Located near Cusco, Peru, this glacier with natural beauty sits at a whopping 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level, and trust me, getting there is half the fun (and half the sweat). From prep tips to paths, tools, and even a peek at the neighboring towns, I’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a hiking newbie or a seasoned mountain goat, this ultimate guide has everything you need to conquer Humantay Lake like a pro. So, let’s lace up those boots and get cracking!
What’s the Big Deal About Humantay Lake?
First things first: why should you care about Humantay Lake? Well, imagine a lake so vibrantly turquoise it looks like someone spilled a giant bucket of blue-green paint in the mountains.
This lake is not just any puddle! It’s actually a beautiful glacial formation made from the melting snow of Humantay Mountain, which is part of the stunning Vilcabamba Mountain Range near the famous Salkantay peak. The water’s vibrant color comes from minerals in the runoff mixed with a bit of sunlight.
This spot is perfect for photographers and a popular choice for Instagram lovers! However, it’s not just about the looks.
The hike to Humantay Lake is a moderate-to-challenging adventure that’ll test your stamina, reward your soul, and give you stories to tell at every dinner party for the next decade.
Plus, it’s only a day trip from Cusco, so you can squeeze it into your Peruvian itinerary without needing to commit to a multi-day trek (unless you want to, and we’ll get to that later). Ready to conquer this bad boy? Let’s start with the prep to visit Humantay Lake, then!
How to Prepare for Humantay Lake Like a Champ
Conquering the Humantay Lake trek isn’t about just showing up and hoping for the best—it’s about prepping smart so you don’t end up gasping for air like a fish out of water. Here’s how to get ready:
Acclimatize, Acclimatize, Acclimatize!
Altitude is a major factor here. Cusco is high up at 3,400 meters, and Humantay Lake is even higher at 4,200 meters.
Therefore, if you’re coming from sea level, you might find the climb tough at first. To help your body adjust, plan to spend a few days in Cusco before the hike.
Get to know the city, try some coca tea, which, by the way, is legal here and can help with altitude sickness, and take it slow. Trust me, you don’t want to be the one struggling to breathe while everyone else is snapping photos.
Pro Tip: Viagens Machu Picchu has prepared some articles about altitude sickness, the main enemy of visitors visiting Cusco and Humantay. In our “Best Peru Itinerary to Avoid Altitude Sickness” or “What to Take for Altitude Sickness in Peru” articles, you can have practical guides to face this bad boy.
Take some time, and take a look at our three articles about it! With our help, you can not only conquer the Humantay but also altitude sickness!
Get Your Fitness Game On
The hike to Humantay Lake is about 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) round trip from the trailhead at Soraypampa, with a 400-meter (1,312-foot) elevation gain. It’s not Mount Everest, but it’s steep and rocky, and the thin air makes it feel tougher than it looks.
If you’re not already active, start training a few weeks ahead. Hit the treadmill on an incline, do some stair climbs, or go for long walks with a backpack. You don’t need to be an Olympian, but being able to walk uphill without crying is a solid goal.
Pack Like a Pro
Here’s your essential packing list—don’t leave home without these:
Trekking Poles: These will become your new best friends during the trek. They’ll save your knees on the descent and help you stay balanced on the rocky bits.
Water and Snacks: You should bring at least 1-2 liters. Hydration is key at high altitude. If you can get energy bars, chocolate (yes, you read it well), it’ll be better.
Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, or a sandwich. You’ll burn calories like a furnace.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun at 4,200 meters is no joke—it’ll fry you faster than a Peruvian guinea pig, cuy on a spit (yep, that’s a local delicacy).
Layers: A waterproof jacket, fleece, and hat. The weather can flip from sunny to chilly to rainy in minutes.
Trekking Shoes: Sturdy, comfy ones with good grip. Flip-flops are a one-way ticket to twisted ankles.
Coca Leaves or Altitude Meds: Chew coca leaves (a local tradition) or bring Sorojchi pills from a pharmacy to combat altitude sickness. You can also read our three articles about this.
Camera: Because you’ll regret it if you don’t capture this beauty.
Cash: About 10- 20 soles for the entrance fee and snacks.
Drones: If you have this little toy, you must ask for permission from the community leader or ask locals about it. Don’t bring your drone without receiving a green light!
Mental Prep: It’s Not a Race
The hike takes about 1.5-2 hours up and 1 hour down, depending on your pace. It’s not a sprint—go slow, take breaks, and enjoy the views. If you’re feeling woozy from the altitude, stop and breathe. There’s no shame in taking your time; the lake isn’t going anywhere.
Paths to Humantay Lake: Pick Your Adventure
There are a few ways to get to Humantay Lake, depending on your vibe—solo explorer, group tour enthusiast, or multi-day trekker. Let’s break them down:
The Classic Day Trip from Soraypampa
Starting Point: Soraypampa (3,800 meters/12,467 feet)
Distance: 7.5 km (4.7 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
How to Get There: From Cusco, it’s a 3-hour drive to Soraypampa via Mollepata. You can:
Join a Tour: Most tours pick you up at 4-5 AM from your Cusco hotel, include breakfast, and cost around $30-40 USD. Super easy and hassle-free.
Go Solo: Take a collectivo (shared van) from Cusco’s Arcopata terminal to Mollepata (15 soles, ~2 hours), then a taxi to Soraypampa (50-70 soles round trip). Start early to beat the crowds.
The Hike: From Soraypampa, the trail starts flat for about 30 minutes, then gets steep and rocky. You’ll climb 400 meters over 3.5 km, passing wildflowers, llamas, and epic mountain views. The last 5-10 minutes are a gentle downhill to the lake.
The Salkantay Trek Bonus
Starting Point: Mollepata or Marko Q’asa
Distance: Varies (Humantay Lake is typically Day 1 or 2 of the 4-5 day trek)
Difficulty: Challenging
How to Get There: Book a 4- or 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Humantay Lake is a side trip on the first or second day, starting from Soraypampa.
The Hike: You’ll hit Humantay Lake as part of a longer journey, camping at Soraypampa or nearby. This tour is perfect if you want a multi-day adventure with Machu Picchu as the grand finale.
Did You Know: The Salkantay, along with other mountains surrounding Cusco or the Peruvian Mountain Andean Range, is considered an Apu, or a sacred mountain spirit god. The lore about the Apus is vast, and even today, locals and Andean people consider them sacred.
The DIY Long Hike from Marko Q’asa
Starting Point: Marko Q’asa
Distance: 5 hours to Soraypampa, then 1.5-2 hours to Humantay Lake
Difficulty: Very challenging
How to Get There: Hire a private taxi from Cusco to Marko Q’asa (about 300 soles round trip), then hike to Soraypampa and up to the lake.
The Hike: This tour is for hardcore adventurers. You’ll trek through Andean landscapes for 5 hours to reach Soraypampa, then follow the classic trail to the lake. It’s a long day, so start super early.
How to Get to the Top: Step-by-Step
Let’s focus on the classic Soraypampa route since it’s the most popular. Here’s how to nail it:
Start Early: Leave Soraypampa by 7-8 AM to avoid crowds and afternoon sun. Tours usually arrive around 8-9 AM, so beat them to it.
If you don’t spend the night in Soraypampa, it means that you should leave Cusco around 3 or 4 am. Keep in mind that, in your time to visit the Humantay, have a light but nutritious breakfast too.
Flat Warm-Up: The first 30 minutes are a gentle stroll. Enjoy the views of Salkantay Mountain and stretch your legs.
Steep Climb: The next hour is where it gets real. The trail turns steep and rocky, zigzagging up the mountain. Use your trekking poles, take small steps, and pause for water breaks.
Altitude Check: If you feel dizzy or short of breath, stop, sip water, and chew coca leaves. Oxygen is thin up here—listen to your body.
Final Push: After about 1.5-2 hours, you’ll reach a ridge. The lake is just 5-10 minutes downhill from here. You’ll see it peeking through the peaks—keep going!
Victory at the Lake: Congrats, you made it! Spend 45 minutes to one hour soaking in the views, snapping pics, and catching your breath. Don’t swim—the water’s freezing, and it’s used by locals for drinking.
Don’t worry about the Season: Some prefer the dry season, but you can make it in the rainy season too. Take a look at our guide about the rainy season in Cusco
Tools to Make the Climb Easier
You don’t need a ton of fancy gear, but these tools will make your life way easier:
Trekking Poles: Stability and knee support—non-negotiable.
Good Hiking Boots: Waterproof, grippy soles are best.
Hydration Pack: Hands-free water sipping is a game-changer.
Altitude Aids: Coca leaves, tea, or Sorojchi pills for that oxygen boost.
GPS App: Download Maps.me for offline trail navigation.
First Aid Kit: Bandages, painkillers, and altitude meds just in case.
Tips for Taking the Humantay Lake Like a Boss
Here’s some insider advice to ensure you crush this hike and have a blast:
Pace Yourself: Slow and steady wins the race. You’re not competing with anyone—enjoy the journey.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water even if you’re not thirsty. Dehydration sneaks up at altitude.
Dress in Layers: Mornings are cold, afternoons can be warm, and rain can hit anytime. Be ready for it all.
Avoid the Crowds: Start early or go late to have the lake to yourself. Midday is peak tour group time.
Respect the Locals: Don’t litter, and say “hola” to the Andean folks you meet. They might even offer you a horse ride if you’re struggling (for a small fee, of course).
Know Your Limits: If you’re not feeling it, turn back. There’s no shame in staying safe.
Neighboring Towns: Where to Chill Before and After
Humantay Lake isn’t in the middle of nowhere—it’s surrounded by cool little towns worth checking out. Here’s the lowdown:
Cusco (Starting Point)
Distance from Humantay: 120 km (75 miles), 3-hour drive
Vibe: Well, what else can we say about this little piece of Andean haven? Cusco is the historic capital of Peru; you can see, breathe, and smell history and culture in almost every block.
The Andean vibe is notorious, but you can also feel a European touch thanks to the syncretism and mix of the two cultures.
Cusco is also packed with colonial charm, beautiful squares, and a variety of traditional markets that promise to make our stay even longer than you expected!
What to Do: Explore Plaza de Armas, visit Sacsayhuaman, and acclimatize before your hike.
Where to Stay: Take a look at our “Where to Stay in Cusco” guide about the best hotels and places to stay in the Inca’s imperial city!
Mollepata (Gateway Town)
Distance from Humantay: 20 km (12 miles) to Soraypampa, 1-hour drive
Vibe: A sleepy Andean village with a laid-back feel and stunning mountain views.
What to Do: Buy your entrance ticket (10 soles), grab breakfast and lunch at a local eatery, and stock up on snacks. It’s also the last spot for a bathroom break before Soraypampa.
Where to Stay: Basic guesthouses like Hostal Mollepata ($20-30/night) if you want to break up the trip.
Soraypampa (Trailhead Village)
Distance from Humantay: 3.5 km (2.2 miles), 1.5- 2-hour hike
Vibe: A high-altitude campsite with jaw-dropping views and a rugged, wild feel.
What to Do: Start your hike, obviously! You can also camp here or stay in a glamping dome (fancy camping with glass roofs for stargazing, $50-100/night). It’s a base for the Salkantay Trek too.
Pro Tip: Bring cash for snacks or horse rentals (20-30 soles).
Limatambo (On the Way)
Distance from Humantay: 70 km (43 miles) from Soraypampa, 2-hour drive
Vibe: A quiet farming town with a chill pace and friendly locals.
What to Do: Stop for a quick break on your way to/from Cusco. Check out the Tarawasi Inca ruins nearby if you’ve got time.
Where to Stay: Basic hostels ($15-25/night) if you need a pit stop.
Fun Facts and Hilarious Tidbits
Legend Time: There are so many tales and stories regarding the Apus, such as Salkantay, Veronica, Vinicunca (the Rainbow Mountain is a sacred Apu, of course), and more. If you’re fascinated by Andean myths, take a look at our blog.
Llama Drama: You’ll see llamas on the trail, and they’re adorable—until one spits at you. Keep your distance and don’t take it personally.
Apachetas: Those little stone piles you’ll see? They’re called apachetas, built by locals and hikers to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth). Add a stone for good luck!
You’ve Got This!
Conquering Humantay Lake is an adventure you’ll never forget. With the right prep, a solid path plan, and a sprinkle of humor, you’ll be standing at that turquoise beauty in no time, feeling like the king or queen of the Andes.
Whether you go with a tour, tackle it solo, or weave it into a Salkantay Trek, the reward is the same: epic views, a killer workout, and a story to tell. Don’t forget to follow our tips to have a better experience in one of Peru’s most beautiful lagoons.
For your Humantay Lake tour, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or more attractions in Peru, you can count on Viagens Machu Picchu. As we’re based in Cusco, we’re experts in our city’s attractions and Peru’s tourist spots in general.
Don’t hesitate to contact us, so you can learn about our packages, promotions, and best deals. The adventure in Peru, and the Humantay, is waiting for you, don’t be late.
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