Humantay Lake (Laguna Humantay) is a turquoise glacial lake at the foot of the Humantay snow peak, in the Vilcabamba range near Salkantay. It is one of the most beautiful day hikes from Cusco: a steep walk of about 1.5 hours leads from Soraypampa to the lake, where the water shines blue-green below the glacier. This guide covers how to get to Humantay Lake, the hike, the altitude, the entrance fee, the best time to go and what to pack.
Humantay Lake at a glance
| Location | Near Soraypampa and Mollepata, Vilcabamba range, Cusco region |
| Altitude | About 4,200 m (13,780 ft) |
| Trailhead | Soraypampa, about 3,900 m, about 3 hours by road from Cusco |
| Hike | About 1.5 hours up and 1 hour down; about 8 km in total on our tour |
| Difficulty | Moderate: short but steep, at high altitude |
| Entrance | S/ 20, paid in cash |
| Best time | April to October, in the morning |
Why visit Humantay Lake?
- The color: the lake’s intense turquoise comes from glacial minerals in the water.
- The setting: the Humantay glacier rises directly above the lake, and on clear days you also see the Salkantay range.
- A sacred place: for local communities, Humantay is an apu, a sacred mountain, and you will see small stone towers (apachetas) built as offerings around the lake.
- A great acclimatization hike: it is a good test before the Salkantay Trek or Rainbow Mountain.
How to get to Humantay Lake
On a guided tour (recommended)
Our Humantay Lake Tour (from USD 23) picks you up at your hotel in Cusco at about 4:15 to 4:45 AM. You drive through Limatambo to Mollepata, where you stop for breakfast, and continue to Soraypampa, the start of the hike. After the visit, you have lunch and return to Cusco at about 6:00 to 6:30 PM. The entrance fee (S/ 20) is paid separately.
On your own
There is no direct public transport to Soraypampa. Independent travelers can take an early colectivo from Cusco to Mollepata and then a local taxi to Soraypampa, or hire a private car for the day, which is practical for a small group. It is cheaper to join a tour if you travel alone.
On the Salkantay Trek
Most Salkantay itineraries visit Humantay Lake on the first afternoon or second morning. See our Salkantay Trek 2 Days with Humantay Lake (from USD 160) and all Salkantay Trek options.
The Humantay Lake hike
From Soraypampa, the trail starts gently through the valley, then climbs steadily on a wide dirt path with zigzags up a moraine to the lake. Most people take 1 to 1.5 hours to go up, with frequent stops to breathe, and about 1 hour to come down. At the top, you have time to walk along the shore and climb a little higher for the classic view of the lake below the glacier. Swimming is not allowed; the water is near freezing and the lake is sacred to local communities.
Can I ride a horse?
Yes. Local muleteers rent horses at Soraypampa to ride most of the way up; it is paid in cash. The horse does not take you all the way, so you still walk the last steep section.
Altitude and difficulty
Humantay Lake is at about 4,200 m, 800 m higher than Cusco. The hike is short, but the steep climb at this altitude makes it moderately hard. Spend at least 1 to 2 days in Cusco before the hike, walk slowly, and drink water. Coca tea and coca candies help many travelers. Read our guide to altitude sickness in Cusco.
Best time to visit Humantay Lake
- April to October (dry season): clear skies and the brightest turquoise color; very cold early mornings.
- November to March (rainy season): more clouds and rain, sometimes snow, and a muddy trail, but greener valleys and fewer people.
The light is best in the morning; clouds often build in the afternoon. Check the forecast on SENAMHI, Peru’s national weather service.
What to pack for Humantay Lake
- Hiking shoes with good grip and trekking poles
- Warm layers: fleece, warm jacket, hat and gloves for the morning and the lake shore
- A rain jacket or poncho
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- 1 to 1.5 liters of water and snacks
- Cash in soles for the entrance (S/ 20), a horse and bathrooms
- Personal medicines and toilet paper
Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?
| Humantay Lake | Rainbow Mountain | |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | About 4,200 m | About 5,000 m |
| Highlight | Turquoise lake below a glacier | Striped colorful mountain |
| Hike | Short and steep | Longer and higher |
| Entrance | S/ 20 | S/ 30 |
| Tour from | USD 23 | USD 23 |
If you can, do both: Humantay first, as acclimatization, then Rainbow Mountain a few days later. See our Rainbow Mountain Tour and all our tours in Cusco.
Frequently asked questions about Humantay Lake
How high is Humantay Lake?
About 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
About 1 to 1.5 hours up from Soraypampa and about 1 hour down.
How much is the entrance to Humantay Lake?
S/ 20 per person, paid in cash. It is not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Is the Humantay Lake hike hard?
Moderately. It is short, but steep and at high altitude. Go slowly and acclimatize in Cusco first.
Can you swim in Humantay Lake?
No. Swimming is not allowed; the water is very cold and the lake is considered sacred.
How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?
About 3 hours by road to Soraypampa, the start of the hike.
