Humantay Lake Full Day Tour from Cusco: Hike to the Turquoise Lake

Name: Humantay Lake Full Day Tour from Cusco: Hike to the Turquoise Lake
Brand: Machu Picchu Team
SKU: humantay-lake-full-day-tour
Price: 23.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (2800 reviews)

Hike to the turquoise glacier lake beneath Humantay Mountain and return to Cusco the same day. Hotel pickup, breakfast, buffet lunch and guide included.

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4.9 Excellent · 2,800+ reviews on Google & Tripadvisor

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FULL DAY TOUR

Tour Overview

The Turquoise Lake of the Andes

Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco: The Turquoise Lake at 4,220 m

Our Humantay Lake tour takes you to a turquoise glacier lake at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain, with views of the sacred Salkantay. All in one day from Cusco.

The Humantay Lake tour from Cusco costs USD 27 per person (USD 23 promotional price) and takes a full day, from hotel pickup at 4:15–4:45 AM to the return at 6:00–6:30 PM. You hike 8 km round trip from Soraypampa (3,900 m) to the lake (4,220 m), with breakfast and a buffet lunch in Mollepata.

It is a short but rewarding Humantay Lake hike to a sacred place for the local Quechua communities, where you may see condors and viscachas. A bilingual guide is included, with daily departures.

DurationFull day

PriceFrom USD 23

Lake altitude4,220 m (13,845 ft)

Hike8 km / 3–4 hours

DifficultyModerate to challenging

Humantay Lake

A turquoise lake fed by the Humantay glacier, at 4,220 m.

Views of Salkantay

The highest and most sacred mountain of the Cusco region.

Andean Culture and Wildlife

Quechua offerings, condors, viscachas and native birds.

Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

Both in Mollepata, with vegetarian and vegan options.

Read the full Humantay Lake Full Day Tour description

We pick you up in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 AM and drive to Mollepata for breakfast, then continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m). From there, you hike 1.5 to 2 hours up to Humantay Lake for photos and rest.

After the descent, we enjoy a buffet lunch in Mollepata and drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 to 6:30 PM at Plaza Regocijo.

Want more? Combine Humantay Lake with the Salkantay Pass on the Salkantay Trek 2 Days, or plan another Cusco day trip like the Rainbow Mountain Tour or the Sacred Valley Tour.

Private Humantay Lake Full Day Tour

Enjoy the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour at your own pace with a private tour for you, your family or friends: flexible departure times, a personalized itinerary and a private guide. Send us your preferred date and group size for a custom quote.

Special Price for Returning Customers

Have you traveled with Machu Picchu Team before? Contact us before booking to receive a special returning-customer rate for the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour, subject to verification of your previous booking.

Availability & Booking

Humantay Lake Day Trip: Online Booking and Availability

The Humantay Lake Full Day Tour runs every day of the year, subject to availability. Book months ahead or at short notice: when spaces are available, we accept bookings until 9:00 PM the day before.

Click BOOK NOW and open the calendar.

Choose your date and enter your details.

Pay 100% securely online and receive your confirmation.

DeparturesDaily, all year

Book until9:00 PM the day before

Drop-offAirport or bus terminal available

Questions? 💬 WhatsApp +51 974 217 700 · 📧 info@machupicchuteam.com

Highlights

Why You’ll Love the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour

Nine reasons travelers choose this Humantay Lake hike with Machu Picchu Team.

✓Turquoise Glacier Lake
Humantay Lake at 4,220 m, beneath the snow-capped Humantay Mountain.
✓Views of Salkantay
The sacred and highest mountain of the Cusco region.
✓Short, Rewarding Hike
About 8 km round trip, 3 to 4 hours in total.
✓A Sacred Andean Place
See the offerings left by local Quechua communities.
✓Andean Wildlife
Condors, viscachas and native birds.
✓Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
Vegetarian and vegan options on request.
✓Small Groups
Usually 12 to 14 travelers, with a bilingual guide.
✓Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Door-to-door service, with drop-off at our office.
✓Free Cancellation
100% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour, and 50% until 10:00 PM the day before.

BOOK ONLINE

FROM

USD 23 per person (Promotional Price)

Duration FULL DAY TOUR

Starts in Hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 AM

Group size Max: 16

Departures Daily Departures Available

Physical level Moderate

Trip style Hiking

Distance 6 KM

Meals 01 B, 0 L, D

4.9 Excellent · 2,800+ reviews

"Just finished 4 days with Yuri & Jose, they were both amazing, super helpful and attent..."

BoardingPass605159 28/09/2026

"Une superbe expérience ! L’équipe est au top, une superbe ambiance un tracé magnifiqu..."

Bouhet M 28/09/2026

"This experience was amazing. The guys are really nice and the landscapes seems like AI...."

Jose Alejandro Navarro 27/09/2026

"Great experience, an unforgettable adventure all thanks to Eduardo and Marx. Big thank ..."

Kristina K 27/09/2026

"Eduardo is the best guide! Really tailored our experience around our pace and flexibili..."

Zak L 27/09/2026

"I had such a great time on this guided tour! Everything was really well organised, and ..."

Mihai 26/09/2026

"Incredible, a very polite and attentive person, he knows a lot about the mountain, a to..."

Renato C 26/09/2026

"Nothing to say about the trek itself. The landscapes are magnificent and the organizati..."

lara j 25/09/2026

"The trek is magnificent, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the organization is decen..."

nuno29 25/09/2026

"We did the 2-day trail and were very satisfied with our guides Miguel and Alice. The wa..."

Thomas L 25/09/2026

Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary

Cusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake (4,220 m) → Cusco

Your Humantay Lake Full Day Tour starts with pickup at your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 AM. Around 7:30 AM we stop in Mollepata for an Andean breakfast: fresh juice, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, fruit salad, and bread or pancakes.

After a 1-hour drive to Soraypampa (3,900 m), we start hiking around 9:30 AM. The climb to Humantay Lake (4,220 m) takes 1.5 to 2 hours, with time at the lake for photos, rest and your guide’s explanations.

Around 1:00 PM we walk down (1 to 1.5 hours) and enjoy a buffet lunch in Mollepata around 2:00 PM. We return to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 to 6:30 PM at Plaza Regocijo.

DifficultyModerate to challenging

Hike8 km / 3–4 h

Lake altitude4,220 m

Back in Cusco6:00–6:30 PM

Good to know: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize, and walk at a steady pace on the way up.

Included Today

✓Hotel pickup and transport
✓Andean breakfast and buffet lunch
✓Bilingual guide
✓Oxygen and first aid kit

Drop-off

At our office on Plaza Regocijo, one block from the Plaza de Armas.

Humantay Lake Full Day Tour from Cusco: Hike to the Turquoise Lake

What Is Included in the Humantay Lake Tour

Hotel or Airbnb Pickup in Cusco

Between 4:15 and 4:45 AM. We confirm the exact time after your booking.

Round-Trip Tourist Transport

Comfortable vehicles from Cusco to Soraypampa and back.

Andean Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

Both in Mollepata. Vegetarian and vegan options on request.

Professional Bilingual Guide

English and Spanish, trained in safety and altitude support.

Oxygen and First Aid Kit

Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.

Drop-off at Our Office

At Plaza Regocijo. Airport or bus terminal drop-off on request.

Free Luggage Storage

At our office, open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Humantay Lake Entrance: S/20

S/10 for Peruvian citizens. Cash only, in soles.

Horse Rental: About S/90–100

Optional, at Soraypampa, with a local handler. Horses may not reach the lake: the last section is on foot.

Snacks and Water

Bring water and energy snacks for the hike.

Tips

Tips for your guide are voluntary.

Humantay Lake Packing List: What to Bring

On the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour the temperature changes a lot during the day, from freezing mornings to strong sun at the lake. Dress in layers.

Clothing and Footwear

✓Hiking boots with ankle support (no jeans or sandals)
✓Quick-dry hiking pants
✓Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
✓Beanie, gloves and a neck buff
✓Sun hat and UV sunglasses

In Your Backpack

✓Water and energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate)
✓Sunscreen
✓Rain poncho and an extra warm layer
✓Altitude medication, if recommended
✓Camera or phone
✓Cash in soles for the entrance, horse and tips

Prices and options

Official Rates & Pricing Plans

* All rates are in USD per person

Book online

Rate Option	Price per person
STANDARD Standard Price	$27 USD
PROMO Promotional Price	$23 USD

2026 & 2027 prices: the rates above are valid for bookings with travel dates in 2026 and 2027.

Humantay Lake Tour Price: Standard or Promotional?

The Humantay Lake Full Day Tour includes the same services at both rates. The promotional price is our thank-you to travelers who also explore Peru with us.

Standard

Standard Price

USD 27 per person

For all travelers who book this tour on its own.

Best for: travelers looking for a one-day Andean adventure from Cusco.

Promo

Promotional Price

USD 23 per person

For travelers who also book another tour with Machu Picchu Team, or who have traveled with us before.

How to get it: mention your other Machu Picchu Team booking when you reserve this tour.

Your day

Humantay Lake

Hotel pickup in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 am
Breakfast in Mollepata
Drive to Soraypampa (3,900 m), at the foot of Salkantay Mountain
1.5 to 2-hour hike up to Humantay Lake (4,220 m)
About 1 hour at the lake, then descent to Soraypampa
Buffet lunch in Mollepata
Back in Cusco between 6:00 and 6:30 pm

Included

What Your Price Covers

Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in Cusco
Round-trip tourist transport
Andean breakfast and buffet lunch
Professional bilingual guide
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Free luggage storage at our office in Cusco

Entrance fee not included: the Humantay Lake entrance (S/ 20) is paid on site, in cash and in Peruvian soles. Bring small bills.

High altitude: the lake is at 4,220 m and the trail is steep and uphill. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize, and bring warm layers, a rain jacket and sunglasses.

Need help on the trail? Rent a horse from the local community for the way up (about S/ 90 to 100, paid on site), or add trekking poles (USD 10) when you book.

Want to stay longer? Spend a night in our Sky Star Domes and cross the Salkantay Pass on our Salkantay Trek 2 Days and Humantay Lake.

Group Size

Our groups usually have 12 to 14 travelers, with a maximum of 16.

Book solo, as a couple or with friends: you’ll join travelers from around the world who booked the same date.

Daily Departures

We depart every day of the year.

You can book online until 9:00 pm the day before your tour.

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. After that, 50% refund until 10:00 pm the day before the tour.

Need to change your date? Reschedule for free until 7:00 pm the day before.

Travel information

Booking Guide

How to Book the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour

You can book the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour until 9:00 PM the day before, online or at our office. As a one-day tour, it is paid 100% when you book.

Option 1

Book Online

Pay 100% of the tour by card (3.99% fee) and receive your confirmation by email.

Option 2

Book in Person

At Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco, open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Pay in soles, US dollars, euros or by card.

Book Online in 4 Easy Steps

Choose your date

Click Book Now and select your tour date.

Enter your details

Full name, nationality, hotel in Cusco and WhatsApp number with country code.

Pay securely

Pay 100% by card and receive a confirmation email with your receipt.

Get your pickup time

We send a second message with your exact pickup time.

Humantay Lake Tour Booking Policy

1. Free Rescheduling

Change your date or switch to another full-day tour for free until 7:00 PM the day before, by email or WhatsApp.

2. Cancellation and Refunds

24 hours or more before the tour: 100% refund. Less than 24 hours, but before 10:00 PM the day before: 50% refund. After 10:00 PM the day before, or no-show: no refund.

3. Bad Weather or Safety

If we must cancel for severe weather, road closures or safety reasons, we offer a new date, another tour or a refund.

4. Entrance Fee

The Humantay Lake entrance (S/ 20) is paid at the local checkpoint, in cash and in soles only.

5. Altitude and Health

The lake is at 4,220 m. Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days and tell us about any medical condition.

6. Pickup Time

Be ready at your hotel at the confirmed time. Late arrivals may miss the tour, without refund.

Make the most of your Humantay Lake Full Day Tour with this option.

Horse Rental · about S/90–100

A horse with a local handler from Soraypampa, available at the trailhead. The horse may not reach the lake: the final section is always on foot.

FAQs

Humantay Lake Tour: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the Humantay Lake tour cost?

USD 27 per person, or USD 23 with the promotional price if you book another tour with us or have traveled with us before. It includes hotel pickup, transport, breakfast, buffet lunch and a guide. The lake entrance (S/ 20) is paid on site.

2. Is the Humantay Lake hike difficult?

It is moderate to challenging, mainly because of the altitude. The climb from 3,900 to 4,220 m takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and the whole hike is about 8 km round trip. Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days first.

3. What time does the Humantay Lake tour from Cusco start and end?

We pick you up at your hotel between 4:15 and 4:45 AM and you are back in Cusco around 6:00 to 6:30 PM. We confirm your exact pickup time after booking.

4. How do I pay the entrance fee?

At the local checkpoint, in cash and in soles only: S/ 20 for international visitors and S/ 10 for Peruvians.

5. Can I rent a horse?

Yes, at Soraypampa for about S/ 90–100. Horses may not reach the lake, so the last section is on foot.

6. Can I leave my luggage?

Yes, for free at our office, open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Leave it the day before the tour and pick it up when you return.

7. When is the best time to visit?

The dry season, from April to October, has clearer skies. Tours run all year.

8. Humantay Lake day trip or Salkantay Trek 2 Days?

Choose this Humantay Lake day trip for the lake only, back in Cusco the same day. Choose the Salkantay Trek 2 Days to add a night in our Sky Star Domes and the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m).

9. Can I change my date?

Yes, for free until 7:00 PM the day before, subject to availability.

10. What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel 24 hours or more before the tour for a 100% refund. With less than 24 hours, but before 10:00 PM the day before, you get a 50% refund. After 10:00 PM the day before, or if you do not show up, there is no refund.

11. Is Humantay Lake worth it?

Yes. It is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the Cusco region: a turquoise glacier lake at 4,220 m, reached in one day from Cusco with a short hike.

Travel Guide

Humantay Lake Tips for a Great Day

Acclimatize first

Spend at least 2 days in Cusco. Coca tea or altitude medication can help.

Dress in layers

Mornings are freezing and middays are sunny.

Wear good boots

The trail is steep and rocky in places.

Hydrate and snack

Bring water and energy-rich food.

Keep a steady pace

Don’t rush and follow your guide’s instructions.

Leave no trace

Take your trash with you and respect the sacred lake.

Photo gallery

Why choose Machupicchu Team

The Machu Picchu Team Difference

Why Book the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour with Machu Picchu Team?

Direct Local Operator

No middlemen or resellers: we run the tour ourselves.

Fair Prices

No inflated markups, with everything you need included.

Complete Logistics

From your hotel to our office, with airport or bus terminal drop-off on request.

Bilingual Guides

Fluent in English and trained in altitude safety.

Buffet Meals

Breakfast and buffet lunch, so you choose what you like.

Plan your trip with our team in Cusco

Hi! We are Raquel, Robert, Estefany and Noemi, your local team in Cusco. Real people, no bots: we all speak English, answer every message personally and help you choose the right tour for your dates and fitness.

Raquel Machu Picchu Tour Expert
Robert Experienced Local Guide
Estefany Peru Trip Planner
Noemi Cusco Tours Specialist

Message us on WhatsApp

+51 974 217 700
info@machupicchuteam.com
Every day, 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Peru time)
Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco

Send an inquiry

Just finished 4 days with Yuri & Jose, they were both amazing, super helpful and attentive. Thank you to the kitchen staff as well! Definitely a challenge, but in the end it all worth it!

View full review

Bouhet M

Level Easy

Group 10 People

Departures Daily Departures

From US $ 280 Adult

View Itinerary

Price from

$ 23 USD per person (Promotional Price)

Price