Your Humantay Lake adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 AM. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed after your reservation, once we receive the name and address of your accommodation. Travelers staying near the historic center may also meet us directly at the Machu Picchu Team office, located at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, at 4:45 AM.
At approximately 5:00 AM, we will depart from Cusco and travel toward the town of Mollepata. The drive takes around two and a half hours and offers beautiful views of traditional villages, valleys, and Andean landscapes. Upon arrival in Mollepata at approximately 7:30 AM, we will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a complete breakfast before continuing the journey.
After breakfast, we will travel for approximately one more hour to Soraypampa, located at 3,900 meters above sea level. This is the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake. Before beginning, your guide will provide important instructions about the trail, weather conditions, altitude, and the recommended walking pace.
The uphill hike to Humantay Lake takes approximately one and a half to two hours, depending on your physical condition and walking pace. Along the route, you will enjoy impressive views of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains, as well as the dramatic scenery of the Peruvian Andes.
Upon reaching Humantay Lake, located at approximately 4,220 meters above sea level, you will have time to rest, take photographs, explore the surroundings, and admire its beautiful turquoise waters. Your guide will explain the cultural, spiritual, and environmental importance of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
After enjoying the lake, we will begin the descent to Soraypampa. The downhill hike takes approximately one to one and a half hours. Our tourist transportation will be waiting at the trailhead to take us back to Mollepata.
At approximately 2:00 PM, we will enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Mollepata. The buffet offers a variety of Peruvian dishes, salads, side dishes, and vegetarian options. After lunch, we will begin the return journey to Cusco, which takes approximately three hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
We expect to arrive in Cusco between 6:00 and 6:30 PM. The tour finishes at Plaza Regocijo, near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and the Machu Picchu Team office.
Hike Summary
- Starting point: Soraypampa, approximately 3,900 meters above sea level
- Maximum altitude: Humantay Lake, approximately 4,220 meters above sea level
- Total hiking distance: Approximately 8 km round trip
- Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Weather: Cold and windy, especially near the lake
- Tour type: Guided full-day hiking tour
- Meals included: Breakfast and buffet lunch
- Transportation: Round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco
- Estimated return to Cusco: Between 6:00 and 6:30 PM
