Plan your visit
Plan your hike
A trip to Humantay Lake requires an early start from Cusco. Expect a bumpy three-hour drive followed by a steep high-altitude climb.
Getting there
Tours, taxis, and public transit.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Organized full-day tour from Cusco including hotel pickup, transport, guide, breakfast, and lunch. | 12-14 hours round trip | $30 - $60 USD | The most popular, cost-effective, and hassle-free way to visit. |
| Car: Private taxi hired from Cusco to drive to Soraypampa via Mollepata. | 3.5 hours one way | $70 - $100+ USD | Offers a flexible schedule to beat the tour buses, but road conditions from Mollepata to Soraypampa are unpaved and winding. |
| Bus: Colectivo from Cusco to Mollepata, followed by negotiating a local taxi up to the Soraypampa trailhead. | 4-5 hours one way | 60-80 PEN total | A budget option but logistically challenging, especially for securing a reliable return taxi from Soraypampa. |
When to go
- J
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- M
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- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best time to visit is the dry season, running from May to October. This period offers clear skies and stable trail conditions. Heavy rains between December and March make the steep path muddy and slippery.
What to bring
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Acclimatize in Cusco for at least two days before hiking.
The lake sits at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet).
How the day runs
Typical tour schedules.
A standard 14-hour group tour from Cusco including meals.
- Hotel Pickup
Board the bus in Cusco.
- Breakfast in Mollepata
Stop for food and pay the 20 PEN entry fee.
- Arrive at Soraypampa
Begin the 1.5 to 2.5-hour ascent.
- Explore the Lake
Enjoy the views and rest at 4,200 meters.
- Lunch in Mollepata
Eat a buffet lunch on the way back.
- Return to Cusco
Arrive back in the city center.
Hire a private driver to beat the morning tour crowds.
- Depart Cusco
Leave early in a private taxi.
- Start Hiking
Begin the ascent before the main tour buses arrive.
- Lake Views
Experience the viewpoint with fewer people.
- Drive Back
Meet your driver at Soraypampa for the return trip.
Managing the Altitude
The hike to Humantay Lake is difficult due to the 4,200-meter (13,780-foot) elevation. Altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. Spend at least two days in Cusco (3,400 meters) before attempting this trek.
Drink plenty of water and hike slowly. Pack coca leaves or altitude sickness medication. Many guided tours carry emergency oxygen, which provides immediate relief if symptoms become severe.
Easiest way to do it
Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included)
14 h 4.9 (793)
- First-aid kit.
- Onboard Starlink satellite internet connection.
- Round-trip transfer from your hotel to the tour (please confirm your accommodations with our team).
- Professional driver qualified for long-distance routes.
From$53per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long is the hike to Laguna Humantay?
The round trip covers 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles). The ascent takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, while the descent requires 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What is the altitude of Humantay Lake?
The lake sits at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. The trailhead at Soraypampa starts at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet).
Is the Humantay Lake hike harder than Rainbow Mountain?
Rainbow Mountain reaches a higher altitude (5,200 meters), making breathing harder. However, the final incline at Humantay Lake is much steeper. Both require excellent acclimatization.