In short
- Humantay Lake sits at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet).
- The Humantay hike covers 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) round trip.
- Both trips require early starts and acclimatization in Cusco.
In this article
Many visitors only have time for one full-day hike from Cusco. Both destinations reach extreme high elevations. Humantay Lake offers a shorter hike focusing on a turquoise glacial lake over colorful minerals.
What is the scenery like on both hikes?
Humantay features a turquoise glacial lake and snow-capped peaks, while Rainbow Mountain is known for striped mineral slopes.
At Humantay, the trail ends at a high-altitude lake surrounded by the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers. The water gets its bright color from glacial melt. Rainbow Mountain offers panoramic views of colored earth. If you prefer alpine lakes and glaciers, Humantay is the better fit.
How high is the altitude for each trek?
Humantay Lake sits at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level.
Both locations are high enough to cause altitude sickness. Humantay Lake requires at least two days of acclimatization in Cusco first. You will start the hike at roughly 3,900 meters and climb to 4,200 meters. Rainbow Mountain sits at an even higher elevation, making it harder to breathe.
Is the Humantay Lake hike harder than Rainbow Mountain?
Humantay is a shorter but steeper hike covering 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) round trip.
The Humantay trail is rated moderate to strenuous. You climb 300 to 400 meters (1,000 to 1,200 feet) from the Soraypampa trailhead. The ascent takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Rainbow Mountain involves a slightly longer walking distance but a more gradual incline until the final push.
Which destination is more crowded?
Both are highly popular day trips from Cusco that see heavy foot traffic.
Humantay Lake has grown from a quiet stop on the Salkantay Trek into a busy standalone destination. Tour buses park at the Soraypampa base camp early. To avoid crowds, hire a private car or join a tour arriving at the viewpoint before 9:00 AM.
How long does each day trip take from Cusco?
A day trip to Humantay Lake takes 12 to 14 hours.
Tours for Humantay leave Cusco as early as 4:00 AM. You will drive about 3.5 hours to the Mollepata District for breakfast and entry fee payment (20 PEN). Rainbow Mountain tours run on a similar timeline, demanding a full day and a very early start.
When is the best time to do these hikes?
The dry season from May to October is the best time for both destinations.
Visiting Humantay Lake during the dry season guarantees safer trail conditions and clear skies. The water colors are also brightest then. Rainbow Mountain requires similar dry conditions so the mineral colors are not covered by snow or mud.
Questions travellers ask
Can you rent a horse for the Humantay Lake hike?
Yes, local muleteers offer horses near the Soraypampa parking lot. The horses cover about 80% of the trail. You must hike the final steep section on foot.
Do I need to book a tour for Laguna Humantay?
No, but organized tours costing $30 to $60 USD are the most cost-effective way to go. You can also hire a private taxi for $70 to $100+ USD to set your own schedule.
How much does it cost to go to Humantay Lake?
Foreign adults pay a 20 PEN (approx $5.50 USD) entry fee at the Mollepata checkpoint. Guided day trips range from $30 to $60 USD.
