Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the HUMANTAY LAGOON TOUR – 1 DAY
day 1
Mollepata, Soraypampa, Humantay Lagoon
Turquoise waters at the foot of Humantay peak.
We hike up from Soraypampa to one of Peru’s most impressive lakes, at 4,200 m, among mountains and views of the Andes.
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Pickup and breakfast in Mollepata
By tourist transport, approx. 3 hours · Cusco → Poroy → Limatambo → Mollepata
We pick you up early at your hotel in Cusco. We pass through Andean villages such as Poroy and Limatambo until we reach Mollepata, where we have a breakfast buffet to start with energy.
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Arrival in Soraypampa
By tourist transport · Mollepata → Soraypampa
We continue to Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where the hike begins.
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Climb to the lake
On foot, uphill, 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes · Soraypampa → Humantay Lake
The trail winds between mountains, with panoramic views of the Andes. The first stretch is gentle and the final part is steeper.
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Humantay Lake Highlight
Free time · Humantay Lake, 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Its turquoise waters lie at the foot of the imposing Humantay snow peak. You will have free time to take photos, walk around the lake or simply enjoy the peace of the place.
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Descent and lunch in Soraypampa
On foot, downhill · Humantay Lake → Soraypampa
We hike back down to Soraypampa, where a buffet lunch awaits.
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Return to Cusco
By tourist transport, in the afternoon · Soraypampa → Cusco
We drive back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.
Day details
- Hike: Approx. 9 km (5.6 miles) round trip, about 4 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate, mainly due to the altitude
- Altitude: Minimum 3,850 m / 12,631 ft (Soraypampa) · Maximum 4,200 m / 13,780 ft (Humantay Lake)
- Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch
The turquoise lake at the foot of Humantay peak in a single day. Want to keep hiking all the way to Machu Picchu? Discover the Salkantay Trek 4 Days.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
Guide, assistance and safety
- Professional bilingual guide: Spanish or English.
- Eco-friendly trekking poles.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen tank: During the hike and in the vehicle.
Transport and entrance
- Hotel pickup.
- Tourist transport: Cusco – Soraypampa and Soraypampa – Cusco.
- Humantay Lake entrance fee.
Meals
- Breakfast buffet in Mollepata.
- Buffet lunch in Soraypampa.
Not include
Optional extras
- Horse rental: See Additional services.
Other
- Drinks and meals not mentioned.
- Travel insurance.
- Extra and personal expenses.
Prices HUMANTAY LAGOON TOUR – 1 DAY
Rates per person
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date, but we have daily departures and, depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead. Ask us about availability.
Additional services
- Approx. 80 soles · Horse for part of the climb: Offered by local villagers and paid in cash to the horsemen on the day. It does not reach the lake: it leaves you about 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the viewpoint. Only for passengers up to 90 kg.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents: Passport or ID.
- Clothing and footwear: Warm layers, jacket, gloves, warm hat and hiking shoes.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, UV sunglasses and a cap (UV radiation is intense at altitude).
- Other: Small backpack, water and cash for shopping in local communities.
Recomendations
- Acclimatize first: Don’t do this tour, or any other high-altitude tour, if you have just arrived in Cusco. Allow at least two full days to adjust; you can start with a City Tour or the Sacred Valley.
- Early night, no alcohol: You have to get up very early, and alcohol makes altitude sickness symptoms worse.
- Mind the altitude: Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals before the tour and tell the guide about any discomfort right away.
- Oxygen inhaler: Although we carry an oxygen tank, we recommend bringing a portable inhaler, especially if you are sensitive to altitude.
- Best time to go: The dry season, from April to September, has clear days and less rain; nights are very cold, especially in June and July. From October to March it rains often.
- Optional horse: To reduce the effort, you can rent a horse (approx. 80 soles, in cash). Only for passengers up to 90 kg.
- No signal: Let your family know you may be out of contact for about 5 or 6 hours.
- Medical check-up: If you are over 70 or have a medical condition, see your doctor before the trip.
F.A.Qs
How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?
About 120 km (75 miles). The drive by tourist transport to Mollepata takes about 3 hours, and from there we continue to Soraypampa, where the hike begins.
Do I need trekking experience?
No. What matters is having adequate physical fitness to walk at altitude and being ready for the effort of the climb.
How difficult is it?
It is moderate, mainly because of the lake’s altitude, 4,200 m. The trail is not technically difficult, but the slope and the altitude call for basic fitness and good acclimatization in Cusco.
How high is the lake?
At 4,200 m (13,780 ft). The hike starts in Soraypampa, at 3,850 m (12,631 ft).
How long is the hike?
The climb from Soraypampa takes between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on your pace and acclimatization. The first stretch is gentle and the end is steeper. The round trip is about 9 km (5.6 miles) and takes around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Can older adults or people with medical conditions take part?
Yes, as long as they can walk on their own and are in adequate physical condition. If you are over 70 or have a pre-existing medical condition, we recommend a medical check-up before the trip. In these cases, the private service is the best option, as it lets you go at your own pace and take the breaks you need.
Do you carry an oxygen tank?
Yes. We carry an oxygen tank for the group during the hike and another one in the vehicle. Even so, we recommend bringing a portable oxygen inhaler, especially if you are sensitive to altitude. The best prevention is still good acclimatization, staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals before the tour and telling the guide about any discomfort right away.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
Your safety comes first and all our staff are trained in first aid. If you have symptoms of altitude sickness, fatigue or any other discomfort, the team assesses your condition and assists you: depending on the case, we arrange your return with the driver or a transfer to the community’s first aid point. If you need specialized care, we have the support of a clinic near the trailhead, which can arrange evacuation to Cusco.
Can I rent a horse?
Yes. Local villagers rent horses so you can do part of the climb with less effort. It is not included: it costs about 80 soles, paid in cash to the horsemen on the day. The horses do not reach the lake: they leave you about 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the viewpoint.
Is there a weight limit for the horse?
Yes. By decision of the local horsemen, it is only allowed for passengers up to 90 kg, to protect the animals in these altitude and terrain conditions.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, from April to September, with stable, clear days (around 18 °C / 64 °F on average) and less rain: the lake shows its most intense color and the hike is safer. In those months nights are very cold and can drop to –10 °C (14 °F), especially in June and July. From October to March days are mild and nights less cold (4 °C to 6 °C / 39 °F to 43 °F), but it rains often.
What should I bring?
Warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a cap or hat, water and a small backpack. Mountain weather changes quickly. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
Is there phone signal or internet?
Very little and, in most cases, none during the hike. At some high points there may be intermittent signal, with no guarantee. We recommend telling your family you may be out of contact for about 5 or 6 hours.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To manage the booking we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Guarantee: We ask for a guarantee per person to secure your space. We recommend booking early, especially on holidays and in high season.
4. Final confirmation: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, up to 48 hours before departure. In that case an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Why choose Sakura Expedition?
We are a 100 % local Peruvian company, specialized in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. Our team of certified guides and operations staff works to give you unique, safe, high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalized service. With our tourism quality certification, we take care of every detail, from planning to the very last moment of the tour.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
