Humantay Lake: How to Visit, Difficulty and What to Pack
Humantay Lake: How to Visit, Difficulty and What to Pack
Humantay Lake is one of the most stunning day trips from Cusco: a lake of unreal turquoise at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay peak (5,473 m), fed by its melting glacier. It sits at 4,200 m (13,780 ft), so it is demanding but achievable for most travelers with some acclimatization. Here is everything you need to know before going.
Where is Humantay Lake?
It lies in the Vilcabamba range, about 3 hours by car northwest of Cusco, near Soraypampa — the starting point of the famous Salkantay trek. The turquoise color comes from glacial mineral sediments suspended in the water. See our Humantay Lake tour.
How to get there
You visit on a Full Day tour from Cusco:
- Departure 4:00–5:00 am by bus.
- ~3 hours to Mollepata (breakfast stop) and on to Soraypampa (3,900 m), the trailhead.
- 1.5 h hiking up (2 km, but steep) to the lake at 4,200 m, plus ~1 h down.
- Lunch on the way back and return to Cusco between 5 and 7 pm.
The real difficulty
The trek is short but intense: only 2 km of ascent, but you gain 300 vertical meters above 4,000 m, where oxygen is scarce. It is not technical, but it will leave you breathless if you rush. Tips:
- Walk slowly and steadily, with short pauses.
- Bring coca leaves or coca candies.
- Horses (approx. US$30) can carry you most of the way if needed.
Key: acclimatize at least 2 days in Cusco first. Humantay is often used as a "warm-up" before Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m). Read our altitude sickness guide.
What to pack
- Layered clothing: thermal base, fleece and a waterproof windbreaker.
- Beanie, gloves and a buff (cold at dawn and at the top).
- UV400 sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen — the sun at 4,200 m is fierce.
- Trekking boots or shoes with grip.
- 1.5–2 liters of water, energy snacks.
- Trekking poles (a big help on the descent).
- A rain poncho in the wet season.
- Cash in soles (community entry ~S/20, restrooms, horse).
Best season
- May to September (dry): clear skies, the best views of the peak and the most vivid turquoise. Cold at dawn.
- October to April (rainy): green scenery, but risk of fog and slippery trails. The lake is still beautiful, though cloudy skies mute the color.
Details in the Cusco weather month-by-month guide.
Humantay + Salkantay: the connection
Soraypampa, Humantay's trailhead, is also day 1 of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. If the Full Day scenery wins you over, consider the full trek: read our Salkantay Trek guide.
Final tip
Humantay is the best one-day altitude test: if you handle it well, you are ready for Rainbow Mountain or a bigger trek. If you struggle, rethink your high-altitude plans. Combine it with our 7-day Cusco itinerary.
Ready to see it? Book the Humantay Lake tour with Danfer Tours or browse all our tours. Questions? Write to hola@danfertourscusco.com.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Humantay Lake?
It sits at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) above sea level, at the foot of the Humantay glacier (5,473 m). The trek starts at Soraypampa, at 3,900 meters.
How long is the hike?
About 1.5 hours up (a steep 2 km) and 1 hour down. Horses are available for around US$30 if you prefer not to hike the ascent.
How much is the entrance fee?
The community entrance fee is around S/20 and is usually paid separately from the tour. Bring cash in soles for restrooms and the horse as well.
When is the best time to visit?
From May to September the turquoise color is at its most intense and the glacier is clearly visible. In the rainy season the lake is still beautiful, but fog can dull the color.
