Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco
4,200 m.a.s.l. · Turquoise glacial lake · Salkantay
Humantay Lake is a glacial lake of morainic origin located at 4,200 m.a.s.l. at the foot of the Salkantay snow peak (6,271 m), one of the most revered apus (sacred mountains) of the Peruvian Andes. Its name means "Hawk's Head" in Quechua. The intense turquoise-emerald color of the water comes from fine glacial particles (rock flour) held in suspension. It is a Full Day excursion from Cusco — the bus journey takes 3 hours to reach Soraypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l.), the uphill trek 1.5-2 hours (1.5 km, +300m elevation gain), 30-45 minutes at the lake, and a similar descent. It is physically easier than Rainbow Mountain but just as breathtaking. It is also the first day of the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu — many travelers do it as a prelude to that bigger trek.
Tours to Humantay
Operated by Danfer Tours · Certified guides · Small groups · Book with confidence.
What the Humantay tour is like
Departure at 4:30 am from Cusco by bus. Breakfast in Mollepata (~7:00 am, an Andean village at the entrance to the Salkantay valley). Arrival at the Soraypampa starting point (3,900 m.a.s.l., ~9:00 am). Uphill hike of 1.5-2 hours (slow, due to the altitude). Time at the lake 45 min — an optional offering ritual to Pachamama with your guide. Descent 1-1.5h. Buffet lunch in Mollepata (~14:00). Return to Cusco (~18:00). There is a horse option for the climb (US$30) for those who cannot walk the whole way. Recommended for all ages with prior acclimatization.
Connection with the 5D/4N Salkantay trek
Humantay Lake is the first stop on the legendary 5-day/4-night Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail (no SERNANP permit required). The full trek: Day 1 Cusco to Soraypampa + Humantay visit. Day 2 crossing the Salkantay pass (4,650 m.a.s.l.) — the most demanding day, with views of the snow peak's north face. Day 3 descent to the high jungle (Lucmabamba), cloud forest. Day 4 trek to Llaqtapata + bus to Aguas Calientes. Day 5 entrance to Machu Picchu at sunrise. If you enjoyed Humantay as an appetizer, consider doing the full Salkantay on your next visit.
Altitude sickness at Humantay: how to prevent it
Although Humantay sits at 4,200 m (less extreme than Rainbow Mountain), it is still a significant altitude. Before: at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) to acclimatize. Morning of the tour: a light breakfast, avoid heavy dairy. During: walk SLOWLY with frequent stops, hydrate every 15 min, chew coca leaves. Normal mild symptoms: a slight headache, shortness of breath while climbing. Symptoms to turn back: vomiting, confusion, a severe headache, loss of coordination. The guides carry an emergency oxygen tank.
