Humantay Lake is one of the most beautiful sights in the Andes. Its water shines a bright turquoise, framed by dark rock and the ice of Humantay mountain. On clear days, the snowy summit of Salkantay rises nearby. Reaching it takes effort, and the reward is a view you’ll never forget.
The lake makes a great full-day trip from Cusco. In this guide, you’ll learn what the hike to Humantay Lake is like, how to prepare for the altitude and what to bring. You’ll also see how to add it to a trip with Good Life Expeditions.
What Makes Humantay Lake Special
Humantay Lake sits at about 13,780 feet (4,200 meters). It lies in a bowl below Humantay mountain, fed by meltwater from its glacier. Minerals in the water give it that striking turquoise color.
The lake is part of the Salkantay region, one of the most dramatic mountain areas near Cusco. Salkantay itself rises above 20,000 feet (6,000 meters). The mountains here have long been considered sacred by Andean communities. Many visitors stop for a quiet moment at the shore.
What the Hike Is Like
Humantay Lake is a full-day trip from Cusco. Most tours leave very early in the morning. The drive to the trailhead takes about three to three and a half hours. Many tours stop for breakfast on the way.
The trail starts near Soraypampa, at around 12,500 feet (3,800 meters). From there, it’s about 2 miles (3 kilometers) to the lake. The climb takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the path gets steeper near the end. The way down is faster.
Take your time and stop when you need to. The altitude is the main challenge here, more than the distance.
At the top, give yourself time to rest by the shore. Sit on the rocks, catch your breath and watch the light change on the glacier. Most groups spend some time at the lake before heading back down.
When to go
Most day tours reach the lake in the middle of the morning, so the shore can feel busy. Weekends and the dry season months bring more visitors. Even then, the setting is big enough to find a quiet spot.
The weather at the lake
Mornings are cold, and the sun is strong at this height. Clouds can roll in quickly and hide the mountain. The dry season, from about May to October, usually brings clearer skies. In the rainy season, from about November to March, the trail can be muddy. No view is guaranteed, so plan with a little flexibility.
How to Prepare for Humantay Lake
Acclimatize first
Plan the hike after at least two or three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Your body needs time to adjust before climbing this high. Our guide to altitude sickness in Cusco explains how to prepare. Talk to your doctor before your trip, especially if you have a health condition.
What to bring
- Warm layers, a hat and gloves
- A waterproof jacket
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water and snacks
- Cash in soles for the entrance fee and restrooms
Keep the lake clean
Humantay Lake is a fragile place. Stay on the trail, take your trash with you and follow local rules at the shore. Our guide on how to practice responsible travel shares more simple habits. Looking for more hikes in the region? See our guide to hiking in the Sacred Valley.
Add Humantay Lake to Your Trip
Humantay Lake isn’t part of our standard itineraries, but we can add it as a custom full-day excursion. You can add an extra day to your trip, or swap one of the planned days for the hike.
It works best on Classic Peru, which gives you more time to adjust to the altitude. It can also be added to the Machu Picchu Getaway with an extra day. It’s a great choice for nature lovers and hikers. Our team will plan the transport, guide and timing around the rest of your trip. If you like, we can plan a lighter day afterward, so you feel rested for the rest of your trip.
Good Life Expeditions is the travel brand of MEDLIFE. A part of what you invest in your trip stays in Peru and helps fund MEDLIFE’s projects in local communities.
FAQ: Humantay Lake
How high is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake sits at about 13,780 feet (4,200 meters). That’s higher than Cusco, so plan a few days to adjust first.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The climb takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from the trailhead. The way down is quicker. With the drive, plan a full day from Cusco.
Is the Humantay Lake hike difficult?
The trail is short, but it’s steep in places, and the altitude makes it challenging. A slow, steady pace helps a lot.
See the Andes in Turquoise
Humantay Lake rewards every step of the climb. Its color, the glacier above and the silence of the mountains make it a true highlight of the Cusco region. Let us plan the day, so you can simply enjoy the view.
Contact our team to add Humantay Lake to your trip.
