Book your next adventure at the best price.
This tour begins with an early morning departure from Cusco. The route travels through the Vilcabamba valley, offering views of the changing Andean landscape as the vehicle ascends toward the mountains. The journey is a direct approach to the trailhead for one of the region’s well-known natural sites.
The first main stop is the village of Mollepata, where you will have breakfast. Following this break, a short drive continues to Soraypampa, located at an altitude of . Soraypampa serves as the official starting point for the trek. Here, you will prepare for the physical portion of the day’s activities.
The hike is a high-altitude trek toward two main points of interest. The trail first leads to Chakana, a viewpoint at with clear views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. After Chakana, the path continues to Humantay Lake, a body of water known for its turquoise color. After visiting the lake, you will hike back down to the starting point to return to Cusco.
We leave Cusco very early in the morning from your Accommodation, adjust to its altitude by exploring through the Vilcabamba valley. We start 4:00 in our private vehicle driving toward Mollepata Village, the north site of Cusco, arriving then to Mollepata () after 2 hours approximately for our breakfast then a short drive till Soraypampa (), start point to hike toward Chakana (Inca sign of great value), () almost 3 hours hiking then turn to Humantay lake ().
Our guide provides you some recommendations to start the trek to Chakana (mist area) and Humantay Lake located in the Vilcabamba mountain range and close of Salkantay.
We start the hike to Chakana for approximately 3 hrs; surrounding a peaceful landscapes of Chakana area and the amazing views of Vilcabamba mountain range, Salkantay and Humantay then we reach Laguna Humantay we enjoy the beautiful turquoise lagoon. We continue 1.5 hours hiking on our way back to Mollepata our lunch spot then our convoy return us to Cusco around 7:00 p.m; We drop you at your hotel.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH & SNACK
The price for the Humantay Lake tour is per person and depends on your meal preference:
For groups of 5 or more, please contact us at info@trexperienceperu.com for a special group rate.
To book your tour, simply click the “BOOK NOW” button, select your date and preferred tour option, and provide your details. Our team will get in touch with you right away.
We also offer a special 2-day Salkantay and Humantay Lake camping tour. Contact us to get a quote and explore more off-the-beaten-path trails and lakes.
When to Visit The best time to do this trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, you are more likely to have clear skies and less rain, although mountain weather can always be unpredictable.
Climate The climate is cold due to the altitude. Expect strong sun, cold wind, and low temperatures, often near freezing, especially in the early morning and at the highest points. Be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
How to Prepare for the Tour Physical preparation is important. Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as running or cycling, in the weeks before your trip will help. Arrive in Cusco with enough time to acclimatize properly before attempting the hike.
Acclimatization Altitude sickness is a real risk. Spend a minimum of two to three days in Cusco () or the Sacred Valley (around ) before the tour. During this time, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and drink plenty of water and coca tea.
Local People The areas around Mollepata and Soraypampa are inhabited by local Andean communities. The people are generally reserved. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
Recommendations
Recommended Age This tour is physically demanding and at a very high altitude. It is best suited for people with a good level of fitness and is generally not recommended for young children (under 12) or for individuals with heart or respiratory problems.
How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake? The hike is considered challenging. The difficulty comes from the high altitude, which makes breathing and physical exertion harder, and some steep sections of the trail.
Do I need to be acclimatized before this tour? Yes. It is highly recommended to spend at least two to three days in Cusco or another high-altitude location to allow your body to adjust before taking this tour.
What is the highest altitude reached on the tour? The highest point is Chakana, at an altitude of ().
Is food included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes breakfast and lunch, which are served in the village of Mollepata. Snacks are also provided.
What happens if I cannot complete the hike? An emergency horse is included in the tour price. If you are unable to continue walking, you can use the horse to complete the route.
What is the weather like on the mountain? The weather is typical of high mountains: unpredictable and variable. It can be sunny, windy, and cold on the same day. You should dress in layers and be prepared for low temperatures.
Are there toilets available during the hike? There are basic toilet facilities in Mollepata. There are no facilities along the hiking trail itself.
Can I rent hiking poles? Yes, hiking poles are generally available for rent from tour operators. It is best to request them at the time of booking.
What exactly is Humantay Lake? Humantay Lake is a glacial lake located at the base of the Humantay mountain. It is known for its distinct turquoise color, which comes from mineral deposits.
What time will I get back to Cusco? You can expect to arrive back in Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel at approximately 7:00 PM.
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.
To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.
We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!
The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.
Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!