Humantay Lake Day Trip from Cusco
Overview
Humantay is a glacier lake of startling turquoise, sitting in a bowl below the ice of Humantay peak, on the Salkantay side of the Andes west of Cusco. It's a shorter, greener alternative to Rainbow Mountain, and many people think it's the more beautiful of the two.
The day starts very early, with a drive of around three hours through the countryside to Mollepata for breakfast and on to the trailhead at Soraypampa, at about 3,900 metres. From there a steady, steep path climbs for about one to two hours to the lake, at around 4,200 metres. Sit on the shore, walk up the ridge for the view down to the water, then head back down to Soraypampa for lunch and the drive back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon or evening.
It's a short walk but a steep one at altitude, so leave it until you've had a few days in Cusco. Horses can usually be hired for the climb.
Highlights
- Turquoise glacier lake at about 4,200 metres
- Ice and snow of Humantay peak above the water
- Drive through the countryside to Mollepata
- A shorter hike than Rainbow Mountain
- Breakfast and lunch on the way
What's included
- Hotel pick-up and return in Cusco
- Transport to Soraypampa
- Guide
- Breakfast and lunch
- Entrance fee, unless stated by the operator
- Horse hire
- Tips
Location
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Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.
Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
Both are long days at high altitude. Humantay is a shorter, steeper walk to a glacier lake; Rainbow Mountain goes higher for the striped slopes. If you only have one free day, ask us which suits you.
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat, sun cream, water and walking boots. The start is cold and the weather changes quickly in the mountains.
