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HUMANTAY LAKE – Full Day Private Experience

  • 1 Day
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[carrusel_tour]

Duration

1 Day

Accommodation

Does not include

Difficulty

Moderado

Altitude

Max 4200 m.s.n.m

Tour Type

Private

Tour Description

Discover one of the most captivating natural landscapes in the Peruvian Andes: the breathtaking Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise glacial lagoon nestled beneath the towering Humantay Mountain.

This carefully crafted experience is designed for travelers who seek adventure, nature, and extraordinary high-altitude scenery. Throughout the journey, you will be surrounded by snow-capped peaks, pristine mountain landscapes, and the sacred energy that has defined the Andes for centuries.

Humantay Lake is renowned not only for its extraordinary beauty but also for its spiritual connection to Pachamama, Mother Earth in the Andean worldview. Its vivid turquoise waters, framed by glaciers and rugged mountain peaks, create an unforgettable setting for contemplation, photography, and personal connection with nature.

With PIT EXPEDITIONS, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable adventure from beginning to end.

 

LOCATION

Humantay Lake is located northeast of Cusco, in the Soraypampa area, approximately 25 kilometers from the district of Mollepata in the province of Anta.

Nestled at the base of Humantay Mountain, the lake lies along one of the most scenic routes leading toward the majestic Salkantay Glacier.

Day 1

CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – CUSCO

Your professional guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m.

We will travel by tourist transportation for approximately two hours to the village of Mollepata, where we will enjoy an energizing breakfast before continuing our journey.

As we travel toward Soraypampa, you will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, surrounded by dramatic Andean landscapes.

From Soraypampa, we begin our hike to Humantay Lake. The ascent takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on individual fitness levels and hiking pace. Our guides ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the scenery and take photographs along the way.

Upon arrival, you will have ample time to admire the lake’s extraordinary turquoise waters and the breathtaking backdrop of the Humantay Glacier.

For those wishing to enjoy even more spectacular views, an optional short hike to a nearby viewpoint offers an unforgettable panoramic perspective of the entire lagoon and surrounding mountains.

After enjoying this remarkable setting, we will descend back to Soraypampa and continue by vehicle to Mollepata, where a traditional lunch will be served.

Finally, we return to the Imperial City of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m.

¿Qué incluye?

  • Pre-trek briefing the day before the excursion
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
    • Professional bilingual guide
    • Round-trip tourist transportation
    • Breakfast and lunch
    • Entrance fee to Humantay Lake
    • First-aid kit
    • Oxygen bottle for emergencies
    • Permanent assistance throughout the experience

No incluye

  • Horse rental (optional)
    • Trekking poles
    • Gratuities
    • Services not specifically mentioned

WHAT TO BRING

  • Original passport
    • Sunscreen
    • Hat or cap
    • Comfortable hiking clothes
    • Warm jacket
    • Winter gloves
    • Rain poncho
    • Trekking shoes or hiking boots
    • Sunglasses
    • Extra water and snacks
    • Camera
    • Cash for drinks, souvenirs, or horse rental
    • Toilet paper
    • Trekking poles (highly recommended for the descent)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the high altitude of the route, we strongly recommend spending at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco before participating in this excursion.

We also recommend undertaking this experience with a specialized tour operator to ensure proper organization, professional assistance, enhanced safety, and a more comfortable and enjoyable journey throughout the day.

 

ALTITUDES ALONG THE ROUTE

  • Soraypampa: 3,875 m.a.s.l. / 12,714 ft
    • Salkantay Campsite Area: 3,908 m.a.s.l. / 12,822 ft
    • Midway Rest Point: Approximately 4,125 m.a.s.l.
    • Humantay Lake: Approximately 4,180 m.a.s.l.
    • Lake Viewpoint: 4,200 m.a.s.l. / 13,780 ft

 

TREK DIFFICULTY

The hike to Humantay Lake is considered moderately challenging. The trail covers approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) uphill, with an estimated hiking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on each traveler’s physical condition and pace.

For those seeking a less demanding experience, horse rentals are available at the beginning of the hike.

 

WHAT WILL YOU SEE DURING THE HIKE?

Throughout the journey, you will be surrounded by spectacular high-Andean landscapes, snow-capped mountains, native flora and fauna, and elements deeply connected to Andean spirituality and culture.

One of the most meaningful sights along the trail is the presence of Apachetas—small stone cairns built by travelers as symbols of gratitude and respect toward the lake, the sacred mountain spirits known as Apus, and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Within the Andean worldview, these sacred offerings represent a profound spiritual connection between humanity and nature.

 

WHY IS HUMANTAY LAKE TURQUOISE?

The stunning turquoise color of Humantay Lake is the result of several natural factors, including the purity of its glacial waters, the reflection of sunlight, minerals carried by the melting glaciers, and other naturally occurring elements within this high-altitude ecosystem.

Together, these factors create the lake’s extraordinary coloration, making Humantay one of the most photographed and admired natural attractions in the Cusco region.

 

AN EXPERIENCE RESERVED FOR TRUE EXPLORERS

This is not simply a hike—it is a journey into one of the Andes’ best-kept secrets.

Designed for travelers who seek to discover the extraordinary before the rest of the world does.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • Additional services such as dinners, hotel upgrades, and train upgrades can be arranged upon request.
    • The itinerary may be adjusted according to flight schedules, operational requirements, or weather conditions.
    • All programs are subject to modifications due to external factors beyond our control, including weather conditions and transportation operations.

 

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At PIT EXPEDITIONS, we design journeys that go beyond the ordinary.

We specialize in creating meaningful travel experiences delivered with exceptional service standards. Our commitment is to provide authentic, seamless, and memorable adventures, carefully crafting every detail to exceed the expectations of our travelers.

 

CONTACT

📩 reservas@pitexpeditions.com
🌐 www.pitexpeditions.com
📱 WhatsApp: +51 952 362 184 / +51 974 675 146 / +51 984 613 448

HUMANTAY LAKE – Full Day Private Experience

Price per person from

US$ 100 USD
💬 Contact a Travel Advisor

Why choose PIT Expeditions?

  • 100% licensed local tour operator
  • Safe and well-organized tours
  • Personalized attention and expert guides
  • We promote responsible tourism

Let’s design your adventure together

We’re here to help you plan the trip of your dreams.

Write to us

reservas@pitexpeditions.com

WhatsApp

+51 952 362 184 / +51 974 675 146 / +51 984 613 448


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