Humantay Lake sits at an altitude of about 4,200 metres (13,780 ft): a turquoise lake tucked beneath the glacier of Humantay peak and within sight of Salkantay, Cusco’s second-highest sacred mountain, after Ausangate. Together with Rainbow Mountain, it is the most requested nature trip from the city, and it is done in a day. This guide explains how to get there, what the hike is like, how much the altitude matters, when to go and what to bring.
Where it is and how to get there
The lake is in the district of Mollepata, about three hours from Cusco along the road towards Abancay. The last stretch is a dirt track up to Soraypampa, the same camp where the Salkantay trek begins. From there no vehicle goes further: you reach the lake on foot or on horseback.
The practical way to do it is on a full-day tour, which covers transport, breakfast and lunch. Our private Humantay Lake tour leaves at four in the morning and returns mid-afternoon, in about twelve hours.
The hike
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 3 km (1.9 miles) uphill from Soraypampa |
| Ascent | About 300 metres (980 ft) |
| Time up | 1 h 30 to 2 h at a steady pace |
| Time down | About 1 hour |
| Lake altitude | 4,200 m (13,780 ft) |
| Terrain | Dirt trail, steep in places |
It is not a technical hike, but it is steeper than the Rainbow Mountain trail. The first stretch is gentle; the last half hour zigzags uphill and is where you feel the altitude most: you are about 800 metres above Cusco (Cusco altitude and every destination). The key is pace: short steps, brief stops and water in sips. With Salkantay in front of you all the way, the stops never feel long.
If someone in the group prefers not to walk, the community rents horses at Soraypampa to near the lake, paid separately in cash. The last stretch is on foot.
The altitude
At 4,200 metres (13,780 ft) the lake is about 800 metres (2,600 ft) higher than Cusco. It is lower than Rainbow Mountain, but the climb is shorter and steeper, so the effort is concentrated. Spend at least one or two days in Cusco before you go, sleep well the night before and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and trekking poles. How to plan your first days is explained in the acclimatisation guide.
When to go
The time of day matters more than the month. The lake fills up between ten and twelve, when the shared-tour buses arrive. Leaving Cusco at four, you climb with the trail almost empty. The turquoise also looks most intense in the high mid-morning sun.
By season, from May to October skies are usually clear and the trail dry. In the rainy season, from December to March, the lake is still turquoise but the trail is slippery and clouds can hide Salkantay. Tours run as normal.
Entrance fee and what to bring
The district charges the fee at the entrance, in cash; it is around 10 soles. Bring:
- Warm layers: it is cold at dawn and windy at the lake.
- Trekking shoes with good grip.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap.
- Water and something sweet for the climb.
- A spare battery for your phone or camera: the cold drains it.
- A rain jacket from December to March.
The full list, which also works for Humantay, is in what to pack for Rainbow Mountain.
Humantay or Rainbow Mountain?
It is the most common question when there is only one day for the mountains. Humantay is lower, with a lake and a glacier; Rainbow Mountain is higher, with mineral stripes and a gentler trail. We compare them point by point in Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain: which to choose.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Humantay Lake?
At the foot of Humantay peak, next to Soraypampa, in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, north-west of Cusco. It is part of the Vilcabamba range, within sight of Salkantay.
How do you get to Humantay Lake from Cusco?
It is about three hours along the road towards Abancay to Soraypampa, in the district of Mollepata; the last stretch is a dirt track. From Soraypampa no vehicle goes further: you reach the lake on foot or on horseback. The practical way is a full-day tour with transport, breakfast and lunch.
What is the altitude of Humantay Lake?
About 4,200 metres (13,780 ft) above sea level, some 800 metres (2,600 ft) higher than Cusco. The hike starts at Soraypampa, about 300 metres (980 ft) lower.
How difficult is the Humantay Lake hike?
Moderate. It is about three kilometres uphill with 300 metres of ascent, in an hour and a half to two hours. What makes it demanding is the gradient of the last stretch at 4,200 metres, not the distance.
How far do you walk to reach the lake?
About 3 kilometres uphill from Soraypampa, with 300 metres of ascent, in an hour and a half to two hours; about 6 kilometres return on the same trail.
Which is harder, Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?
Humantay has the shorter but steeper climb; Rainbow Mountain is longer and reaches 5,200 metres, a thousand more than the lake, so you feel the altitude more. We compare them in Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain.
Can I go up on horseback?
Yes, to near the lake. You hire the horse at Soraypampa and pay separately in cash. The last stretch is on foot.
How much is the Humantay Lake entrance fee?
About 10 soles. It is charged by the district at the access point, in cash, and is not included in our tour.
Do I need to be acclimatised?
Yes. Spend at least one or two days in Cusco beforehand. Do not do it on your arrival day.
Can you swim in the lake?
No. It is a sacred place for the communities and the water is glacial meltwater. It is admired from the shore.
How long is the whole tour?
About twelve hours from Cusco: departure at four in the morning and back mid-afternoon, with breakfast and lunch included on our private tour.
Book
- Private Humantay Lake, leaving at four to avoid the groups.
- Ausangate 7 Lakes, if you want lakes with fewer people.
- All Humantay Lake tours.
