Humantay Lake Tour Peru 2026 โ€“ Scenic Day Hike from Cusco

Book your Humantay Lake Tour Peru 2026 and discover one of the most breathtaking attractions in the Andes. This Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco offers stunning views of turquoise glacial waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it one of the top hikes in Peru.

Our tour is designed for comfort and flexibility, with private service available, allowing you to hike at your own pace and enjoy plenty of time for photos and relaxation. We offer flexible morning departures from Cusco to match your travel plans.

The journey begins with a scenic drive of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes through beautiful Andean valleys and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you will hike for about 1 hour uphill to reach the stunning Humantay Lake, known for its vibrant blue-green color and dramatic mountain backdrop. The return hike takes around 1 hour, followed by a comfortable drive back to Cusco (about 3 hours and 10 minutes).

Optional Horseback Ride

For those who prefer an easier ascent, there is the option to rent a horse for the uphill section, making this tour accessible for all fitness levels while still allowing you to enjoy the most scenic parts of the hike.

Discover Singrenacocha โ€“ A Hidden Gem

In addition to Humantay Lake, we also offer a unique experience to visit Singrenacocha Lake, a newly discovered and less-visited lake. This glacial lake is twice the size of Humantay and features a mysterious gray color, offering a completely different and off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Why Choose This Tour?
  • Private and flexible Humantay Lake experience
  • Option to ride horses for an easier hike
  • Visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru
  • Optional extension to Singrenacocha Lake
  • Ideal for photography and nature lovers

Photo Humantay Lake Peru

Itinerary Hike For Humantay Lake

We depart from Cusco on a full-day tour, starting with pickup from your accommodation at 6:00 a.m. We then travel by private transportation for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to the trailhead. From there, we begin a 2 hour and 30-minute uphill hike, starting with a gentle 20-minute section and then continuing steadily uphill for about 2 hours until reaching the lake.

At the lake, you will enjoy breathtaking views and take a short walk around the area at your own pace, while your experienced tour guide explains the history and mysteries of the lake. Afterward, we begin the return hike, which is mostly downhill with some gentle sections near the end, hiking for about 1 hour and 35 minutes to the bus terminal. Finally, we return by transport to Cusco, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is Humantay Lake Hike?

Mainly the hike is uphill, then the way back is downhill. The hike depends on your physical condition โ€” if you are fit and used to hiking in the mountains, the uphill hike can take about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If not used to hiking or have physical difficulties, the hike will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the lake.

Moreover, the hike at a local pace takes about 1 hour uphill and 30 minutes downhill.

Note: Importantly, the hike to Humantay lake has to be at your own pace since it is at high altitude. It is also very important to have an oxygen tank for altitude sickness, in case you need it.

What is the Altitude of Humantay Lake?

This magic lake is located at 4,200 masl (13,779 feet). It is located close to Cusco city in Peru, on the Salkantay trekking route to Machu Picchu in the brown Andes mountains, and surrounded by two snow-capped mountains named Humantay and Salkantay.

Humantay Lake History

Mainly this lake has been famous for a long time. In Inca times, it was considered an energetic place โ€” all the snow mountains were seen as sacred, and clean water represented good health. Dreaming of dirty water was seen as a sign of illness or difficult times ahead.

Even today, people understand the importance of worshiping the snow-capped mountains to gain good energy for healing. And the Shamans perform ceremonies offering coca leaves, drinks, and fruits to request good energy from the mountains to cure patients.

In conclusion, clean water and snow-capped mountains symbolize good health. Visitors to this place pray for healing and the well-being of their families. In gratitude, they pile stones into small towers called Apachetas, leaving offerings such as coca leaves.

During the Inca period, pilgrims called Ukukos carried offerings blessed by shamans from different Inca towns, praying to Humantay Lake for the good health of Inca citizens.

Bring For Humantay Lake Day Tour Cusco Peru

  • Some cash money in soles to pay the entrance fees (10 soles per person) and for food such as breakfast and lunch along the route.
  • Warm clothes such as a jacket, sweater, scarf, gloves, and good hiking boots, plus hiking sticks.
  • Itโ€™s better to have an oxygen tank for altitude sickness, since the lake is located at 4,200 masl (13,780ft). Sometimes hikers are affected by altitude sickness, experiencing headaches or shortness of breath

Price Humantay Lake Tour Peru

The prices we charge depend on the number of passengers and the route selected. We usually offer promotional rates. Please contact us using the information provided on our website for more details.

  • Info: info@chacrastravelperu.com
  • Email: chacrastravelperu@gmail.com
  • WhatsApp: +51 943388685

Booking

Book Your Humantay Lake Tour Peru 2026 โ€“ Reserve Your Scenic Andes Adventure Today

To confirm your booking, you need to send us a deposit of US$20 through our PayPal account. Please note that PayPal charges a 7% fee on any transfer, which is paid by the sender. For this reason, the total amount you need to send is US$22.

The remaining balance is paid in cash upon your arrival in Cusco. After sending the deposit, please send the following details to our WhatsApp number: +51 943 388 685:

  • Tour date and type of tour
  • Number of people
  • Address in Cusco city for hotel pickup
  • Email address to stay in contact
  • Copy of your passport (profile page only) for Peruvian tax purposes

Once we receive the deposit and your details, we will send you an email confirmation of the payment and your tour reservation.

Note:
The US$22 deposit is paid via PayPal, and the remaining balance is paid in cash in Cusco, either in US dollars or Peruvian soles, whichever you prefer. Please make sure the final payment is made with clean, undamaged US dollar bills, as torn or damaged bills are not accepted in Peru.

PayPal account for the deposit:
deposit@chacrastravelperu.com