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Horseback Ride Humantay Lake Peru 2026 | Private Horse Riding Tour from Cusco
Experience one of Peru’s most spectacular natural wonders on our Horseback Ride Humantay Lake Peru tour. This unforgettable full-day adventure combines a scenic drive through the Andes with a comfortable horseback ride to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, located at the foot of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
Perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the beauty of the Andes without completing the entire steep hike on foot, our Humantay Lake Horse Riding Tour offers a unique, comfortable, and memorable experience surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, crystal-clear streams, and traditional Andean communities.
Whether you’re traveling with family, seniors, children, or simply prefer an easier way to reach the lake, horseback riding allows you to experience one of the most beautiful destinations in Peru while conserving your energy for enjoying the incredible scenery.
Why Choose a Horseback Ride to Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake sits at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) above sea level and is considered one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in South America. Although the hiking trail is relatively short, the high altitude can make the climb physically demanding.
Choosing our Horseback Ride to Humantay Lake allows you to:
- Avoid the most strenuous uphill climb.
- Enjoy spectacular mountain landscapes from horseback.
- Save energy while still reaching the lake.
- Experience traditional Andean horse culture.
- Travel safely with experienced local horse handlers.
- Spend more time enjoying the breathtaking views.
Our horses are carefully selected for mountain terrain and are handled by local muleteers with years of experience.
Humantay Lake Horse Riding Tour Highlights
- Private or small-group experience
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Comfortable tourist transportation
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley highlands
- Horse rental for the uphill section
- Local horse handler throughout the ride
- Incredible panoramic viewpoints
- Visit the famous turquoise Humantay Lake
- Amazing photography opportunities
- Small personalized groups
What You’ll See During the Tour
Humantay Lake
The highlight of the journey is the stunning Humantay Lake, famous for its brilliant turquoise water created by glacial minerals from the surrounding mountains. The lake sits beneath the towering Humantay Glacier, offering one of Peru’s most photographed landscapes.
The peaceful atmosphere, fresh mountain air, and incredible colors make this destination a favorite for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure travelers.
Salkantay Mountain
Towering above the valley at over 6,270 meters (20,570 ft), Salkantay Mountain is one of the highest and most sacred peaks in the Peruvian Andes. Revered by the Incas as an Apu (sacred mountain spirit), it dominates the landscape throughout your journey.
Its snow-covered summit creates a dramatic backdrop for your horseback adventure.
Horseback Riding Experience
Our horseback ride begins near Soraypampa, the starting point for the Humantay Lake trail.
The horses follow the mountain path at a comfortable pace while local handlers accompany you throughout the ascent. Riders of all experience levels are welcome.
No previous horseback riding experience is necessary.
For safety, the final short section approaching the lake may require walking due to the rocky terrain and environmental conservation rules.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
This tour is ideal for:
- Families with children
- Senior travelers
- Couples
- Beginner horseback riders
- Nature lovers
- Photographers
- Travelers concerned about high altitude
- Visitors wanting to reduce physical effort
- Anyone seeking a more comfortable Humantay Lake experience
Best Time to Visit Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake can be visited year-round.
The dry season (April to October) offers clear skies, excellent visibility, and the best conditions for horseback riding.
The green season (November to March) transforms the valley into a lush landscape with vibrant vegetation and dramatic cloud formations, making the scenery equally spectacular.
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Short Itinerary
- Pick-up from your hotel by 6:00 am (schedules: 6:00 am or 8:00 am)
- Private transport from Cusco through farming valleys and traditional villages (≈2 hours paved + ≈1 hour dirt road)
- Short hike to the horse area at Soraypampa ( 30 minutes)
- Horseback ride uphill toward Humantay (≈1 hour 20 minutes)
- Final hike to the lake (≈15 minutes), explore and take photos
- Return: hike downhill (≈1 hour) + gentle path (≈30 minutes) to parking
- Drive back to Cusco (≈3 hours)
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Humantay Lake Horseback Tour Itinerary from Cusco
Your adventure begins with an early hotel pickup at 6:00 AM in Cusco. From there, we travel in comfortable private transport for approximately 2 hours on a paved road, followed by 1 hour and 20 minutes on a scenic dirt road through the breathtaking Andes Mountains, arriving at the Soraypampa trailhead.
From the starting point, enjoy a short 25-minute walk to reach the horseback riding area. Then, begin your horseback ride to Humantay Lake, traveling uphill for about 1 hour and 20 minutes through stunning mountain landscapes. To reach the final viewpoint, you will complete a 10-minute hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Once at the lake, take your time to explore, enjoy panoramic views, take photos, and learn about the area from your professional guide. After this unforgettable experience, we begin the return journey.
Descend with a 1-hour downhill hike, followed by a gentle 20-minute walk back to the parking area. Finally, relax during the 3-hour and 20-minute drive back to Cusco, where we will drop you off directly at your hotel.
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Included
Included For Horseback Ride Humantay lake Peru
- Private transport
- Tour guide
- Horseback
Not Included
- Entrance fees to the Humantay lake
- Some food
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Price
- 1 person: US$250 ( One way up horse)
- 2 people: Per person US$150 ( One way up horse)
- 3 people: Per person US$140 (One way up horse)
Note: We do friendly cost for Humantay lake on horseback, like charging you just the transport and the tour guide, just write us on our WhatsApp number or email us at our website contact
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Book Your Humantay Lake Horseback Ride Tour 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
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FAQs
Can you swim in Humantay Lake Peru?
It is forbidden to swim in the lagoon, since this lagoon is consumed as drinking water in many communities that are at the base of this mountain.
Do you need a guide for Humantay Lake?
Yes, you need a tour guide, because when you get sick from high altitude, the only person, who can help you is the tour guide with some oxygen and the way back to the car place.
Is Horseback Riding to Humantay Lake Safe?
Yes.
Our horse riding tours are operated by experienced local horsemen who know the trail exceptionally well. The horses are accustomed to the mountain environment and are carefully selected for strength, calm temperament, and reliability.
Your guide and horse handler remain with you throughout the ride to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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