Humantay Lake tour (private service)

We rate Humantay Lagoon as average. The hike to Humantay Lagoon begins in Soraypampa, the traditional beginning of the Salkantay trail. It is a 2 hour walk uphill.

The first half of the hike is fairly moderate, but the trail becomes steeper during the second half. This can be a strenuous hike for many and you should definitely come prepared.

Preparation includes being properly acclimatized to the altitude. Humantay Lagoon is located at 4,230 m (13,878 ft), which is much higher than Cusco. To avoid the effects of altitude sickness and make your hike more enjoyable, be sure to spend at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before taking this tour.

Although the Humantay hike is short, it is not an easy day trip or a walk in the park. The return trip is the same way you came up, and the slope can be hard on the knees. If you have bad knees, this may not be a good day hike for you.

Remember that all hikes in the Cusco region are challenging for most people due to the high altitude and steep mountain trails.

A young person with average physical condition who exercises several times a week will probably find the tour of Humantay Lagoon difficult but accessible. Elderly people, or those who are out of shape, should prepare for a physical training program before participating in the tour, in consultation with a medical professional. What this will entail depends on each person and their own capabilities.

We can only advise you in general terms: the fitter you are, the easier and more enjoyable the hike will be! You want to have fun during the holidays; You shouldn’t set out to suffer.

The best way to prepare for altitude is very easy: spend time in a high-altitude destination like Cusco. Most trekking agencies in Cusco say that 2 days is enough. While we generally recommend 3, in the case of the Humantay Lake Day Trip from Cusco, 2 days is probably fine.

Generally speaking, the more time you can spend acclimating, the better. Plus, being kind to your body helps you deal with the added pressures that altitude creates. This means eating light, healthy meals, avoiding alcohol, and drinking plenty of water.

Read more about altitude and how to acclimatize before starting your hike.

The best months of the year to plan your Humantay Lagoon day trip are the dry winter months, from May to August. It’s likely to be quite cold when you leave in the morning, but sunny, rain-free days are great for hiking.

From December to March is the rainy season in Cusco and it is not recommended to walk to the Humantay Lagoon for safety reasons. The trail can be slippery and there is a risk of rockfalls. In addition, in the highest areas there can be large amounts of snow.

It is possible to take the Humantay tour during the shoulder season (April, September, October), but it depends on the weather and current trail conditions at that time. We reserve the right to cancel or modify any hike or tour booked during the rainy season if conditions make the trail unsafe.

The walk to Humantay Lagoon lasts approximately 1 hour and a half, on average. Total hiking time, including the hike to the lake and back, takes between 4 hours for most people. Exact walking times depend on the relative physical condition and speed of everyone in the group.

No. This is a day hike from Cusco to Humantay Lagoon and there will be no stops where you can charge your devices. Make sure they are fully charged before leaving Cusco and, if possible, we recommend bringing a power bank.

Our tour to Humantay Lagoon is a day trip that begins and ends in Cusco. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Cusco.

The day tour includes a delicious buffet breakfast and lunch.

Entrance fees to Humantay Lagoon are included in the price of your tour.

All you need to take with you on your hike to Humantay Lagoon is a light backpack. In your backpack you should carry things like your water bottle, some snacks, camera, sun hat, gloves, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Water is vital on the hike. We will provide you with filtered water during the trip to the trailhead, as well as boiled water for tea. You should take this opportunity to fill your water bottle. We recommend starting the hike with 2L.

To answer whether this day tour is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

Although it is a short hike, Humantay Lagoon is still over 4000 m above sea level. You should make sure you have at least 3 days to acclimatize to the altitude before taking the tour.

The hike to Humantay Lagoon is steep and challenging for many. It’s not a walk in the park! The return hike is equally steep, following the same path, which can be hard on the knees. We recommend renting trekking poles to help with the descent! If you have knee problems, you should consider a different day trip.

The Humantay Lagoon day tour is one of the most popular tours in Cusco. Especially if you’re visiting during peak season (May to September), you should expect to share the trail with busloads of other tourists. Humantay is very beautiful and very instagrammable! In fact, it has become one of the most popular places in Cusco in recent years!

Humantay Lagoon is a stunning natural setting with beautiful mountain views and a stunning turquoise lake, but there is no opportunity to witness contemporary Andean life or interact with locals. If you are looking for greater cultural immersion or a hands-on learning opportunity, check out one of our Cultural Immersion Tours.