PERÚ
Guided Humantay Lake Day Hike & Salkantay Glacier Views
Tour Overview
Trading the stone streets of Cusco for the high altitude wilderness of the Andes reveals some of Peru’s most striking alpine landscapes. The Humantay Lake day hike takes you directly to the base of the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers, where freezing meltwater gathers in a dramatic turquoise basin at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). This full-day excursion is ideal for active travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers who want a rigorous but rewarding physical challenge away from the standard archaeological circuits.
This is a physically demanding high altitude trek. You will hike uphill for roughly two hours over steep, rocky terrain in thin air. Proper acclimatization spending at least two full days in Cusco prior to the hike is critical. Montavia Travel designs this route with proper pacing in mind. We depart early to avoid heavy midday crowds and ensure a steady, unhurried ascent, allowing you ample time to catch your breath, hydrate, and safely navigate the elevation. Our local guides carry emergency oxygen and first aid kits, providing expert support every step of the trail.
The optimal time to book this trek is during the dry season, spanning from May to October. During these months, you have the highest chance of clear skies, which illuminates the lake’s brilliant colors and provides unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks. While the hike requires serious physical effort, the reward is an unhindered look at an ancient glacial environment. By choosing Montavia Travel, you secure reliable transportation, guided expertise, and excellent mountain meals to recharge you before the journey back to your hotel.
- Hike to Emerald Alpine Waters Trek to the shoreline of Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters, where glacial melt creates striking turquoise colors against the stark white ice of the mountain above.
- Witness the Andean Glaciers Stand directly below the towering peaks of Mount Humantay and Mount Salkantay, experiencing the sheer scale of the high Andes landscape.
- Participate in an Offering Ritual Join your local guide in a traditional mountain blessing using coca leaves, honoring the Apus (mountain spirits) just as Andean communities have done for centuries.
- Savor a Chef-Prepared Lunch Replenish your energy after the steep descent with a fresh, hot lunch prepared by our team at a scenic mountain camp before returning to Cusco.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Scaling the Andes to Humantay Lake
Your day starts before dawn at 4:00 AM when a Montavia Travel representative picks you up directly from your Cusco hotel. Leaving the city behind, we drive northwest for roughly two hours through winding mountain roads until we reach the village of Mollepata at 6:00 AM. Here, we stop for a substantial breakfast to fuel up for the physical exertion ahead and take in the early morning light hitting the valley.
By 7:00 AM, we board the transport again for a one hour drive up a dirt road to Soraypampa, sitting at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet). This remote outpost marks the trailhead. We arrive at 8:00 AM, stepping out into crisp, thin air right at the foot of the massive Humantay and Salkantay glaciers. Your guide will provide a brief safety orientation and distribute walking sticks if needed.
At 8:15 AM, the two-hour ascent begins. The trail is steep and covered in loose rock, demanding a slow, measured pace. We prioritize steady movement, stopping frequently so you can drink water and let your lungs adjust to the extreme altitude. By 10:15 AM, the rocky path levels out, revealing the brilliant turquoise expanse of Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). We spend approximately an hour at the summit. You can walk along the rocky shoreline or climb the lateral moraine for a higher vantage point, which deepens the water's emerald and blue hues. While here, your guide will lead a short, traditional ceremony using coca leaves to thank the surrounding mountains.
At 11:15 AM, we start our descent. Navigating downhill takes about an hour and a half, returning us to our Soraypampa camp around 12:45 PM. A hot, freshly prepared lunch awaits you in the dining tent, providing a heavy dose of protein and carbohydrates after the strenuous trek. At 2:00 PM, we load back into the private transport for the scenic return drive to Cusco. Anticipate a 6:30 PM drop-off at your hotel, bringing your high-altitude expedition to a close.
- Professional English / Spanish speaking guides specialized in Andean history.
- Private pickup and drop off at your hotel accommodation in Cusco.
- Breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata.
- Hot, chef prepared lunch at the Soraypampa mountain camp.
- Entrance fees for the Humantay Lake nature reserve.
- Walking sticks (upon request).
- Snacks and bottled water for the hike.
- Emergency oxygen tank and comprehensive first aid kit.
- Dinner in Cusco.
- Personal hiking gear (boots, waterproof jackets, daypacks).
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Travel and medical insurance.
Montavia Travel picks you up from your Cusco hotel at 4:00 AM. This early start allows us to reach the trailhead before the largest crowds arrive and ensures optimal weather conditions for the ascent.
Yes, altitude sickness is a significant risk. The hike begins at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) and peaks at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). We strongly advise spending at least two full days in Cusco to acclimatize before attempting this trek. Our guides always carry emergency oxygen for safety.
The hike is rated as moderately difficult to strenuous. While the distance is relatively short (roughly 3 kilometers or 1.8 miles round trip), the steep incline, rocky terrain, and high elevation make it physically taxing.
Yes. Montavia Travel includes a hot breakfast in the town of Mollepata before the hike and a chef-prepared lunch at our Soraypampa camp after you complete your descent.
Proper hiking boots with good ankle support and aggressive tread are highly recommended. The trail consists of loose gravel, mud, and uneven rocks, making standard sneakers unsafe and uncomfortable.
The ascent from the Soraypampa trailhead takes approximately two hours at a slow, steady pace. The descent is faster, generally taking about an hour and a half.
Yes, local community members at the Soraypampa trailhead offer horses for rent. You can negotiate the price directly with them in soles. Keep in mind that horses can only take you most of the way up; you must walk the final steep section to the lake yourself.
Bring two liters of water, sun protection (a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen), warm layers, a waterproof jacket, toilet paper, and extra soles for small purchases or horse rentals.
We recommend booking your Humantay Lake trek at least two to four weeks in advance, particularly if you plan to hike during the peak dry season from May to October.
From
$ 120 US
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