Home » Adventure Tours » Humantay Lake Private Tour – The Ultimate Adventure from Cusco, Peru
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Enjoy an unforgettable journey to the Peruvian Andes with our Private Tour to Humantay Lake, the best choice for those looking for an intimate and personalized adventure.
This fantastic glacial lake is nestled in the Andes Mountains and offers visitors a chance to hike, take in the stunning views, and experience the natural beauty of Peru. This day trip offers a perfect blend of adventure and serenity as you embark on a scenic journey from Cusco to see this breathtaking sight. With the help of expert guides, you will learn about the rich history of the region and the importance of Humantay Lake to the local culture.
Don’t miss the chance to explore this hidden gem of Peru. Book your day trip to Humantay from Cusco today and embark on an unforgettable journey.”
If you'd like to customize this trip, our travel specialists will create the perfect tour for you.
Join us on a day trip to Humantay Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru, located more than 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level.
This full-day tour from Cusco takes you into the heart of the Andes, where emerald blue glacial waters settle beneath stunning snow-capped peaks in the Peruvian Andes. Thi is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, hikers and anyone wishing to experience the beauty of Peru in a single unforgettable day.
Humantay Lake Private Tour from Cusco – Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Humantay Lake on an extraordinary tour from Cusco (Peru). Located high up in the Andean mountains, Humantay Lake is a spectacular turquoise-colored jewel surrounded by majestic peaks and unspoiled nature. This natural wonder offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian Andes while embarking on a memorable adventure. Our expertly organized full day tour to Laguna Humantay guarantees a pleasant and seamless experience, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the incomparable beauty of the Andean landscape. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice adventurer, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this extraordinary excursion.
Our expedition begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in the historic city of Cusco, ensuring a smooth transfer to the captivating town of Mollepata that reflects the beutiful landscapes that await your exploration. You will travel in style and comfort with our private transportation from Cusco to the village of Mollepata where you will eat breakfast. From Mollepata, the journey continues to Soraypampa, a paradise nestled in the middle of an impressive mountain landscape. It is here that your real adventure begins, as you embark on a hike guided by our experienced experts.
The breathtaking views at Humantay Lake will leave you in awe. Its serene waters are surrounded by incredible scenery that includes the snow-capped Humantay Mountain and other misty peaks, lush vegetation covering nearby hills, and glacial valleys that extend into the horizon. This trip is highly recommended to anyone looking for a one day hike while in Cusco (a 12 hour trip). You can either take it slow or pay a local for a ride on a horse to the lake. It takes 2 hours to climb, at a slow pace. The lake is breathtaking, many visitors lounge on the boulders and pose for photos.
The hike to Humantay Lake is shorter but steeper than the trek to Rainbow Mountain. From the trailhead to the Lake it may take you about 1 hour, keeping a steady pace with a few breaks along the way. The ascent is continuous, like climbing stairs the whole way. The trail is steep and sometimes slippery, especially in some sections. To walk the trail comfortably, we highly recommend hiking shoes, which provide stability and protection against the terrain.
The hike begins at an altitude of 12,700 feet, where adventurers embark on the exciting trek to Humantay Lake. As hikers make their way up through the rugged Andean landscape, they gradually reach the impressive altitude of 13,900 feet. This ascent offers a challenging but rewarding experience, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the beauty of Andes. Along the way, be prepared to encounter varied terrain and breathtaking views, making every step into the lake a memorable adventure.
The hike to Humantay Lake typically takes 1.5 hr (the longest) from the starting point. The exact duration may vary depending on factors such as, speed and fitness level. If the hike to the Humantay Lake is difficult for you or you have limitations, you can choose to ride a horse. Locals offer horse rental services for this purpose. (It is strongly recommended to go back down on foot, as the terrain may be too steep for the horse).
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Curious about our 1-day trip to Humantay Lake? Take a look at our summary itinerary to discover the highlights of this magical experience. For any additional questions or details, our team is here to guide you through this extraordinary day trip from Cusco:
Embark on an exclusive journey to the captivating Humantay Lake with our private tour, beginning with a prompt pick-up from your Cusco hotel at exactly 4:00 a.m. At the crack of dawn, our dedicated team, including private transportation and your expert guide, will be waiting for you at the entrance of your accommodation, ready to lead you on an unforgettable expedition through the majestic Peruvian Andes.
After about a two-hour drive through the breathtaking views and scenic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, our adventure takes us to our designated breakfast spot, a charming local restaurant nestled amidst the mountains. Here, surrounded by the panoramic views, you will have the opportunity to savor a sumptuous buffet breakfast, meticulously prepared to delight your palate and provide you with the sustenance you need to embark on the next trek.
After breakfast, our journey continues as we make our way higher into the Andean heights, navigating the winding roads for another hour and forty-five minutes until we reach the trailhead, where our adventure finally begins. Here, we will prepare for the extraordinary hike ahead, which will take us to the breathtaking beauty of Laguna Humantay.
Once our exploration of the impressive Laguna Humantay is complete, we will make our way back to town, ready to enjoy a satisfying lunch (Buffet lunch). We will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour, finally arriving in the picturesque town of Mollepata, where a delicious buffet lunch awaits us.
After a delicious lunch, we will make our way back to Cusco, which promises a comfortable ride amidst Peru's breathtaking scenery. Settle into the vehicle as we embark on our scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours. We will be arriving in Cusco around 4 p.m. (You will be dropped off at your hotel).
The schedule of our day trip to Humantay may vary depending on the time of departure from Cusco and the pace of the trip:
4:00 am: Our adventure begins early in the morning when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco.
6:00 am: After a scenic drive through the Andean landscape, we arrive at the town of Mollepata, a picturesque village nestled amidst rolling hills and breathtaking scenery.
6:20 am: We will enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast at a local restaurant in the village of Mollepata with stunning views.
6:50 am: With full bellies and high spirits, we drive to Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek to Humantay Lake. We will enjoy the scenic drive as we wind through lush valleys.
8:30 am: We lace up our boots and get ready, we embark on our hike to Humantay Lake, hiking through stunning Andean landscapes.
10:00: After a rewarding hike, we finally arrive at our destination: the impressive Humantay Lake. You will marvel at the mesmerizing turquoise waters that reflect the imposing peaks that rise above them. Take time to relax and take pictures.
11:30 am: As our time at Humantay Lake comes to an end, we begin our descent back to Soraypampa. We will descend at our own pace, enjoying the panoramic views along the way.
12:50 pm: Once back in the village of Mollepata, refuel with a delicious buffet lunch with a variety of Peruvian dishes. Enjoy a leisurely meal while sharing stories and memories of the trek.
2:30 pm: With full bellies and happy hearts, we board our transportation and begin the journey back to Cusco.
4:30 pm: We arrive in Cusco and drop you off at your hotel with memories of an unforgettable day exploring the breathtaking beauty of Humantay Lake.
Embark on a journey rich in history and nature with our exclusive Day Trip to Humantay Lake. Designed for your ultimate satisfaction, our Private Tour guarantees you ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural wonder. Take a look at our complete itinerary below to get an idea of the enchanting experience that awaits you.
Begin your adventure with an early morning departure (4:00am) from Cusco, the historic heart of Peru. You will be transferred to Mollepata through a scenic drive from Cusco with picturesque landscapes along the way.
Upon reaching the village of Mollepata, we will delight in a breakfast at a local restaurant. We will enjoy a delicious buffet with a variety of fruits, refreshing juices, scrambled eggs, coffee and much more. After a delicious breakfast in Mollepata, our adventure continues by car. The scenic road gradually ascends, exposing the majestic landscapes that surround us.
Arriving at Soraypampa, the hike to Humantay Lake begins. The trail winds through the imposing Salkantay mountain range, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. The ascent is moderate, offering a gradual acclimatization to the high altitude.
As you approach Humantay Lake, the landscape transforms, exposing the dazzling blue hues of the glacial lake. Upon reaching the Humantay Lake, we will commemorate our triumph over the considerable altitude we have reached. Now it is time to enjoy the magnificent scenery, marvel at the mirror-like reflection of the lagoon’s waters, and admire the imposing snow-capped peaks that stand as its protective guardians.
You will have approximately 1 hour in the lagoon, which will give you enough time to capture captivating photographs or enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Afterwards, we will return to our starting point, where our private transportation will be ready to take us back to the village of Mollepata. Here, a delicious lunch awaits us, concluding our adventure with a satisfying culinary experience.
Our journey back to Cusco will take approximately 2.5 hours, culminating with your arrival at around 6 pm. We will drop you off conveniently at your hotel.
Easy / Beginner
To avoid altitude sickness, it is recommended that you spend at least one day in Cusco before undertaking activities or excursions at higher altitudes. This will allow your body to gradually adapt to the change in altitude, reducing the chance of experiencing adverse effects associated with high altitudes.
There is a lot to consider before you leave for your Peru journey, such as what supplies and gear are needed. It is important to know that the trails in the area can be treacherous so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of food, water, and sun protection. Be prepared with a full first aid kit and don’t forget to bring your camera for stunning memories of these breathtaking mountains!
Soaking Up the Beauty of Humantay Lake on a Day Trip from Cusco!
Book your Humantay Lake tour for only $40 and pay the balance on the day of the activity, the Humantay Lake 1 day tour is all inclusive and offered in private service just for you and your party.
Will was our guide and he was wonderful! The tour was everything we hoped for. The day was filled with so much and Will made sure we were having the best time we could. Ask for Will- he was wonderful!
My sister and I were referred to Come See Peru from a friend, and we are so grateful for the referral. We did the Sacred Valley Cultural Experience. Carlos (our guide) and Michael (our driver) were knowledgeable, flexible, and fun!
Here are a few specific aspects that I would like to mention:
1. Flexible. We really appreciated the flexibility that we were afforded. We did our half day Sacred Valley trip in between accommodation switches. So we were picked up in Ollantaytambo and dropped off in Cusco. Additionally, we had to be picked up a bit later than the original start time, and Carlos and Michael were happy to accommodate.
2. Informative. Carlos expertly led us around the three sites we visited (Ollantaytambo ruins, The Salt Mines, The ruins of Moray). He actually took us in an order that allowed for there to be less tourists when we were present, which was really nice. He provided us with historical context and answered all of our questions.
3. Patient. Carlos and Michael gave us time to sit in the beauty that is these amazing locations. Carlos is a wonderful photographer as well and offered to take our picture at some really neat places in each location. When we did the Chicha tasting and salt demonstration, they waited while we shopped. We never felt rushed, which we appreciated.
4. Fun! Overall, we had a really good time with Carlos and Michael. We chatted and laughed about all sorts of things. We appreciated the private tour aspect so we could really go at our own flow and connect and just enjoy.
Thank you Carlos and Michael for a lovely exploration of the Sacred Valley! You will be at the top of our list when we return to see Pisac and Chinchero!
Wow! I booked a customizable 2-day tour to include all of the main Sacred Valley sights because I wanted to start the first day in Cusco and end in Ollantaytambo and use the tour as transportation as well. Come See Peru was so easy to work with, communicating extremely quickly via WhatsApp to design my perfect itinerary. They also suggested some stops that I did not know about.
Our guide Ruben was positively incredible and really made this tour amazing. He presented the history, culture, geography, & food information in such a compelling way! We learned SO MUCH because he is an incredible storyteller. None of the main sites (moray, maras, ollantaytambo, etc) have much signage and we wouldn’t have been able to appreciate them half as well without Ruben. He was also an amazing photographer, always choosing the best locations to take photos of my husband and I.
The vehicle was a comfortable van, which was private, and we had a driver who dropped off and picked up whenever we needed and also stayed with our luggage the day that it was in the car.
Overall, the price was fair for the value received and I would definitely recommend reaching out to Come See Peru to build a customized tour for your trip to the Sacred Valley!
My wife, and I actually took three tours in three dayswith Come See Peru. This were for Machu Picchu, Pisac / Llama farm and the half-day tour on the outskirts of Cusco. The company provided excellent tour guides and took care of every detail, so that our tours were totally stressed free.
Do you have a lot of questions about the Humantay Lagoon tour? Let us illuminate this hidden natural treasure by answering some of the most common questions:
It normally takes between 3 and 4 hours by car from Cusco to the trailhead at Humantay Lake. The hike itself can take between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on your pace.
Yes, many visitors find the trip to Humantay Lake worthwhile. The stunning natural beauty of the lake, surrounded by towering peaks and unspoiled landscapes, makes it a memorable experience for many travelers.
The cost may vary according to whether you join a guided tour or you do it by yourself. Guided tours usually cost between $30 and $60 per person and include transportation, all entrance tickets, english speaking guide and meals.
The hike to Humantay Lake is about 1.5 to 2 hours one way and covers a distance of about 3.5 kilometers.
The level of difficulty for Humantaya Lake and Rainbow Mountain may vary depending on factors such as physical fitness and acclimatization to the altitude. In general, both hikes are considered to be of moderate difficulty, but some may find the elevation gain and altitude at Humantay Lake more difficult.
The hike to Humantay Lake is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty for most visitors. However, the altitude and steep sections of the trail can be challenging for those who are not fully acclimatized.
The best way to get from Cusco to Humantay Lake is to join a guided tour or hire a private transportation service.
Swimming in Humantay Lake is not allowed due to its cold temperature and also because it is considered a sacred place to locals.
The Humantay turquoise lagoon is located on the slopes of the Humantay snow-capped mountain, northwest of the city of Cusco, in the community of Soraypampa, district of Mollepata, province of Anta, Cusco region, in Peru.
The climate of Humantay Lagoon is generally temperate during the days of the dry season (April to November); frigid during the night and early morning hours; and rainy and cloudy skies during the rainy season (December to March).
And the temperature in and around Humantay Lagoon normally ranges between 4° C° and 17° C°.
The distance between the city of Cusco and the Humantay Lagoon is 123 km and is divided as follows:
The turquoise waters of the Humantay Lagoon owe their magical colour to the crystalline waters of the snow melt and to the microalgae of the species Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria.
However, this impressive coloration is very vulnerable to human action. The unauthorized entry of some travelers into the interior of the lagoon has caused the shores to change from turquoise to grey. For this reason, it is forbidden to enter the lagoon.
Come See Peru has earned TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently receiving 5-star reviews of our tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tours. This recognition highlights our exceptional service and dedicated attention to our clients.
Heather R2025-04-29Verified Stunning Sacred Valley We had an outstanding time in our private tour with Carlos and Michael. Better than expected. Beautiful county and they took great care of us! Sacred Valley is a must! Teri G2025-04-27Verified Sacred Valley Lovely Day Will was our guide and he was wonderful! The tour was everything we hoped for. The day was filled with so much and Will made sure we were having the best time we could. Ask for Will- he was wonderful! Jaydina B2025-04-21Verified Been on many tours, would have to say this tour was one of best tours that we’ve been on for the last 25 years This company was quick to respond on setting up our tour to sacred valley from Ollantaytambo. The expert guide Carlos who accompanied us was outstanding informative, and entertaining. He knew his history and answered all of our questions on the ruins we visited. He brought us to the perfect spots for taking pictures and making our videos. The itinerary was very well thought out. Their attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting an educational and fun tour. they will deliver! I would also like to add that I forgot my camera in the tours car. They found it and returned it back to me at my hotel. Marcelo C2025-04-15Verified Great Day Tour of Sacred Valley Scheduling the tour on-line was very easy. Communication from tour coordinator was excellent, he helped us plan an extended tour for the day out of Cusco. Our driver and tour guide were great. We had a wonderful day touring around, seeing the sites, learning the history of the area and stopping to get a local drink and purchase some nice souvenirs. I will recommend this tour group to my friends and family. Ginette P2025-04-07Verified Wonderful half-day tour from Ollantaytambo! Our half-day tour of the Moray Ruins & Salt Flats was amazing. From the time of booking to the completion of our tour, the communication was great. We were picked up at our hotel punctually as discussed (and dropped off afterwards within the timeframe). From there, Carlos our guide provided us with a lot of interesting information and was always willing to take pictures of us or even make extra stops so that we can capture the beautiful landscapes around us. Enough time was allowed at every stop which was much appreciated. Our driver Christobal also assured that we were safe with his great driving skills. But the thing we appreciated the most was that the tour was available from Ollantaytambo (shorter drive than from Cusco) and that we were able to only have our small family group of 4 people for the tour. We would definitely recommend this tour to others.Ginette Sun-Woong K2025-04-01Verified Get Carlos and Rene! Great experience Carlos was an exceptional tour guide with great insight, great English, and very accommodating. Also gave us tips for our other destinations. Tour was informative, not intense walk, and facts were fun. He recommended a great restaurant too which we all enjoyed. Would definitely recommend. Rene was the driver, ride was smooth, efficient, and he was very helpful with luggage. Dubaigateways2025-03-24Verified Excellent Pisac guide and tour. A very entertaining and comprehensive tour ( from Cusco to Pisac to Ollantaytambo) excellently delivered by our guide Carlos. A fabulous day, and we cannot recommend him more highly! Judy H2025-02-05Verified Outstanding tour. Don't miss learning more about Sacred Valley with a pro guide/driver This was our second half-day tour with our guide Carlos and his sidekick (driver) Rene, who was an expert navigator through some very narrow roadways and along mountain trails. On this day we visited the ruins of Olantaytambo, Pisac, and the Pisac market. As we were passing through Calca, the town famous for cuy, Carlos allowed us to detour so that we could taste it in the most local restaurants where it is made traditionally. We were so grateful to have this experience, which for sure you would miss on a group tour. We are staying in Ollantaytambo, and while we could possibly have visited these ruins on our own, we would have missed so many nuances and history that only a seasoned guide like Carlos could give us. We were thrilled for everything we learned and saw here. I almost felt like nothing could have been better, but the Pisac ruins also are outstanding. Carlos taught us about the architecture and is a great storyteller about so many things we would have glossed over. He pointed out so much valuable information to us that we would have lost with a group tour or self-exploration. Also, you have to do a bit of climbing, and it was helpful to have Carlos's steady hand a time or two during the descent. HIGHLY recommend Come See Peru Tours if you really want to understand about these historic places, the culture of the people, and so much more. We are so glad we added these stops in Sacred Valley to our itinerary. We know they will enhance our time when we get to Machu Picchu. Judy H2025-02-05Verified Do this tour with Come See Peru Tours! Such a worthwhile experience! Our tour was from Ollantaytambo, not Urubamba, but Carlos (guide) and Rene (driver) provided an outstanding experience. We highly recommend you spend a few days acclimating in Sacred Valley and include the Moray ruins and salt flats on your itinerary. Carlos's English was impeccable and his knowledge of the ruins, the salt flats, and all the areas we were driving through—and more—is vast. We had two smaller stops throughout the day including for some local chocolate and vanilla bread, which was very delicious and also a visit to sample chicha and also learn all about how it is made, we tasted some delicious Peruvian chocolates that were enhanced with salt from Maras along with a few other salted seasoning mixes, which was actually a fun and interesting experience. There is so much more to Peru than Machu Picchu (although we certainly are including that in our trip). But understanding Sacred Valley really is enhancing our trip, and visiting from Ollantaytambo also means that we also were the first to arrive at the salt mines before all the visitors arriving from Cusco, which made our picture taking experience much better! We highly recommend Come See Peru if you are looking for an excellent and rich experience. Jason S2025-02-04Verified Exceeded Expectations The entire team exceeded our expectations from start to finish. Julio, Renee, Rose, and Rebecca are the best. Detail orientedFriendlyAccommodating ProfessionalThere are many controls in place to keep Machu Picchu special. This team navigated us through them with ease. The tour itself was amazing, and we learned a lot about the Inca civilization. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you team. -Jason Sheffey-United StatesVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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