Humantay Lake is a turquoise glacial lake at about 4,200 m (13,800 ft), at the foot of Humantay mountain, about 3 hours by road from Cusco. The hike from Soraypampa takes about 1.5 hours up and is steep, but shorter than Rainbow Mountain. Most travelers visit on a full-day tour from Cusco.
| Location | Near Soraypampa, Mollepata, Cusco region · about 3 h from Cusco |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Lake at about 4,200 m (13,800 ft) · trail starts around 3,900 m |
| Hike | About 1.5 h up, 1 h down · steep |
| Difficulty | Moderate (steep but short) |
| Best time | April to October, early morning |
| Full-day tour from Cusco | From US$45 per person |
Humantay Lake looks almost unreal: an intense turquoise lagoon framed by the white glacier of Humantay mountain. It sits on the route of the Salkantay trek, but you can visit it in a single day from Cusco.
It is one of the day trips our travelers rate highest. Here is how hard the hike really is, how to prepare for the altitude and how to choose between Humantay and Rainbow Mountain.
Table of Contents
Where Is Humantay Lake And How Do You Get There?
The lake is north-west of Cusco, near the village of Mollepata. Tours leave Cusco around 4-5 am, stop for breakfast in Mollepata and continue to Soraypampa, where the trail begins. The road trip takes about 3 hours each way.
From Soraypampa, a well-marked trail climbs steadily to the lake. There is no public transport timed for the hike, so a full-day tour with transport is the simplest option.
How Difficult Is The Humantay Lake Hike?
The climb is short but steep: about 300 m of elevation gain in roughly 1.5 hours at a slow pace. The altitude is what makes it hard, especially in the last section. Horses are available for most of the way up if you need them.
If you have spent two or three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before, most people with average fitness can do it comfortably by walking slowly and stopping often.
Humantay Lake Vs Rainbow Mountain: Which Is Harder?
Rainbow Mountain is higher (about 5,000 m against 4,200 m) and its last section is tougher, so Humantay is usually considered the easier of the two. Humantay is steeper at the start but shorter. If you only have energy for one, choose based on what you want to see: a turquoise glacier lake or a striped mountain.
Can You Swim In Humantay Lake?
No. The lake is sacred for local communities and swimming is not allowed. The water is also glacial and extremely cold. Enjoy it from the shore and the viewpoint on the ridge to the left.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Humantay Lake?
The dry season, April to October, gives the clearest skies and the most intense turquoise color. In the rainy months, clouds can cover the glacier and the trail gets muddy, but the lake is still worth it on a clear morning.
What To Bring To Humantay Lake
- Warm layers, gloves and a hat: it is cold at dawn and windy at the lake.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Water and snacks.
- Hiking shoes with good grip.
- Cash in soles for the entrance fee, horses and toilets.
- For the full checklist, see what to bring to Humantay Lake.
Local buddy tip
When you reach the lake, don’t stay at the first viewpoint with everyone else. Walk 10-15 minutes up the path on the left side of the lake: you get the classic view of the whole lagoon with the glacier behind it, and much fewer people in your photos.
Humantay Lake Full Day Cusco
About 13 hours, from Cusco · From US$45 per person
Hotel pickup in Cusco, breakfast and lunch, guided hike to Humantay Lake and return the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moderate. It is a steep climb of about 1.5 hours to a lake at around 4,200 m. With a few days of acclimatization and a slow pace, most people can do it. Horses are available.
No. Swimming is not allowed because the lake is sacred for local communities, and the glacial water is extremely cold.
Usually no. Rainbow Mountain is higher, at about 5,000 m, and its final section is tougher. Humantay is steep but shorter.
Yes. It is one of the most beautiful day trips from Cusco, especially on a clear morning in the dry season.
Overview
Humantay Lake is a turquoise glacial lagoon at about 4,200 m, three hours from Cusco. The hike from Soraypampa is steep but short, about 1.5 hours up, and usually easier than Rainbow Mountain. Acclimatize first, go early in the dry season if you can, bring warm layers and cash, and remember that swimming is not allowed.
