Humantay Lagoon one of the most stunning turquoise lakes in the Peruvian Andes. If you are looking for an unforgettable day surrounded by pristine nature, get ready to discover a breathtaking glacial lake hidden at the foot of the mighty Humantay Mountain. If you visit Cusco, this day trip is a must. Our full day tour to Laguna Humantay will take you through spectacular valleys, remote high-altitude landscapes, and traditional Andean communities in the Vilcanota mountain range. You will also be able to witness the snow-capped peaks of both Humantay and the majestic Salkantay, one of the most sacred mountains in the region.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Witness the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon, a natural wonder formed by glacial meltwater high in the Andes.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the lush Limatambo Valley and the charming village of Mollepata before reaching the trailhead.
- Observe the unique high-altitude flora and fauna, including alpacas and llamas grazing freely on the mountain slopes.
- Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, two of the most sacred peaks in the Cusco region.
- Experience the spiritual energy of this sacred lake, revered by local Andean communities as an apu (mountain spirit) and place of offerings.
Itinerary.
Group tour: We pick-up at your hotel at 4:30 am
Private tour: Choose pickup at your hotel between 03:00 am to 7:00 am
We pick you up at hotels, Airbnbs, houses, apartments in the historic center of Cusco. We will pick you up at the door of your accommodation and drive for approximately 2.5 hours through the beautiful Limatambo Valley toward the village of Mollepata. Along the way, you will observe picturesque Andean landscapes, agricultural terraces, fertile valleys, and traditional communities. In Mollepata, we will stop to enjoy a delicious breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead.
After breakfast, we will continue by transport for another hour and a half until we reach Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of our trek. From there, we will begin a gradual uphill hike through open highland terrain, following a trail surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and glacial streams.
After approximately an hour and a half of hiking, we will arrive at the magnificent Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Take your time to admire the extraordinary turquoise color of this glacial lake, nestled at the base of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. Your guide will share the cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred site for local Andean communities, who consider it a powerful apu. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, take incredible photos, or simply soak in the peaceful energy of this magical place. We will spend around 60 minutes at the lagoon, depending on weather conditions.
We will then hike back down to Soraypampa, approximately one hour of descent, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Mollepata for a well-deserved buffet lunch. After lunch, we will board our transport and return to the city of Cusco.
What is included
- Pre-departure information service.
- Expert tour guide English – Spanish
- First aid kit
- 24/7 customer service
- 1 Buffet breakfast.
- 1 Buffet lunch.
What is not included
- Horse rental (optional 20 USD).
- Walking sticks (15 USD).
- Entrances
What do I need to bring for the Humantay Lagoon tour?
- We recommend that you take only what is necessary to enjoy your tour and leave the rest of your things at the hotel in Cusco.
- The original passport.
- A small 50 liter backpack that allows you to carry all the things you will take with you.
- Appropriate clothing for walking, waterproof and comfortable shoes for the hike, warm layers and pants. It gets cold and windy at the lagoon.
- Personal medications, including muscle relaxants, pain tablets and altitude pills.
- Items to protect yourself from the sun: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
How long in advance should I make my reservation?
You must make the reservation at least 1 day before. We recommend making all reservations in advance.
Do I need to make a deposit to guarantee my reservation?
Yes, it will be guaranteed with a deposit payment of the total cost of the tour per person through our 2 forms of payment mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.
What is the best time to do the excursion to Humantay Lagoon?
Peru is a very large country with many different climates, for that reason it would be very difficult to define a good time to visit different places. However, we consider that the best season is from April to December, when skies are clearer and the turquoise color of the lagoon is at its most vivid. In the months of January to March, the rainy season may bring clouds and occasional showers, but the lagoon remains accessible and equally beautiful.
Where will the information session take place?
This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the tour in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco. You could also do it at our office located on Calle Portal de panes, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de armas de cusco.
