From Cusco: Day trip to Humantay Lake is a fantastic way to combine nature, culture, and adventure into one memorable day. For just $28 per person, you’ll spend about 12 hours exploring the high Andes, traveling from Cusco to the stunning Humantay Lagoon with stops along the way that showcase some of Peru’s most beautiful landscapes. The tour includes comfortable transport, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and lunch, making it a well-rounded option for travelers eager to see iconic scenery without excessive hiking or expense.
What we really love about this tour is the access to incredible views of snow-capped peaks like Salkantay and the vibrant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake—a sight that truly captures the essence of Peru’s natural beauty. Another highlight is the well-organized itinerary that balances travel, sightseeing, and rest, along with the knowledgeable guides who bring added insight and warmth to the experience.
One possible consideration is the altitude—this trip involves ascending to over 4,000 meters (about 13,000 feet). Travelers with altitude sickness or health concerns should prepare accordingly, and acclimatization beforehand is advisable.
This tour suits those looking for an affordable, accessible way to experience stunning mountain scenery and authentic highland culture. Adventurous families, solo travelers, or couples craving a day of picture-perfect vistas will find it especially rewarding.
Key Points
- Affordable Price Point: At $28, this trip offers excellent value considering the included meals, transport, and guided insight.
- Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking views of Salkantay, Humantay, and lush vegetation along the hike.
- Well-Organized Itinerary: From breakfast in Mollepata to multiple hiking segments, the schedule balances activity and rest.
- Expert Guidance: Guides are bilingual, knowledgeable, and attentive, enhancing the experience.
- Comfortable Transport: Max group size of 18 ensures a relaxed, personalized atmosphere.
- Authentic Experience: The tour includes local-style buffet meals and a chance to take memorable photos of the turquoise lake.
An In-Depth Look at the Humantay Lake Day Trip
Traveling from Cusco to Humantay Lake is a journey into the high Andes, offering a taste of Peru’s most iconic mountain scenery. The tour begins early with a pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in the city center, followed by a roughly two-hour bus ride through striking landscapes that shift from urban streets to panoramic mountains and lush valleys. The first stop is the town of Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a hearty Andean buffet breakfast—a chance to fuel up for the day ahead.
Planning more time in Mollepata District? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Mollepata: The Breakfast and First Leg of the Journey
The breakfast at Mollepata isn’t just about the food; it sets the tone for the day. It’s a relaxed moment where you can soak in the local vibe and prepare for the upcoming hike. The buffet typically features a variety of traditional options that give you a taste of regional flavors, making it a nice cultural touch plus a practical way to energize.
After breakfast, the bus continues for about an hour to Soraypampa, your starting point for the hike. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering mountains and lush vegetation. This is where the real adventure begins—a roughly two-hour hike that takes you through terrain filled with local flora, with plenty of opportunities to capture the scenery. The trail is manageable for most hikers, but keep in mind the altitude, as this hike ascends to over 4,000 meters.
Hiking to Humantay Lake: Nature’s Masterpiece
The hike to the lake is quite rewarding. The path winds through patches of grass, rocky sections, and areas where the landscape opens up to reveal snow-capped Salkantay and other peaks. The guides are knowledgeable and attentive, often pointing out interesting plants and explaining the history of the region.
Once you arrive at Humantay Lake, prepare to be wowed by its vivid turquoise hue, created by glacial meltwater. It’s a photo opportunity that’s well worth the effort. The water’s clarity and color seem almost surreal against the backdrop of towering mountains and blue sky. You’ll have around 45 minutes here for photos, videos, and enjoying the tranquility of this high-altitude wonder.
Descending and Resting
After your time at the lake, you’ll start the descent back to Soraypampa, walking downhill through the same scenic landscape. It’s a relaxed walk, giving you time to reflect on the morning’s highlights.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch and Return to Cusco
The tour then heads back to Mollepata for a buffet lunch, featuring local dishes that keep the energy levels high for the return trip. The bus ride back to Cusco takes about two and a half hours, during which you can relax or review your photos.
The tour concludes with a drop-off just a block from Plaza Regocijo, putting you right in the heart of Cusco’s vibrant center. It’s a convenient finish point for exploring further or relaxing after a day filled with natural beauty.
Authentic Experiences and Practical Details
This tour combines guided hikes, scenic bus rides, and delicious meals, all designed to give you a balanced experience of nature and local culture. The bilingual guides excel at making the journey informative and engaging—an aspect many travelers, including those who reviewed the tour positively, appreciated. As one reviewer noted, “Mari, our guide, is very knowledgeable and attentive,” which adds a lot to the overall value.
The included transportation is comfortable, with a maximum group size of 18, ensuring you aren’t just another face in a crowd. This small group size allows for more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, especially important given the high-altitude hike.
Price and Value
At $28, this tour is an impressive deal when you consider the meals, transport, and guided expertise included. Additional costs are the entry ticket (20 soles) and optional horse rental if you prefer not to walk part of the trail. The upfront price makes it easy to budget, and the flexible cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) offers peace of mind.
Who Will Love It?
This trip is perfect for adventurers on a budget who want to see iconic mountain scenery without complex or lengthy multi-day treks. It’s also suited for those who enjoy culture combined with nature, thanks to the local-style meals and friendly guides. Keep in mind the altitude and physical demands, so it’s best for travelers in good health who are prepared for a hike at high elevation.
Final Thoughts
The From Cusco: Day trip to Humantay Lake offers an accessible, affordable taste of Peru’s highland wilderness. The combination of scenic vistas, expert guides, and good food makes it a standout option for travelers seeking an authentic experience that balances adventure with comfort. The stunning turquoise lake is undoubtedly the highlight, but the journey—through mountains, lush vegetation, and local villages—adds context and richness to your visit.
This tour is a solid choice if you want a full day of natural beauty without sacrificing ease or value. It’s especially suited for those who want a taste of the high Andes, with enough flexibility and support to keep the experience enjoyable and meaningful.
FAQs
Is there any age restriction for this tour?
It’s not suitable for children under 4 years or people with altitude sickness, high blood pressure, or those over 70-95 years. The high-altitude hike requires a reasonable level of physical fitness.
What should I bring for this trip?
Bring layers to adapt to changing weather, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and possibly some snacks. Hiking poles are included, but comfortable walking shoes are essential.
How long is the bus ride from Cusco to Mollepata?
It’s approximately two hours from Cusco to Mollepata, then about an hour to Soraypampa, the starting point for the hike.
How much does the entry ticket cost?
The entrance fee is 20 soles, payable separately from the tour price.
Can I rent a horse instead of walking part of the trail?
Yes, horse rental is available for 80 soles per section if you prefer not to hike the entire trail.
How much time do I get at Humantay Lake?
You’ll have around 45 minutes to take photos, explore, and enjoy the scenery.
Is food included in the tour?
Yes, there’s a buffet breakfast in Mollepata and a buffet lunch in Mollepata at the end of the day.
Will I see snow-capped peaks?
Absolutely. The tour offers fantastic views of Salkantay and Humantay, which are snow-capped mountains.
What’s the best time to take this tour?
While not explicitly specified, the best weather for mountain views in the region is generally during the dry season, from May to October.
How does the tour handle emergencies?
A first aid kit and emergency oxygen are included, with guides providing constant assistance throughout the day.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for a reasonably priced, well-organized day of stunning scenery, cultural flavor, and manageable hikes, this Humantay Lake trip is a winner. The combination of knowledgeable guides, scenic hikes, and local meals makes it a memorable adventure perfect for those eager to see some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes without overextending themselves.
You can check availability for your dates here: