Cusco: Humantay Lake and Salkantay Day Trip + Meals

Exploring Cusco’s Natural Wonders: Humantay Lake and Salkantay Day Trip

If you’re in Cusco and craving a day immersed in incredible scenery, this Humantay Lake and Salkantay tour for around $30 offers an exceptional value. You’re picked up early, driven through scenic Andean landscapes, and rewarded with a hike that combines natural beauty with cultural significance. On this day, you’ll visit Humantay Lagoon, set at the foot of the impressive Salkantay Mountain, and enjoy the chance to see Inca mythology come alive amidst towering peaks and shimmering waters.

What we love about this experience is the stunning vistas you’ll take in — whether from the trail or at the lake itself — and the delicious meals that break up the day, making the whole trip feel well-rounded rather than rushed. The opportunity for either a steep climb or a horse ride to the lake offers flexibility for different fitness levels, which is thoughtful.

A possible consideration is the steep ascent involved in reaching Humantay Lagoon, which might be a challenge for travelers with mobility issues or those not accustomed to high altitudes. Still, even if you prefer to skip the climb, the views from Soraypampa and the cultural insights make it worthwhile.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy scenic hikes, nature lovers eager to experience Peru’s majestic mountains, and those looking for a well-organized day trip that combines cultural elements with natural beauty.

Key Points

• Stunning views: Get breathtaking vistas of Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Mountain.
• Flexible hike options: Choose between a steep climb or horseback riding to the lake.
• Well-organized day: Includes transport, guides, meals, and assistance.
• Cultural significance: Learn about Incan mythology and the sacredness of the lagoon.
• Affordable value: At $30, this tour offers a lot of memorable experiences.
• Comfort and convenience: Pickup points, meals, and a professional guide streamline the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Tour

The Journey Begins: From Cusco to Mollepata

Starting with a pickup from your designated meeting point in Cusco, expect a comfortable 2-hour drive into the Andes. The scenery is a highlight in itself—rolling hills, traditional villages, and distant snow-capped peaks. This first leg sets the tone for the day: a peaceful, scenic introduction to the highlands.

In Mollepata, a charming mountain village, a light breakfast awaits you—perfect for fueling the upcoming hike. Many travelers appreciate this breakfast as it helps settle their nerves and energize them for the day ahead. The drive then continues to Soraypampa, the official starting point of the trek, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the rugged terrain and the towering Salkantay mountain.

The Hike to Humantay Lagoon

From Soraypampa, the hike begins. We loved the way the guides emphasized the significance of Humantay Lagoon as a sacred Incan site, adding cultural depth to the natural beauty. The climb is about 1.5 hours, quite steep at times, but the views just keep getting better. Travelers can opt for a horseback ride if they prefer to avoid the steep ascent—an option that many found helpful, especially at higher altitudes.

The trail winds through rocky terrain and high-altitude landscape, offering an up-close experience of the Andean environment. As we ascended, the air thinned but the panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys made every step worth it. Upon reaching Humantay Lake, the sight of its vivid turquoise waters contrasted sharply with the surrounding mountains.

Most reviews emphasize how stunning the lake is, describing it as a “dreamlike” spot that justifies the effort of the climb. Many visitors also remarked on the mythological significance of the lake, believed to be sacred by the Incas, which adds a layer of reverence to the visit.

Lunch and Relaxation in Mollepata

After soaking in the views and taking photos, you’ll descend back to Mollepata for a hearty lunch. The meal is included in the tour and often described as delicious and satisfying—a well-deserved break after the morning’s exertion. Many travelers comment on the quality of the food, noting that it surpasses expectations for a tour at this price point.

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Return to Cusco

Post-lunch, the journey back to Cusco wraps up the day. The return trip offers a chance to rest, reflect on the day’s highlights, and chat with fellow travelers. The overall experience leaves many feeling fulfilled but eager to share the stunning images and stories of their adventure.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just $30 per person, this tour packs in a full day’s worth of experiences—from scenic drives and cultural insights to challenging hikes and spectacular views. Included are transport, guides, breakfast, lunch, and assistance, which eliminate the hassle of planning your own logistics in unfamiliar terrain.

The presence of a professional guide ensures safety, local knowledge, and a richer understanding of the sacred sites and natural features. The inclusion of nature sticks is a thoughtful touch, providing extra support on the ascent and descent, especially at high altitude.

Price vs. Experience

While the entrance fee to Humantay Lagoon (~25 soles) isn’t included in the base price, it’s a small cost to access such a stunning natural wonder. When you consider the convenience of transportation, meals, and guided commentary, the overall value becomes clear.

Practical Tips for the Trip

• Altitude awareness: The hike reaches high elevations, so take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider altitude sickness precautions.
• Clothing: Layered clothing is best—mornings can be chilly, but it warms up as you hike.
• Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes are recommended given the rocky terrain.
• Physical prep: The hike is steep, so some level of fitness helps, but the horseback ride option offers relief.
• Timing: Check the specific start times when booking, as they vary; plan to arrive early in Cusco that morning.

Who Would Love This Trip?

This tour is ideal for adventurers who want to see iconic Andean landscapes without spending multiple days trekking. It appeals to those excited by nature, mountains, and cultural stories, and who appreciate a well-organized experience that balances physical activity with comfort. It’s particularly suited for travelers with limited time but eager to tick off a major highlight from their Cusco itinerary.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For its price, this trip offers a well-rounded, authentic experience—combining scenic beauty, cultural stories, and the thrill of reaching a sacred lake at altitude. The guided hike, delicious meals, and scenic drives make it a memorable day that doesn’t break the bank.

While the steep climb might challenge some, the spectacular views and sense of achievement make it worthwhile. The flexibility of horseback riding is a smart touch, allowing travelers of varying fitness levels to enjoy the experience.

This tour suits travelers who love outdoor adventures, cultural insights, and stunning vistas—and who want a reliable, organized way to explore one of Peru’s most spectacular natural sites. It’s a solid choice for those seeking both adventure and value in a single day.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Cusco to Mollepata?
It’s approximately 2 hours, providing scenic views of the countryside and mountains on the way.

What is included in the tour price?
Transport, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, assistance, and nature sticks are included. Entrance fee (~25 soles) is extra.

Can I skip the hike?
Yes, horseback riding is available for those who prefer to avoid the steep ascent.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing is best—bring warm clothes for early morning and sturdy hiking shoes for the terrain.

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
It’s steep and high-altitude, so some physical fitness and acclimatization are helpful.

Is there a chance to take photos at the lake?
Absolutely, the lake’s vivid turquoise waters and mountain backdrop are perfect for photos.

How long do we spend at Humantay Lagoon?
Most of the time is spent enjoying the scenery and taking photos—expect around 30-45 minutes at the lake.

Are meals suitable for vegetarians?
While not specified, many guided tours cater to dietary restrictions—check in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by Inspires Viagens, a reputable provider of guided excursions in Cusco.

This adventure provides a beautiful blend of physical activity, cultural depth, and natural splendor—certainly a day to remember for anyone visiting Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby