Humantay Lake Tour
- The Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco is a popular full-day trek to the high altitude Laguna Humantay at 4250 meters (13943 feet) in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
- Laguna Humantay is a hidden gem with turquoise waters nestled between snow-capped mountains at the base of Humantay Mountain, fed by melting glaciers.
- The lake is a common stop on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a well-known alternative to the 4 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu.
- Humantay Lake and Mountain are sacred to the Andean people, with a history of Incan priests offering tributes to mother nature.
- Traditions like K’intu and Apacheta are still practiced to preserve the environment and cultural heritage; K’intu involves seeking blessings from the mountain God – Apus with coca leaves, while Apacheta is a ritual of piling stones to express gratitude and seek safe travels.
Similar adventures in Mollepata
What to expect
The Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel at 4:00 AM, followed by a drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Mollepata for breakfast. Afterward, the journey continues to Soraypampa, the trailhead, where the tour guide will provide hiking tips. The trek to Humantay Lake usually takes about an hour and a half, beginning with a moderate 45-minute walk before becoming steeper as you approach the lake.
Once at Humantay Lake, you'll have ample time to enjoy the tranquility and breathtaking natural scenery. An optional 15-minute hike to a nearby viewpoint offers spectacular views of the lake and Apus Humantay. After soaking in the beauty of the Andes, the return hike to Soraypampa begins.
From Soraypampa, you'll rejoin the private vehicle for the journey back to Cusco, with a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. The tour concludes with an estimated arrival in Cusco around 7:00 PM.
