Make the most of your time in Cusco and experience the Andes up close at Lake Humantay. If you are short in time or can’t commit to a multi-day trek, this hike delivers the best option. Just a few hours from the city, this high-altitude glacial lake offers impressive mountain views, pure air and landscapes that feel unreal.
In this blog you will find the best guide to understand and plan your trip to the Humantay Lake.
Why Humantay Lake stands out
- Breathtaking contrast of landscapes: Humantay is surrounded by Andean peaks, with turquoise waters fed by glacial melt. Its altitude (around 4200 m / 13780 ft) gives vast mountain panoramas and a sense of scale that’s hard to match elsewhere.
- Accessible even for short stays: Unlike longer treks, Humantay Lake can be visited in a single day. Starting early from Cusco, followed by a hike of 1.5 – 2 hours (each way) and returning by evening. Perfect for travelers with limited time.
- A mix of challenge and reward: The hike to the Lake is moderately demanding: altitude and a steep, rocky trail make it a workout. But the reward at the end is well worth it.
- Cultural and natural significance: Humantay is part of the high Andes ecosystem, fed by glacial waters and has spiritual value in the Andean tradition. The journey there gives you a glimpse into life in the high mountains and the ancient landscape.
What a day with 69 Explorer Looks Like: Short itinerary
Here you can find a summarized version of the 69 Explorer Itinerary.
- Early morning pickup in Cusco and drive to Soraypampa (trailhead).
- Hike uphill (1.5 – 2 hours) through rugged Andean terrain until you reach Humantay Lake.
- Time to enjoy the lake, rest, take photos, soak in the views.
- Return descent, lunch, and drive back to Cusco by evening.
Practical: you return the same day, no need for overnight camping or multiple days away from the city.
Why 69 Explorer is a reliable way to visit Humantay Lake
When you choose 69 Explorer’s Humantay Lake tour, you are integral experience: you get a carefully planned experience that handles logistics, pacing and safety. The guides know the route, the altitude and they make sure the group moves at a manageable rhythm.
- Small group size, max 8 hikers with a more personalized attention.
- Experienced local guides: familiar with the trail, altitude, climate and local culture.
- Best value: transparent pricing, no hidden fees and a seamless full-day schedule that fits easily into your Cusco itinerary.
If you want a reliable, enriching way to see one of the Andes’ most beautiful lakes, 69 Explorer makes it easy.
Who should do this trek and when?
This tour suits you if:
- You have limited time but want a powerful Andes experience.
- You want to avoid the crowds and complexity of long treks.
- You enjoy nature, photography and stunning mountain scenery, but prefer a day-hike over multiple days on the trail.
- You want a well-organized trip where you don’t need to worry about logistics, camping or planning.
Best time to go:
- The dry season (May – September) offers the most stable conditions: clearer skies, better visibility, and safer trail conditions.
- If you arrive to Cusco from lower altitudes, plan 2–3 days for acclimatization before the hike. Altitude is high at 4,200 m, so hydration, pacing and proper preparation are key.
Final Thoughts: take the day, feel the Andes
Humantay Lake is chance to connect with mountains, with altitude, with raw Andean landscapes and with a simpler pace of travel.
With 69 Explorer handling the details, all you need is a backpack, a good pair of boots and a willingness to take one step at a time. Whether you’re in Cusco for a week or just passing through, add Humantay to your list. It’s one day. But the memory lasts.
Pro Traveler Tips
Yes. Even though it’s a one-day tour, Humantay Lake sits at 4,200 m, and most of the hike happens above 3,800 m. Spend at least 1–2 nights in Cusco (or any high-altitude city) before the trek so your body can adjust and you can enjoy the experience without struggling too much.
It’s a short but demanding ascent. The trail is only a couple of kilometers long, but it’s steep and the altitude makes it harder. Anyone in decent physical condition can complete it, but expect to take it slow, stop often, and feel the altitude. A horse option is usually available for part of the climb.
Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so think in layers. Bring:
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Breathable hiking clothes
- Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
- Sunblock, sunglasses & a hat
- Rain jacket
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks (nuts, chocolate, energy bars)
- Cash for small purchases or the horse option
A small daypack is enough—keep it light.
Yes, but it’s not very practical. Public transportation to Soraypampa is limited, and you’d still need to arrange entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, and timing on your own. A tour includes transportation, meals, and a guide who helps you pace the ascent and spot the best viewpoints.
Most tours begin between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. It’s a long day—about 12 hours total, including the drive, breakfast stop, hike, lake visit, and lunch. You’re usually back in Cusco by 3:00–4:00 PM.
