Humantay Lake Full Day

Humantay Lake Full Day

Enjoy an exceptional experience at Cusco’s most iconic lake. At Ali Peru Treks, we have optimized our itinerary to provide you with greater comfort and safety, ensuring you enjoy every moment in the mountains without unnecessary rushing.

Trip Details

• Pickup Time: 05:00 AM (Directly from your hotel, Airbnb, or apartment).
• Meals: Nutritious breakfast and a full Buffet Lunch included in Mollepata.
• Maximum Altitude: 13,780 ft / 4,200 m.
• Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging.
• Safety: Certified guides and emergency oxygen always available.

What will you do on this tour?

1. Optimized Rest: By starting at 5:00 AM, you get better rest, which is crucial for proper acclimation and physical performance during the hike.
2. Local Gastronomy: Taste the best of Mollepata’s cuisine with an energetic breakfast and a buffet lunch designed to recharge your strength.
3. Scenic Ascent: Hike through trails surrounded by snow-capped peaks for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, connecting with the purity of the Andes.
4. Exploration & Photography: Enjoy quality time at the lake to capture spectacular images and learn about the Andean worldview from our expert guides.

Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Cusco

Our adventure begins with a pickup at 5:00 AM directly from your accommodation in Cusco (hotel, Airbnb, or centrally located apartment). At Ali Peru Treks, we start our day at this time to allow you a more restful sleep and to ensure a comfortable journey toward our first destination: the picturesque town of Mollepata.

Upon arriving in Mollepata, we will enjoy our first nutritious breakfast at a local restaurant, prepared with regional ingredients to provide the energy needed for the hike ahead. After this refreshing start, we will continue our journey for one more hour until we reach Soraypampa, the starting point of our ascent.

Surrounded by the majesty of the Andes, we will begin the hike toward Humantay Lake. Situated at 13,780 feet (4,200 meters), this turquoise gem rests at the base of the imposing Humantay Mountain. The trek takes approximately two hours along trails offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys, where you can connect with nature and spot native bird species.

Once at the lake, you will have plenty of time to explore the area, marvel at the intense color of the water, and capture memorable photographs. Your Ali Peru Treks guide will share insights into the spiritual importance of these glaciers in Andean culture. For those who prefer, horse rentals are available through the local community (additional fees apply).

After enjoying this unique scenery, we will begin our descent, hiking back for about an hour to Soraypampa. There, we will board our transportation to return to Mollepata, where a hearty buffet lunch awaits, prepared with fresh, locally sourced products to recharge your strength. The tour concludes with the drive back to the city, arriving at your accommodation in Cusco around 5:00 PM, ending an unforgettable day of adventure and natural beauty with the quality and care that defines us.

Included

• Transportation: Round-trip transport from Cusco in a comfortable van equipped for mountain routes.
• Pickup & Drop-off: Door-to-door service from your hotel, Airbnb, or apartment located in Cusco’s city center.
• Professional Guide: Expert English and Spanish-speaking guide with deep knowledge of local history, ecology, and safety protocols.
• Meals: Nutritious breakfast and buffet lunch prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in Mollepata.
• Entrance Fees: Official entrance ticket to Humantay Lake is fully included.
• Personalized Experience: Small group sizes to ensure attentive service, a manageable hiking pace, and better photography opportunities.
• Safety Gear: First aid kit and emergency medical oxygen always available.

Not Included

• Personal Expenses: Snacks, extra drinks, or bottled water.
• Horse Rental: Optional horse service provided by the local community for the ascent (available at an additional cost).
• Personal Gear: Trekking clothing (layered clothing, comfortable hiking boots, hats, and sunscreen).
• Additional Services: Any service not explicitly specified in the inclusions section.

To fully enjoy your hike and protect yourself from the unpredictable Andean weather, we recommend bringing the following items. Being well-prepared is the key to a comfortable experience at high altitudes.

Clothing and Footwear (The Layering System)

• Hiking Boots: Sturdy trekking boots or shoes with good traction (non-slip soles) and ankle support. Pro Tip: Do not wear brand-new shoes for the first time; make sure they are broken-in before the hike.
• Waterproof Jacket or Rain Poncho: Mountain weather is unpredictable, even during the dry season.
• Warm Jacket (Down or Fleece): Temperatures in Soraypampa and at the lake can be near 32°F (0°C) in the early morning.
• Moisture-Wicking Clothing: Avoid cotton. Wear synthetic materials or merino wool that dry quickly and keep you warm.
• Trekking Pants: Comfortable, stretchy hiking pants. Avoid jeans, as they are heavy, restrictive, and get very cold if they become damp.
• Winter Accessories: A warm beanie, gloves, and a neck gaiter (buff) to protect yourself from the cold wind.

Sun Protection and Health

• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ is mandatory (UV radiation is extremely high at high altitudes).
• Sunglasses: With UV protection to prevent “snow blindness” from the glacier’s reflection.
• Sun Hat or Cap: To protect your face and head from the intense mountain sun.
• Lip Balm: To prevent chapped lips caused by the wind and dry air.
• Personal Medication: If you have specific medical needs, ensure you carry your medication with you.

Gear and Accessories

• Daypack: A small 20L to 30L backpack to comfortably carry your personal belongings.
• Reusable Water Bottle: We recommend carrying at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water. Help us reduce single-use plastic waste in the Andes.
• Trekking Poles: (Provided by Ali Peru Treks). These are essential for reducing the impact on your knees during the descent.
• Camera or Smartphone: With fully charged batteries and enough memory for photos.
• Documents and Cash
• Original Identification: Your original Passport or ID (required for checkpoints along the route).
• Cash (Peruvian Soles): Bring small bills and coins for local purchases,in case you decide to rent a horse from the local community (approx. 80 to 100 Soles).

Travel Information

At Ali Peru Treks, our priority is ensuring you experience the majesty of the Andes with maximum safety and comfort. To help you prepare for your expedition to Humantay Lake, we provide the following professional guidelines:

Frequently asked questions