From Cusco: Hike to Humantay Lake one day With Meals

Humantay Lake is the prize at the end of a high-altitude climb: bright turquoise water set among stark mountain peaks. This full-day trip takes you from Cusco to the trailhead, then gives you a guided hike and time to enjoy the lake at your own pace.

I like that breakfast and buffet lunch are included, so you start and finish the outing with proper meals rather than having to plan food around a long day. I also like the mix of guided explanations and free time at the lake, plus the round-trip ride from Cusco.

The trade-off is an early pickup, a long drive and a steep uphill walk at altitude. The $30 price does not cover the community entrance fee or a horse, so budget for those separately.

• The day starts between 4:30 and 5:00 am with hotel pickup near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
• The hike begins at Soraypampa, about 3,900 meters above sea level, and climbs roughly 3 kilometers to the lake.
• Lake time depends on the weather, from around 30 minutes in cold, foggy or rainy conditions to as long as an hour and a half when it is clear.
• The community entrance fee is extra: PEN 20 for foreign visitors and PEN 10 for Peruvians.
• Horses are optional and not included. One person paid 80 soles, but check the current price before deciding.
• Bring warm layers, sturdy comfortable shoes, water and sun protection. The morning can be cold, and the climb is demanding.

The early ride from Cusco to Mollepata

Pickup runs from 4:30 to 5:00 am, with collection from your hotel if it is near the Plaza de Armas. If you are staying farther away, confirm the meeting point with the operator rather than assuming a door-to-door pickup. The tour finishes at Plaza Regocijo.

The first drive to Mollepata takes about two hours. It is an early start, but it also means you get the road time out of the way before the hike. The group stops at a restaurant for breakfast, usually around 45 minutes to an hour, and there may be a chance to shop at the stop.

Breakfast is one of the practical strengths of this package. You will need energy for the climb, and having a meal arranged is easier than trying to find food before dawn. A small shop at the breakfast stop sells coca candy. One participant found it helpful for altitude discomfort, but it is not a substitute for taking the climb slowly, drinking water or seeking medical advice if you feel unwell.

The drive continues for about 80 minutes from Mollepata to Soraypampa. The road time is a meaningful part of the day, not a quick transfer. Bring water and a snack for the journey, as both are on the recommended packing list.

Starting the hike at Soraypampa

Soraypampa sits at about 3,900 meters above sea level. That figure matters: even a fit person may find uphill walking harder at altitude than it would be at home. Set a steady pace, take breaks when needed and do not feel obliged to match the fastest person in the group.

Before setting off, you pass a community control point and pay the entrance fee. It is not included in the tour price. The stated fee is PEN 20 for foreign visitors and PEN 10 for Peruvian visitors, so carry soles for this and any personal purchases.

Handmade trekking poles are included. They can help you keep your balance and take some pressure off your legs, especially on the descent. Use them from the start if they feel helpful rather than waiting until you are tired.

The uphill route to Humantay Lake is about 3 kilometers and takes roughly two hours according to the tour description. The schedule also allows around an hour and a half for the Soraypampa section, which may reflect the range of walking speeds or the use of horses. Plan for a strenuous climb, not a gentle stroll.

Horses are available as an alternative for at least part of the ascent, but they cost extra. One participant paid 80 soles. Treat that as an example, not a guaranteed current rate, and remember that the horse is not included in the $30 package. The same participant noted that the descent was on foot, so choosing a horse should not be taken to mean you avoid all walking.

Reaching the turquoise water

At the lake, the view is the reward: turquoise water framed by high mountains. Your guide gives explanations, and you get free time for photos and to take in the surroundings. The amount of time you have is weather dependent, so do not count on a fixed long visit.

In clear, sunny conditions, you may have up to an hour and a half. If it is cold, cloudy, foggy or rainy, the stop can shrink to about 30 minutes. The schedule lists around 40 minutes, while the fuller timing allows roughly 45 minutes to an hour and a half in better conditions. In other words, leave some flexibility in your expectations.

Use the time to enjoy the view, take photographs and listen to the guide, but keep an eye on the group’s return time. Several tour groups use the same route, and people walk at different speeds. Pay attention to your guide’s name and your group’s identifying details before you start. One participant found it easy to lose sight of a group once everyone spread out along the path.

The guide is more than a person leading the way. Guides Israel and Juanito are among those named on outings, and one participant described Israel as informative about what the day would involve. Another praised a guide for being attentive and treating the group well. Still, guide quality can vary from one departure to another, so use the briefing to confirm the plan, meeting point and return time.

The downhill walk and buffet lunch

After your lake stop, you return to Soraypampa on foot, with about an hour allowed for the descent. It may feel easier on your breathing than the climb, but downhill walking can be tiring on the knees and legs. Keep your poles handy and watch your footing rather than hurrying to catch up.

The vehicle takes you back to Mollepata, where lunch is served at the same restaurant used for breakfast. The meal is a buffet, included in the tour price, and gives you a chance to refuel before the drive back to Cusco. The meals earned particularly warm praise, and that matters on a long day: food is not a small extra when you have been walking at altitude.

The return drive is about two hours from Mollepata to Cusco, with the tour ending at Plaza Regocijo. Expect a substantial day from pre-dawn pickup to the city return. The exact finish time is not specified, so avoid scheduling a tight evening commitment.

What the $30 price does and does not cover

At $30 per person, the package includes transport, a guide, handmade trekking poles, breakfast and lunch. Those inclusions make the price attractive for a full day out, especially if arranging transport and meals separately would be a hassle. You are paying for the ride to and from a remote trailhead as well as the guided outing and two meals.

The main extra cost is the community entrance fee: PEN 20 for foreign visitors or PEN 10 for Peruvians. Horse rides are also extra, and one person paid 80 soles. The tour excludes other items not specifically listed as included, so bring money for the fee, snacks and anything you might buy along the way.

The listed price is a starting point for budgeting, not the total cost of the day. If you plan to ride a horse, add that expense; if you are hiking, you still need to account for the entrance fee and any personal food or drinks. Confirm current horse rates and payment arrangements before departure.

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour operates with English- and Spanish-speaking guides. Check available departure times when booking, although the stated pickup window is early morning.

Getting ready for altitude and changing weather

The essentials are comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, a camera, snacks, sunscreen and water. Bring layers rather than relying on a single heavy item: conditions at the lake can be cold, and the weather may shift from clear to foggy or rainy. The lake stop may be shorter in poor weather, but warm clothes still make the wait and the climb more comfortable.

Carry more water than you expect to need, and consider a drink with electrolytes. One participant specifically advised bringing a large bottle with electrolytes. That is useful advice for a long day of walking, though the tour does not list drinks as included.

The altitude calls for patience. You do not need to race the group, and there is no prize for reaching the lake first. Take rest breaks when needed, keep your pace comfortable and tell your guide if you are struggling. The route is shared with other groups, so remember your guide’s name and stay clear on where and when to meet for the return.

The tour is best suited to someone who wants a guided day trip and is prepared for a steep, high-altitude walk. It can also suit someone who prefers the option of a horse on the ascent, provided they are comfortable paying extra and walking back down. If you are uncertain about the climb, ask the operator what arrangements are available before booking.

Should you book this Humantay Lake trip?

I would consider this tour if you want a relatively low-cost way to reach Humantay Lake with transport and meals arranged. The included breakfast, buffet lunch, guide and trekking poles take several chores off your hands, while free time at the lake gives you room to enjoy the setting rather than simply arrive, take one photo and leave.

Book it with realistic expectations: the pickup is before dawn, the drive is long, the climb is strenuous and the weather controls how long you can stay by the water. Budget for the entrance fee and any horse ride, and bring enough warm clothing and water. If you are comfortable with those conditions, this is a practical way to see one of the Cusco region’s most striking mountain lakes in a single day.

FAQ

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup is between 4:30 and 5:00 am. Hotel pickup is included if your hotel is near the Plaza de Armas.

How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The uphill hike from Soraypampa is about 3 kilometers and takes around two hours. The descent is on foot and takes about an hour.

Is the entrance fee included?

No. The community fee is PEN 20 for foreign visitors and PEN 10 for Peruvian visitors.

Are horse rides included in the price?

No. Horses are not included. One participant paid 80 soles, but you should confirm the current price.

What meals are included?

Breakfast in Mollepata and a buffet lunch at the same restaurant are included.

Which languages are available?

The live guides speak English and Spanish.