Humantay Lake Full-Day Hike

1 day

Overview

  • Service Shared
  • Season All Year Round
  • Departures By Prior Reservation
Many travelers want to see the famous blue waters, but they worry about the physical toll. The trail reaches a high altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). At this height, the oxygen levels drop significantly. Consequently, breathing here feels like trying to sip a thick milkshake through a tiny coffee straw. Your lungs have to work much harder just to take a normal step. Without proper support, this hike can turn into an exhausting struggle. Therefore, we designed a guided trek focused entirely on your personal safety and steady pacing. We carry first aid kits and emergency oxygen tanks on every single trip. Our guides monitor your health so you can hike safely without fear. Additionally, the visual reward at the top makes the effort completely worth it. You will stand in front of a giant pool of bright turquoise water. The lake gets this color because heavy glacier ice crushes mountain rocks into a fine powder. When sunlight hits this rock powder, it acts like millions of tiny blue mirrors. After taking your photos, you will descend safely and enjoy a hot, freshly prepared meal. Read more about our safety protocols here.
"When you hike with the right pacing and oxygen support, your body relaxes. Therefore, you stop worrying about your breathing and actually enjoy the massive ice peaks right in front of you." Machupicchu Mountain Tours

Highlights

  • Many budget operators offer quick rides to the mountain
  • but they completely ignore essential altitude safety. Therefore
  • our team focuses strictly on your health
  • steady pacing
  • and emergency readiness. Consequently
  • you can enjoy the hike without panicking about the 4
  • 200-meter (13
  • 779 feet) altitude. Our certified guides carry oxygen tanks and advanced first aid kits on every single departure.

Itinerary

Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary

Early Morning: Cusco to Mollepata (4:00 AM)

We pick you up safely at 4:00 AM directly from your hotel. Therefore, you can simply rest and sleep in our comfortable van during the dark morning hours. After a two-hour drive, we stop in Mollepata for a warm, energizing breakfast. Consequently, your body gets the vital calories needed for high-altitude trekking. Next, we drive to the trailhead at Soraypampa, sitting at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet). Here, your guide will brief you on our strict safety protocols.

The Ascent: Soraypampa to the Blue Water (9:00 AM)

The hike begins with a flat, easy section for 20 minutes. This works like a gentle warm-up stretch for your legs before the real climbing begins. Then, the steep uphill section starts. Walking up at this altitude feels like wearing a heavy backpack filled with rocks while walking through thick mud. Therefore, our guides enforce a slow, controlled walking pace and carry emergency oxygen. We stop frequently to ensure your heart rate stays stable and safe.

Finally, you reach the turquoise water at a peak altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). You will have plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and take amazing photos.

The Descent and Return: Safe Journey Back (12:00 PM)

Going down takes about an hour and is much easier on your lungs. Consequently, you can finally relax and breathe normally as we hike back to the van.

We drive you back down to Mollepata for a massive, freshly prepared buffet lunch. This hot meal restores your energy and satisfies your hunger completely.

Additionally, you can rest quietly on the smooth drive back to the city. We will drop you off safely in Cusco around 5:00 PM.

What is Included

Included

Many standard tours give you the bare minimum to survive the day. Therefore, we pack our tour with everything you need for a completely safe, comfortable experience.

  • Certified High-Altitude Guide: Your guide is trained in mountain safety. Consequently, they will monitor your pacing and breathing at all times.
  • Emergency Oxygen & First Aid: We never leave without a full oxygen tank. This acts like a safety net for your lungs at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet).
  • Door-to-Door Transport: We include safe, climate-controlled van transportation. Additionally, we pick you up and drop you off directly at your hotel door.
  • Hot Meals & Hydration: You get a massive breakfast and a warm buffet lunch. Therefore, your body gets the vital calories needed for the massive climb.

 

Not Included

We want to be completely transparent about any extra costs. Consequently, there are no hidden fees or unexpected surprise charges during your trip.

  • Community Entrance Ticket: The local fee is 20 soles (about $6 USD). This money goes directly to support the local farming communities.
  • Personal Trekking Poles: You can rent walking sticks from us if you need extra balance on the steep, rocky trails.
  • Extra Snacks: Bring your own chocolate or energy bars. These work like fast fuel for a quick sugar boost during the walk.

 

What to Bring

Our head mountain guide recommends packing light. Consequently, you will save energy for the actual climb instead of carrying heavy bags.

  • Original Passport: You need this for security checkpoints and entry tickets.
  • Water (1.5 Liters): At high altitudes, your body dries out like a sponge in the sun. Therefore, constant hydration is a medical necessity.
  • Layered Clothing: The morning is freezing, but the climb makes you sweat. Therefore, dress like an onion so you can easily remove jackets.
  • Trekking Shoes: The path is full of loose rocks and dirt. Consequently, you need solid grip to prevent ankle injuries.
  • Cash (Soles): Bring small bills for the community entrance fee (20 soles) or for renting a horse.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiking at this height feels like running while breathing through a tiny straw. Therefore, it demands respect. Consequently, we carry emergency oxygen tanks to ensure you stay completely safe if you feel dizzy.

Yes, but it requires mental toughness. The final stretch feels like climbing a massive, steep staircase for an hour. Therefore, we maintain a very slow, controlled pace to protect your heart rate.

Local farmers rent horses at the bottom of the trail. This works like an emergency mountain taxi. Therefore, if your legs give out, you can always safely ride a horse up to the final viewpoint.

Heavy glacier ice slowly crushes the mountain rock into a fine white powder. When this powder mixes with the water, sunlight hits it. Consequently, the water reflects the light like millions of tiny blue mirrors.

Mountain weather changes faster than a traffic light. Therefore, wear a base t-shirt, a warm fleece sweater, and a windbreaker jacket. Additionally, a warm hat protects your ears from the freezing morning wind.

There are very basic rustic toilets at the starting camp in Soraypampa. However, there are no bathrooms at the actual lake. Therefore, we highly recommend using the facilities before we start the steep climb.

Everyone reacts differently to high elevation. Consequently, we advise spending at least two days in Cusco before this trek to let your blood adjust. Additionally, our guides carry first aid oxygen to fix any sudden issues.

The best months are from April to October during the dry season. Therefore, you get clear blue skies and safe, dry walking paths. Conversely, the rainy season makes the steep paths dangerously slippery.

No, the rural farming communities only accept physical cash. Therefore, you must bring 20 Peruvian soles in exact change. This money goes directly to supporting their local schools and infrastructure.

We keep our groups small to guarantee your personal safety. Consequently, our seats sell out very quickly. Click the button below, fill out your details, and secure your spot instantly.

More Bestseller Tours Tours

What Our Travelers Say

Don't just take our word for it. Hear from the adventurers who have explored Peru with us. Our travelers consistently rate us 5 stars for our knowledgeable guides, seamless logistics, and unforgettable experiences.