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1 - 12 Personas
Bus, Minibus
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Culture and Archaeology
El Tour of Laguna Humantay Operated by LUX ANDES CUSCO, this high-mountain trekking journey is designed to take you straight to the heart of the Peruvian Andes for a truly unforgettable experience. Prepare to fall in love with one of the most dazzling, mystical, and enchanting landscapes in all of South America! Strategically located at the foot of the imposing Humantay Glacier and firmly guarded by the sacred Salkantay Snow-Capped Mountain, this spectacular gem of turquoise and emerald waters will leave you completely mesmerized by its unique natural contrast and dreamlike panoramas.
Operated by LUX ANDES CUSCO, this high-mountain trekking journey is designed to take you straight to the heart of the Peruvian Andes for a truly unforgettable experience. Prepare to fall in love with one of the most dazzling, mystical, and enchanting landscapes in all of South America! Strategically located at the foot of the imposing Humantay Glacier and firmly guarded by the sacred Salkantay Snow-Capped Mountain, this spectacular gem of turquoise and emerald waters will leave you completely mesmerized by its unique natural contrast and dreamlike panoramas.
Duration: Full Day (Very early morning departure: 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM | Approximate return: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
Difficulty Level: Moderate (High-altitude steep hiking; requires good physical condition and prior acclimatization)
Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m s. n. m. en la orilla de la Laguna Humantay (Punto de inicio del trekking en Soraypampa: 3,900 m s. n. m.).
Distancia de Caminata: Distance: Approximately 4 km round trip (1.5 to 2 hours ascent and 1 hour descent)
To ensure your hike to Humantay Lake is completely comfortable against the glacier's freezing temperatures, we strongly recommend dressing strictly in a three-layer thermal system: combining a breathable base layer, an insulating fleece mid-layer, and a windproof, waterproof jacket. It is mandatory to carry your original ID or passport throughout your trek to Humantay Lake, as well as cash in Peruvian Soles to pay the local community entrance fee or in case you decide to hire a horse from local handlers for assistance. Regarding the ideal footwear to secure your steps on the steep trail to Humantay Lake, it is essential to wear trekking shoes with reliable traction or mountain boots that firmly support your ankles on uneven terrain. Do not forget to protect yourself from the high Andean sun during your ascent to Humantay Lake by applying high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, UV-protection sunglasses, and wearing a warm beanie for the freezing wind. Finally, pack a water bottle in your personal daypack for constant hydration, chocolates or dried fruit for a quick energy boost, and a pair of trekking poles to provide stability and substantially reduce the impact on your knees.
The Mystical Turquoise Water: Contemplate the intense, crystal-clear turquoise color of the lake, created by glacial meltwater and mountain minerals.
Views of Mount Salkantay: Admire up close one of the most imposing, respected, and revered Apus (sacred mountains) in Inca cosmovision.
Energizing Gastronomy: Enjoy a rich Andean breakfast and a comprehensive, varied buffet lunch in a cozy and comforting atmosphere.
Safe and Guided Experience: Hike under the continuous guidance of a high-mountain expert, equipped with a comprehensive first-aid kit and medical oxygen.
Direct Hotel Pickup: Convenient pickup directly from your hotel lobby in Cusco early in the morning.
Private Tourist Transportation: Round-trip private transport equipped with reclining seats, climate control, and heating for maximum comfort.
Nutritious Buffet Breakfast: Enjoy a wholesome buffet breakfast in the picturesque town of Mollepata.
Varied and Comforting Buffet Lunch: Enjoy a rich, full buffet lunch at the end of the hike, featuring a variety of options including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Entrance Fee: Community access ticket for Mollepata/Soraypampa (approximate cost of 20 Peruvian Soles, payable in cash on-site).
Optional Horse Rental: Optional horse rental for the ascent, arranged independently with local community members (approximate cost: 70 to 90 PEN).
Optional Horse Rental: Optional horse rental for the ascent, arranged independently with local community members (approximate cost: 70 to 90 PEN).
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 72 hours prior to the start of the tour by contacting us directly via WhatsApp.
Our adventure will begin early in the morning. Between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., LUX ANDES CUSCO’s private transport will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. We will set off on a two-hour journey northwest to the warm town of Mollepata, where we will stop to enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast to recharge before the hike.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey by private transport along a picturesque mountain road for another hour until reaching the main campsite at Soraypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l. / 12,795 ft). Following a brief safety orientation from our guide and a light stretching session, we will begin our uphill hike alongside a crystal-clear mountain stream.
A breathtaking landscape! After approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking at your own pace, we will reach the shores of the stunning Humantay Lake at 4,200 m.a.s.l. (13,779 ft). You will have plenty of free time to relax, take unforgettable photos from the best viewpoints, breathe in the fresh glacier air, and optionally participate in a brief Andean ceremony of gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the sacred Apus (mountain spirits).
Once our visit is complete and we have enjoyed the scenery, we will begin our descent back to Soraypampa (approximately a 1-hour walk) to board our private transport to Mollepata, where we will savor a well-deserved buffet lunch. Finally, we will set off on our return journey to Cusco, dropping you off near the Plaza de Armas around 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
It is considered a moderate-level hike. While the uphill distance is relatively short (approximately 2 km), the trail is steep and the high elevation of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) can cause you to fatigue or feel winded more quickly. Pacing yourself, maintaining a steady breathing rhythm, and ensuring you are properly acclimatized to the altitude in Cusco beforehand will greatly enhance your comfort and overall experience during the trek.
Yes! At the starting point in Soraypampa, local residents offer saddle horses for rent to make the ascent easier. You can hire this service if you prefer to avoid the physical effort of the uphill hike. Please note that the horse ride takes you up to about 10 to 15 minutes before the lake, so the final stretch must always be completed on foot.
No, strictly prohibited. For environmental conservation and out of respect for the local community, entering the water or swimming is strictly forbidden. The lake serves as a clean water source for the lower valleys, and its glacier-fed waters are extremely cold, which would also pose a severe risk of hypothermia.
From Original price was: S/ 60.00.S/ 40.00Current price is: S/ 40.00.
RUC: 20616590201 (LUX ANDES CUSCO E.I.R.L.)
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