Why the Humantay Lake Trek is the Most Breathtaking (and Affordable) Day Trip from Cusco!”

The trek to Humantay Lake is one of the most rewarding and scenic day trips you can take from Cusco. Perched at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level, this stunning glacial lake offers adventurers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a peaceful connection to nature. While the hike can be demanding due to the high altitude, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Getting to Humantay Lake: Starting the Adventure

Your adventure begins in Cusco, a city sitting at 3,400 meters (11,152 feet), famous for its proximity to Machu Picchu and other historical sites. Several companies offer tours to Humantay Lake, and the drive to Soraypampa, the base camp, takes approximately 3 hours.

Most day tours include transportation, meals (usually breakfast and lunch), and an experienced guide. Prices vary based on the type of tour you choose. Here’s a breakdown of costs:

Service	Price Range (USD)	What’s Included
Standard Day Tour	$40 – $60	Transport, guide, breakfast, lunch
Private Tour (1-2 Days)	$150 – $200	Transport, guide, meals, accommodation (dome tents)
Horse Rental (Optional, one-way)	$35 – $45 (120-150 soles)	Help to complete the trek
Dome Accommodation (per night)	$100 – $250	Luxury domes with beds, stargazing opportunity

 

The Trek: From Soraypampa to the Summit

Once you arrive at Soraypampa (3,900 meters), the real adventure begins. The trek covers approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) round-trip, with a steep ascent of 300 meters (985 feet) to reach the lake.

For the first 40 minutes, you’ll face an uphill climb that can be taxing, especially at high altitude. Afterward, the trail levels out, giving you a bit of a break before the final stretch to the lake. If you’re feeling the effects of altitude sickness (common at these heights), you can rent a horse from locals for about 150 soles ($45 USD) to help you reach the summit.

Pro Tip: Coca leaves or coca tea are traditional remedies for altitude sickness, and they can make a noticeable difference during your ascent.

 

 

Reaching the Laguna Humantay

After about two hours of trekking, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of Laguna Humantay—a breathtaking turquoise lake nestled beneath towering snow-capped peaks. The lake is fed by glaciers from Mount Humantay, which soars above the lake at 5,917 meters (19,412 feet). The contrast of the lake’s vivid blue-green color against the rugged mountains makes for some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find in Peru.

For the best views, walk around the lake to get different perspectives. Photographers often find that the lake looks even more striking from above, where you can see the clarity of the water and surrounding glaciers.

Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to September) offers clearer skies, making this the ideal time to take in the lake’s beauty and avoid the muddy trails of the rainy season.

 

 

The Rewards of the Trek: Beyond the Views

The journey to Humantay Lake is challenging, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is profound. Each year, around 200-300 hikers make the trek during peak season, though it still feels remote and peaceful due to the vastness of the landscape.

Cultural Note: Humantay Lake is considered sacred by the local Quechua people, who often leave offerings to the Apus (mountain spirits) for protection and good fortune. Be respectful of these traditions while visiting.

 

 

Accommodation at Soraypampa

If you decide to extend your adventure, many two-day tours include a stay at Soraypampa’s dome tents. These eco-friendly domes offer a unique luxury camping experience. They provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear nights, an opportunity for stargazing.

Prices for dome accommodations range from $100 to $250 USD per night, depending on the type of service provided and whether it’s part of a package tour. Electricity is typically available from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, allowing you to charge your devices.

 

 

Challenges and Final Thoughts on the Trek

The biggest challenge of the Humantay Lake trek is the altitude. At 4,200 meters, even the fittest hikers can struggle with altitude sickness. During your experience, you wisely opted to rent a horse after reaching 4,100 meters due to sickness, a common issue at these heights.

In comparison to treks in places like the Himalayas or the Salkantay Trek, the Humantay Lake hike is shorter but still tests your limits due to the altitude. It’s important to take it slow and listen to your body. Spending a day or two in Cusco before the hike to acclimatize can make all the difference.

Conclusion: Why the Humantay Lake Tour is Worth It

The Humantay Lake tour provides a rare combination of breathtaking natural beauty, cultural significance, and a rewarding physical challenge. The hike itself is achievable for most travelers, especially with the option to take a horse if needed. And for a cost of $40-200 USD, it’s an excellent value for such an unforgettable experience.

As you plan your trip, be sure to respect the environment, follow Leave No Trace principles, and savor every moment of this unique high-altitude adventure.

Cost and Statistics Table: Humantay Lake Tour

Category	Details
Distance (Round-Trip)	6 kilometers (3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain	300 meters (985 feet)
Highest Point	4,200 meters (13,779 feet)
Travel Time (Cusco to Soraypampa)	3 hours
Horse Rental	$35 – $45 (120-150 soles)
Standard Day Tour	$40 – $60 USD
Private/Multi-Day Tour	$150 – $200 USD
Dome Accommodation	$100 – $250 USD per night
Peak Season Visitors (Daily)	200-300
Best Time to Visit	May to September (Dry Season)