Humantay Lake
A short but steep climb to a turquoise glacial lake at the foot of Salkantay.
- Duration
- 1 day (approx. 12 h)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Maximum altitude
- 4,200 m
- Group size
- Maximum 12 people
- Acclimatisation needed
- 2 days in Cusco
- Best season
- April to October
A glacial lake formed by the retreat of the Salkantay glacier. Its turquoise colour comes from glacial sediment held in suspension.
The climb from Soraypampa is roughly two kilometres, with about 300 metres of elevation gain and a duration of around an hour and a half. It is short in distance but consistently steep, and takes place above 3,900 metres, so a steady pace from the outset is advisable.
Visitors commonly make an offering of coca leaves at the shore, following local custom. Swimming is not permitted: the water is glacial meltwater just above freezing, and the site is considered sacred.
Next departures
Daily departures
These are the dates this route runs, worked out from its schedule. Availability is confirmed when you enquire: in high season some departures are already closed.
Itinerary
04:30
Pickup in Cusco
Departure via Mollepata towards Soraypampa.
07:30
Breakfast in Mollepata
Stop to eat and change clothes.
2,900 m above sea level
09:30
Start of the hike
About 2 km of steady climbing from Soraypampa. Short in distance but relentless in gradient, roughly an hour and a half.
3,900 m above sea level
11:00
The lake
Time on the shore with Salkantay behind. Many travellers make an offering of coca leaves here, as is customary in the area.
4,200 m above sea level
13:00
Descent and lunch
Back down, lunch in Mollepata and return to Cusco around 17:30.
What's included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Tourist transport
- Breakfast and lunch
- Lake entrance fee
- Professional guide
- Oxygen bottle and first-aid kit
Not included
- Support horse
- Trekking poles
- Tips
What to bring
- Layers and a windproof jacket
- Shoes with good grip — the trail is loose earth
- Sunscreen
- Water, at least a litre and a half
Frequently asked questions
Is it easier than Rainbow Mountain?
It tops out 800 metres lower, so the altitude hits considerably less. But the gradient is steeper and more concentrated. A different kind of effort, not necessarily a lighter one.
Can I swim in the lake?
No. It is glacial meltwater just above freezing, and it is also considered a sacred site by local communities.
Is it a good way to test how I cope with altitude?
It is a good gauge. You climb to 4,200 m over about two hours of continuous ascent, so if this walk felt manageable, the other high-altitude tours in the catalogue will too.
When not to go: January and February — the trail gets very muddy