Humantay Lake Hike

Humantay Lake Hike Full Day

Book Now
  • Activity TypeTrekking
  • DifficultyModerate
  • Service LevelUpgraded Comfort
  • Group SizeMin 2 ppl, Max 8 ppl

Overview

Join us in a day hike to one of Southern Peru’s most beautiful lakes near the tallest mountains of Salkantay and Machu Picchu, it is definitely a must-go place when you are on a trip to Peru. The turquoise water of the lake comes from the mineral-filled runoff from the melting glaciers around both Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. Humantay Lake is extremely rich in Incan history; it is considered very sacred for the locals in the area.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hike with our passionate local guides
  • Enjoy the spectacular views of the tallest mountain of the Machu Picchu area
  • Be one of the first people at the Humantay Lake Hike before the crowds.

Details

  • Type of transport: Van transport and hike
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 3 hours hiking round trip, plus 3.5 hours drive from Cusco to the trailhead and 3.5 hours back
  • Type of tour: Hiking, scenic
  • Distance covered: 2 km / 1.2 miles

Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came true in 2015 for Jose Condor, who has guided treks since 2014 until today and has been to Machu Picchu over 1000 times. Now, Peru by Locals has a group of top guides, both men and women, with professional degrees who receive yearly refresher training with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Our guides are fully trained to assist with any of your needs while vacationing, and we invest in our guides because we believe they are the main ingredient of any trip.

Peru by Locals is not only a travel company but a group of great leaders that love sharing our culture with you and enjoy being with travelers.

Location: This trip starts in Cusco city or Sacred Valley at your request. You will need to fly to Lima, which is the capital of Peru, and then to Velasco Astete of Cusco airport, which is a small domestic airport.

Departures: This Humantay Lake Hike is operated by PERU BY LOCALS 100%. When you book your Humantay Lake Tour or take any tour package, you go with us. We don’t rearrange tours, and we depart every day, year-round. The group size is from 2 to 5 people on average, allowing us to provide personalized service.

We take bookings year-round, and this Humantay Lake Trek does not need to be booked long in advance. So, whenever you are ready, join us and reach out with any questions to our 14/7 number +51 989585967 or email us at info@perubylocals.com.

Itinerary

DAY 1.- CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE

Your designated guide will meet you at your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am. After about 2.5 hours driving to the trailhead of Soraypampa, we will enjoy our packed breakfast with great views of the tallest mountain in the area, Salkantay. Then, we start ascending towards Humantay Lake for about 1.5 hours. Once there, we enjoy the spectacular views that will take your breath away.

We hike back to the car for about 1 hour, have lunch, and drive back to Cusco.

Services

SERVICES INCLUDED

  • Transport to and from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
  • Trekking guide, knowledgeable in history, tradition, fauna, and flora (WFRs trained)
  • Oxygen tank and first aid kit carried by your guide, if needed
  • Entrance tickets to the area
  • 24-hour support from PBL (24/7 number +51 989585967)
  • Box lunch

SERVICES EXCLUDED

  • Tips for guide and driver (recommended 15% of the total cost)

Packing list

  • Day bag for carrying your belongings
  • Phone or camera for pictures
  • Clothes (hiking shoes, warm fleece jacket, rain jacket)
  • Snacks – it’s always good to bring your favorite snacks to enjoy while hiking
  • Water (2 liters per person recommended). We really recommend you bring a water bottle or camel bag to help us protect our environment.
  • Sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended)
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Money – cash is always good to have on hand
  • If you use any medications, please don’t forget to bring them with you

Important information

OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the terrain like? How challenging is it?

The hike is rated as moderate since it is mostly downhill. The first hour has some steep sections, and the rest is gradual downhill.

How long before should I book this journey hike?

This Humantay Lake Trek does not require a permit, but Peru by Locals still needs at least a week to organize everything.

What is the weather like during the year?

The Cusco area has only two well-defined seasons: the wet season and dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but there are also several sunny days. The dry season begins around March and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months, but at noon, temperatures can reach 23°C (77°F), the highest annual temperature.

Should I tip the guide and driver? If so, how much?

Our guides are paid fairly according to Peruvian labor laws – that’s why we don’t force our clients to tip the crew. However, most of our clients want to show appreciation for the work they do and the service they receive. If you feel like giving them a tip, we recommend 15% of the total cost.

Is there any age limit?

There is no minimum or maximum age for this Humantay Lake Hike. Anyone prepared for hiking can do it. This day hike is short, but it can be challenging for someone who has never hiked before.

Peruvian Currency

The Peruvian sol is the currency of Peru and usually fluctuates between 3.3 to 3.8 Nuevo sol to 1 US Dollar.

Language

Spanish is the national language of Peru. Also, 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (the Inca language). Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English.

Why Peru by Locals

  • Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours, and we cater to your interests when we plan your Humantay Lake Tour.
  • We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
  • We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
  • Our staff consists of members with decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
  • All the management and staff at Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
  • Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture, and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
  • We are committed to protecting our environment.
  • We are committed to creating jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and treat all our employees with dignity.
  • We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and equipment for poor local communities.
  • We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit.
  • We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to the education of those in need.
  • Our trips are designed carefully to your needs, and we create diverse, unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length. We offer a wide range of tours and treks and guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
  • Peru By Locals organizes stress-free trips for you to enjoy fully.

Peru small group specialists

Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience local culture, love food, are interested in history or photography, and for all ages. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, as a couple, or with family, at Peru by Locals there is something for everyone.

Small groups are the best, and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it’s not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.

Price

Best Seller

Humantay Lake Hike: A Stunning Day Trek in Southern Peru

Join the Humantay lake hike is a short great hike in the Andes of Peru offering you amazing views to snow mountains.

Product Brand: Peru by Locals

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 95

Product In Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.9

GROUP SERVICE

Our tour groups are very important. We run tours from 2 to 8 people per group, and we open any tour dates with 2 guests. This service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences so you can make the most of your time.

Accommodations

Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and are in US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or at our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).

To assure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding balance will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.

Choosing this option

  • Once a date tour is opened with 2 guests, the travel date will likely remain unchanged.
  • This is a great option to meet other travelers and hang out during the trip.
  • The quality of service is the same as in a private tour.
  • If for any reason one of the guests can’t continue the tour, the trip will proceed as planned from start to finish.

PRIVATE SERVICE

Our private service can start from 1 person to any number you desire, and you can choose your travel date.

Accommodations

We run all our tours with 3-star hotels, but we can customize with 5-star hotels upon request.

Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and are in US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or at our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).

To assure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding balance will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.

Choosing this option

  • We cater this Humantay Lake Hike tour to your needs with flexibility.
  • Once a date tour is opened, it can still be changed if time allows at your requested time.
  • This is a great option for spending time with family, friends, or traveling for special occasions such as honeymoons.
  • The quality of service is the same as other tours.
Jose Condor

Contact our travel specialist Jose Condor

"Let me share my experience and passion for tourism with you. I'll guide you in discovering Cusco's unique attractions, helping you plan an unforgettable vacation filled with history and adventure"

Call us: +51 989 585 967

Contact us Book Now

Under any circumstances our company WILL NOT request any payment in the name of any individual / personal account. All payments must be done under PERU BY LOCALS and If you have any questions or doubts, please call us or write to us at +51 989585967 (Jose Condor – owner).

Reservation Form

Book your trip with just $50.00 USD per person and pay the rest before your adventure begins. Don’t miss this chance to secure your dream experience!

Traveler Details

Group Private
1
USD

Traveler Information

Please provide the full names (as they appear on the passport), passport numbers, nationalities, dates of birth, genders, and email addresses of all members of your group. Make sure your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your visit to Peru. If not, Customs and Immigration may deny you entry to the country. Additionally, by completing this form, you are authorizing the use of your data for the purposes required by the company.

Traveler 1

Male Female
Yes No
Yes No

Add complements (Optional)

Additional Information

Reservation Summary

Discover Your Perfect Peruvian Adventure with the Help of Our Local Experts. Contact Us Today!






    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    BoardingPass693547 profile picture
    BoardingPass693547
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    Thank you Peru by Locals. WOW. This will be one of the most memorable trips we take. Peru by locals made every part of our trip special. We had a very full list of activities we wanted to accomplish and Jose made each one possible. The Peru by Locals team was dedicated to prompt friendly service that exceeded our expectations. We traveled to Machu Picchu, hiked Wayunua Picchu, mountain biked to the salt mines, completed a four day backpacking trip to rainbow mountain, and summitted Jhampa Mountain. Jose was patient and set a reasonable pace for us to accomplish the trip with no issues with altitude. Jose made us feel comfortable and was very knowledgeable on all aspects of the country, local foods, history including deep knowledge of Incans - he was the perfect tour guide for both adventure and history. Peru by Locals was simply fantastic. 11 out of 10 all around.
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    Jen B profile picture
    Jen B
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    Ancascocha + Inca Trail 7 day Jose and his Peru by Locals team were more like a family, and they always made arriving at camp akin to coming home. My sister and I decided to do this trek having never done a multi day trek before. Jose is a very patient guide and worked with us the entire way, and his team made the best food for us all along the trek. We camped at the most breathtaking spots. After 6 days of hard trekking he ended the tour with us staying at Inka Terra (5 star resort) in Aguas Calientes which was a nice punctuation to a life changing experience. I can’t wait for the next adventure with Peru by Locals, and as Jose always says “Keep training!”
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    Haina K profile picture
    Haina K
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    Ancascocha and Incan Trail Jose Condor was one of the best guides I've ever worked with. Him and his team made our 6 day trek possible. It was a difficult trek but him and his team were very motivating and got us through the experience. we ended up at Machu Picchu and had a tour of the place the next day after staying in a 5 star hotel.
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    Michelle Renee O profile picture
    Michelle Renee O
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    An incredible experience with a top notch team My adventure partner convinced me to up out adventure quotient by 100x. As 2 moderately in shape by American standards (though he mostly identifies as British 🤣) we weren’t sure how we’d do that n the 7-day Ancascocha and Inca Trail trek but we made it! And it was amazing. The Peru by Locals team was amazing. Edgar was our helpful and encouraging guide and cheerleader. He is a birder too, which wasn’t our focus but his enthusiasm was infectious - we may take it up as a hobby thanks to him. Santos and Fernando were our talented chef and sous chef - more like magicians considering the incredible food they cooked with a minimal camp kitchen. Plus they graciously accommodated my vegan diet. Young Oscar tended to the horses that carried our gear until he and his hooved friends we’re replaced by our indomitable team of porters (horses aren’t permitted in the national park). Truly a once in a lifetime experience and Peru by Locals did an incredible job every step of the way.
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    HeatherBoesser profile picture
    HeatherBoesser
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    See the most of Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley & Cusco We had the "trip of a lifetime" thanks to Peru by Locals! Jose C. was very responsive answering all our questions while planning & customizing our tour of 4 people for 6 days in the Cusco region. Our guide, (Awesome) Auriol has been a guide in the area for over 14 years and is super knowledgeable about the history of the region and its people. He also knew how to dodge some crowds to get the best experience & pictures for us and was always watchful of our safety. Plus he had great recommendations for restaurants in the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes and Cusco serving authentic Peruvian dishes. I was completely blown away by Machu Picchu. You need to see it. I highly recommend you visit this part of the stunning Andes and let Peru by Locals be your guide!
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    Eric B profile picture
    Eric B
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    An Incredible Introduction to Andean Culture and History Peru By Locals provided such an incredible experience for my first time in Peru. From the initial pick up from the airport, our guide Auriol was caring, fun, and informative. Between taking us to sites at times with less traffic, to providing incredible accounts of history, he made our experience one I won’t forget. Macchu Picchu and everywhere else we visited was gorgeous physically, but was made extra special by the knowledge that was imparted onto us while there. Jose and Auriol gave us a truly amazing experience and if you want to explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you will be in good hands with Peru by Locals.
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    Valeria T profile picture
    Valeria T
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    Guides and drivers of Peru by locals Thank you very much for the professionalism and kindness of Edgar, Aureol, John.Both guides and drivers are geniuses.Super recommended
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    clay profile picture
    clay
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    Book these guys now if you want a great trip in Peru! I contacted Jose shortly before my trip to Peru with some guidelines and wants that my family wanted to do. I had already planned a few things myself and the Peru by Locals team did an incredible job filling in the many gaps in Between.Jose and Auriol were great when we landed in Cusco. They were patient and willing to change plans on the spot. Also incredibly patient with my 7 year. Waiting for us every morning and also accessible on WhatsApp We had a great time with great memories.
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    Ally B profile picture
    Ally B
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    Incredible experience We went to Machu Picchu with Ronal on the Inka trail and everything was incredible. The food, the archaeological sites, the porters, our guide, and all the accommodations created a unique experience that we will never forget.
    Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
    Josh H profile picture
    Josh H
    Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
    Would highly recommend Every interaction we had with Jose was extremely professional. Based on our itinerary, he was able to arrange airport transportation, a walking tour of Cusco, a driving tour of the Sacred Valley, and our hike and tour of Machu Picchu. All just for our family. Everyone was always punctual, informative and friendly. Our guide for all of our tours, Auriol, was extremely knowledgeable and adapted based on our interests. I would highly recommend this company without hesitation.

    PERU BY LOCALS

    INCA TRAIL BOOKING FOR 2025

    Inca trail is open, join us on this amazing adventure to Machu Picchu

    BOOK NOW

    Peru by Locals

    Book With Confidence

    Peru by Locals, offers the most flexible itineraries with zero fees up to 45 days prior your trip.

    Step 1 of 2

    Hotel Quality

    Hotels are hand-picked by our experts

    Budget★★
    Comfort★★★
    Superior★★★★
    Luxury★★★★★

    Number of Travelers

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6

    Trip Length - Days

    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Interested in Adding Hiking? If so, How Many Days?

    Our hiking options without camping last up to 2 days, while hikes of 3 days or more include camping

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    1/2

    THANK YOU!

    You're one step closer to the trip of a lifetime.

    Now that we've received your request, one of our expert Travel Advisors will contact you. Within 1 business day, you'll be able to start customizing your itinerary.

    If you have any questions, call us or message us on WhatsApp at: +51 989 585 967

    In the case that you don't receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folder.

    Trekers
    MENU