REVIEW · CUSCO
Humantay Lake Full-Day Adventure: Scenic Trek and Stunning Views
Book on Viator →Operated by Mega Expeditions · Bookable on Viator
A mountain day that begins before the city is fully awake is exactly what makes this Humantay Lake trip click. You get an early start from Cusco, a long scenic drive, and a high-altitude hike to one of the Andes’ best photo moments.
I especially like the way the day is built around altitude: you rise gradually from Soraypampa before tackling the uphill stretch to the lake. I also like the included support and comfort for altitude trekking, including a bilingual guide (Spanish–English), first-aid equipment, and oxygen.
One thing to keep in mind: this is a long day (about 11–12 hours), and the high-elevation hike is not always gentle for everyone—so you’ll want to pace yourself, and consider horse help if you’re worried.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- Why the 4:30am start is part of the deal
- Cusco to Soraypampa: the long drive and the altitude ramp-up
- The 90-minute uphill hike: how to pace yourself for Humantay
- Humantay Lake at 4,200 m: views, offerings, and a possible swim
- The return to Cusco: lunch, rest, and staying on schedule
- Price and value: what $39 covers, and what costs extra
- Logistics that matter: group size, guides, and avoiding pickup problems
- Who this tour suits best (and who should choose another plan)
- Should you book Humantay Lake with this operator?
- FAQ
- What time does pickup start in Cusco?
- How long is the Humantay Lake full-day adventure?
- Where do you drive to before the hike?
- How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
- What altitude is Humantay Lake?
- Can I rent a horse for the trek?
- Is the Humantay Lake entrance fee included?
- What meals are included, and do they have vegan options?
- Is there time to swim or make offerings at the lake?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key points to know before you go
- Early Cusco pickup between 4:30 and 5:00 am sets you up for the trek while conditions are still best.
- Soraypampa breakfast + lunch buffets include vegan options, so you are not trekking on an empty stomach.
- Two 1.5-hour hiking segments mean a manageable rhythm: up to the lake, then back down to rest.
- Humantay Lake is at 4,200 m with possible views of Salkantay and Humantay peaks on clear days.
- Optional horses help you adjust the pace on the way up.
Why the 4:30am start is part of the deal
This trip is designed for time. Pickup runs from about 4:30 to 5:00 am in Cusco, and the overall schedule lands you back around 5:00 pm. That means an early morning, but it also means you’re hiking before the day gets noisy and hazy.
The payoff is the drive. You head out for roughly four hours to Soraypampa, which sits at about 3,850 m. By the time you start hiking, you’re already in the high-mountain zone, not arriving late and scrambling.
Also, group size matters here. This experience caps at 15 people, so you typically move with less chaos than bigger buses and big crowds.
Practical tip: If you’re the type who hates rushed mornings, set yourself up the night before—water, snacks (if you like extra), and a warm layer ready to grab.
You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Cusco
Cusco to Soraypampa: the long drive and the altitude ramp-up
After pickup, you travel to Soraypampa and then start the day with breakfast. It’s a buffet-style meal with vegan options, which is great if you eat plant-based or if you just want to avoid anything heavy. Breakfast is what you need before you start climbing.
Soraypampa is your breathing point. It’s at about 3,850 m, and it acts like an altitude warm-up before the steeper part of the hike. Even if the hike is only about 1.5 hours uphill, the elevation can make the effort feel bigger than it would at sea level.
From there, you begin the trek toward Humantay Lake at 4,200 m. The trail climbs through mountain views, and on clear days you may be able to see the towering Salkantay and Humantay peaks.
Balance check: You’re gaining altitude quickly, so keep your pace slow and steady. If you go out too fast, you’ll feel it on the way back down too.
The 90-minute uphill hike: how to pace yourself for Humantay
The uphill portion is about 1.5 hours from Soraypampa to the lake area. Expect a steady climb rather than a casual walk. If you’re used to hikes, you’ll still feel the altitude.
The good news is that the route gives you constant mountain views along the way, so it’s not one long wall of effort with nothing to look at. On bright days, the peaks around you can look crisp and dramatic.
There’s also a built-in option if you want it easier. Horses are available to rent for the trek, so you can choose a pace that fits your body that morning. This matters because the difference between a tough climb and an enjoyable one can be just a few steps too fast.
Practical tip: Bring layers you can adjust. At this altitude, the morning can feel cold before you’re warm from climbing. A hat helps for wind; gloves can help too if you run cold.
Humantay Lake at 4,200 m: views, offerings, and a possible swim
Once you reach Humantay Lake, you get time to take in the place properly. You’ll have a chance for photos, and you can make an offering to the Apus (mountain spirits). That ritual is part of the local meaning of the mountain, and it’s worth doing respectfully even if you keep it simple.
The views are the main event. When the weather cooperates, you’ll see the big surrounding peaks and that famous glacial-lake look that photographers chase. If clouds roll in, it can still be striking—just less clear.
If you’re feeling brave, there’s a swim option. The lake water is described as crystal-clear, and swimming is possible when it’s sunny.
Reality check: Swimming is not mandatory, and it’s not the best idea if you’re already tired or chilled. Choose what keeps you safe and comfortable.
After the lake time, you start descending. The return hike back to Soraypampa takes around 1.5 hours, usually feeling easier because you’re going downhill and you’ve already done the hardest part.
The return to Cusco: lunch, rest, and staying on schedule
After the descent, you return to Soraypampa and sit down for lunch. Like breakfast, lunch is a buffet with vegan options. This meal is a strong part of the value because you’re back at altitude and you’re ready for real food after the hike.
Then it’s back into the vehicle for the ride to Cusco. The itinerary expects you to arrive around 5:00 pm, which is late enough to feel like a full-day excursion and early enough that you still have time to eat dinner and plan the rest of your trip.
This is also where you’ll appreciate that the tour includes first-aid equipment and oxygen. Even if you never need them, they reflect that this is an altitude trekking day—not just a casual nature walk.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco
Price and value: what $39 covers, and what costs extra
On paper, $39 per person looks like a bargain for a full-day, high-altitude trek with transportation and meals. The reason is that the tour includes a lot of the heavy lifting: hotel pickup in Cusco, round-trip transportation to the trekking area, and a bilingual guide (Spanish–English).
You also get meals that keep the day practical. Breakfast and lunch are both buffets with vegan options, which helps with energy and reduces the need to hunt for food in the mountains.
Where the extra cost comes in: Humantay Lake entrance is not included. You pay at the spot in local currency (soles) to local people, listed as $7.00 per person. The Soraypampa entrance is marked as free.
Value judgment: If you have to pay for a guide and transport separately, this $39 plus the $7 entrance often works out better than piecing things together—especially in a place like Cusco where logistics can eat your time.
Logistics that matter: group size, guides, and avoiding pickup problems
This trip runs with a maximum group size of 15, which generally helps the day feel more controlled. The guide is bilingual (Spanish–English), so you’re less likely to be left guessing at key moments like pace, timing, and where to meet.
Still, no tour is perfect. The big risk on any early-morning Cusco excursion is pickup and communication. In real life, wrong pickups or mix-ups can happen when meeting points get crowded and schedules are tight. I strongly recommend you:
- confirm the pickup details before the day starts
- be ready at your pickup spot early
- keep a working WhatsApp/email channel if the operator uses it
Also, this is a long day. Most people can participate, but you should be honest with yourself about fitness and altitude. If you know you struggle on climbs or hate steep sections, horse help is worth considering.
Who this tour suits best (and who should choose another plan)
This Humantay Lake full-day trip is a good fit if you want one classic high-altitude hike from Cusco with a clear structure and included meals. It’s also ideal if you like traveling with a guide who can explain the mountain and help you stay on track.
It may be less ideal if you want a gentle nature walk. The hike includes an uphill segment of about 1.5 hours at altitude, and the day is long overall. If you’re prone to altitude issues, you’ll want to go in with cautious expectations and use the oxygen and support that are provided.
Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is described as near public transportation, which can make the day easier if you’re staying close to transit routes.
Should you book Humantay Lake with this operator?
If your priority is a well-structured day—early pickup, guided trek, included breakfast and lunch, and support items like first aid and oxygen—this Humantay Lake adventure is a solid option. The price is low enough that you can afford the extra entrance fee and still feel like you got value.
I would book it if you:
- are comfortable with a full-day schedule
- want a guided experience with bilingual support
- like the idea of optional horse help
- can handle high-altitude hiking at about 4,200 m
I would pause before booking if you’re the type who needs ultra-reliable day-of communication, or if your travel plans are extremely tight and you can’t absorb a morning hiccup.
FAQ
What time does pickup start in Cusco?
Pickup is scheduled between 4:30 am and 5:00 am in Cusco.
How long is the Humantay Lake full-day adventure?
The duration is about 11 to 12 hours, roughly.
Where do you drive to before the hike?
You drive about four hours to Soraypampa, which is at 3,850 m.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake takes about 1.5 hours, and the descent back takes about 1.5 hours.
What altitude is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is at about 4,200 m.
Can I rent a horse for the trek?
Yes. Horses are available for rent to make the trek easier.
Is the Humantay Lake entrance fee included?
No. The Humantay Lake entrance fee is not included, and it’s paid on the spot in soles at about $7.00 per person.
What meals are included, and do they have vegan options?
Breakfast and lunch buffets are included, and both have vegan options.
Is there time to swim or make offerings at the lake?
At the lake you’ll have time for photos and for making an offering to the Apus. Swimming is possible when it’s sunny.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.
