Humantay Lake Day Trek

This marvelous day begins at 4:30am when the guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will drive 3 hours to the trailhead of Soraypampa located in the lush valley of the Apurimac River.

Hike along a path called the “Camino Real,” which slowly gains altitude. After reaching a tiny traditional village, we continue for another hour and a half, ascending 1,200ft/366mt in just 2 miles up a steep path. After conquering the last hill, we will gaze down on a turquoise lake below, which is surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier.

On the trek you are looking directly up to the Salkantay Mountain, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains, towering 20,600ft/6,279mt with a sheer and snowy face. The equally impressive Humantay Peak, rising 19,412ft/5,917mt, is also within view. Shamans and others who follow traditional Andean beliefs, give blessing when reaching the crystal-clear waters of Humantay Lake.

Once we reach the lakeshore, we relax, enjoy a snack, or give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). When you are ready to hike back down, we descend to Soraypampa and have a hot lunch while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the snowy peaks. Tired from such a beautiful day, we drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel at about 5pm.