Humantay Lake Hike – Discover the Beauty of the Andes

Humantay Lake’s turquoise water, set high among the Andes, is the prize at the end of a steep 4 km hike. This full-day trip from Cusco takes care of the long drive, meals and guide, so you can focus on the mountain scenery and the climb.

I like two things here: the lake is a striking payoff for a day outdoors, and breakfast, lunch and round-trip transfers are included. A guide also gives the walk more shape than simply following a trail on your own. The catch is real: the climb involves stairs and can be demanding, and the early start makes for a long day.

At a glance

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• The hike is about 4 km: Expect a steep mountain walk with stairs, not a gentle lakeside stroll.
• The day begins around 4:00 am: You are scheduled to return to Cusco between 5:30 and 6:30 pm.
• Meals and transport are included: Breakfast, lunch, a guide and round-trip transfers are part of the small-group option.
• The lake is the main event: The tour is built around the turquoise water and Andean views, with a guided visit.
• Budget extra for entry: The fee is paid on site in cash. The supplied information gives two amounts, 20 and 25 soles, both listed as about US$8.
• Plan for a physical outing: Participants must be at least 5, and the activity is not recommended for people who are pregnant, elderly, or have high blood pressure or other serious medical conditions.

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Why the lake is worth the climb

Humantay Lake is the destination, but the effort to reach it is a large part of the day. The route is described as a 4 km mountain hike, and the climb is steep enough that the supplied guidance warns about considerable walking and stairs. You should expect to work for the view rather than step out of a vehicle beside the water.

That effort matters when deciding if this is the right day trip for you. If you enjoy a physical outing and want to see a famous high-Andean lake, the climb can make the arrival feel earned. If you mainly want a relaxed scenic stop, this trip may ask more of you than you want to give.

The strongest praise for the outing centers on two things: the scenery and the guide. The lake is described as breathtaking, while the guide made the day better. No guide’s name is provided, so you cannot request a particular person, but the guide is included in the tour and speaks English or Spanish.

A horse option may be available for the climb. It may help if you are uncomfortable with the steep ascent, but the tour details do not say whether it is included, how much it costs, or how far it can take you. Ask the operator before departure rather than counting on it as a guaranteed substitute for walking.

The 4:00 am start from Cusco

The day begins early. Departure is listed for 4:00 am, and you are asked to arrive 15 minutes beforehand. The operator will confirm your pickup time in advance. This is useful because the meeting information names Del Medio 123 in Cusco and also refers to Cusco’s Main Square, so make sure you know the precise pickup location before you turn in for the night.

The early start gives you a full day for the drive and hike, but it is not a minor detail. You will likely want to have your hiking clothes ready and any cash set aside before bed. The tour lasts about 12 hours, with return to Cusco scheduled around 5:30 pm and an estimated return window extending to 6:30 pm.

The exact schedule can shift with traffic and weather. Keep your evening flexible rather than planning a tight dinner reservation or another timed activity right after you get back. The return estimate is helpful, but it is not a promise of a precise arrival time.

Round-trip transfers are included, which is a practical advantage for a destination reached on a full-day excursion from Cusco. You do not need to arrange separate transport to and from the lake. The vehicle has no allowance for standard-sized luggage, so bring only what you need for the day.

Breakfast, the drive, and the guided walk

Breakfast is included, an especially useful provision when you are leaving Cusco before dawn. Lunch is included too, so you do not have to plan two meals around a long day outdoors. The supplied details do not specify the menu, dietary options or meal stop locations. If you have particular food needs, ask the operator before booking.

The trip combines a scenic Andean drive with a guided visit to Humantay Lake. The available details do not give the drive time, road conditions or exact route, so I would not treat the journey as a quick transfer. The 12-hour duration covers a full day out, not just the time on foot.

At the lake, your guide leads the visit. That matters on a hike where the climb itself can take effort and where the scenery is part of the point. English- and Spanish-speaking guides are included, but the group size is not specified beyond the small-group package description. If group size affects your decision, confirm the maximum before you pay.

What the 4 km hike asks of you

The hike is described as 4 km, with a steep climb and stairs. The details do not clarify whether that distance is one way or the full walking distance, so ask the operator if the distinction matters to you. Either way, plan for a strenuous walk rather than relying on the distance alone to judge difficulty.

Comfortable walking clothes and hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Sunglasses are also recommended, and your clothing should suit the day’s weather. Conditions can change, so layers are sensible, though the tour information does not specify what temperatures or weather you should expect on your date.

The trip requires participants to be at least 5 years old, and children and infants must be included in the passenger headcount. There is no upper age limit, but the activity is not recommended for elderly people or anyone with high blood pressure or another serious medical condition. Pregnant women are also advised not to take part. These cautions are important: a steep walk at altitude is not the place to test your limits.

If you are unsure about your fitness, be honest with yourself before booking. You may be able to ask about a horse option, but you should not assume it is available or included. Confirm the arrangement and cost directly with the operator.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The advertised price starts at US$38.75, while the small-group package is also shown from US$29.29. Prices can vary by package or booking details, so check the amount and inclusions for your chosen date before paying. A private tour for two is listed from US$128.59, a different proposition for people who value a private arrangement and are prepared to pay more.

For the small-group tour, the value comes from bundling the guide, breakfast, lunch and round-trip transfers into one long day. This can make planning easier than arranging transport and meals separately. It is also worth comparing what is included, not just the starting price, if you are looking at other Humantay trips.

The lake entrance fee is not included and must be paid on site. The information gives conflicting figures, 20 soles and 25 soles, and estimates the cost at about US$8. Bring cash and confirm the current amount with the operator. That small extra is easy to overlook when comparing advertised prices.

Picking the right package

The small-group option is the lower-priced choice and includes the stated meals, guide and transfers. The details do not provide a group size, so ask if you want to know how many people may be in your vehicle or walking group. A smaller group can suit you if you prefer a more personal pace, but the label alone does not tell you the actual number.

The private tour for two starts at US$128.59. It may make sense if you specifically want a private outing, but the available information does not spell out how its schedule, meals or guide arrangements differ from the small-group trip. Compare the package inclusions carefully before choosing.

This trip suits you best if you are comfortable with an early departure, a full day away from Cusco and a steep hike. It is less suitable if you want a gentle sightseeing day, need to carry luggage, or have a condition listed among the tour’s cautions. The age minimum is 5, but that does not mean the hike will feel easy for every child or adult.

Booking and practical details

You receive a mobile voucher, and it is valid only on the date and time specified. Changes are generally allowed until 24 hours before the activity, subject to listed exceptions. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date in local time. Late arrivals of five minutes or more are not eligible for a refund, so be at the confirmed pickup point early.

The operator may cancel because of extreme weather or another unforeseen event. In that case, you can reschedule or request a full refund. The activity may also be cancelled if there are no participants. These rules are worth checking at booking, especially if your Cusco schedule is tight.

Should you book this Humantay Lake trip?

Book it if you want a guided, full-day outing to one of the area’s most photogenic lakes and are ready for a steep 4 km mountain hike. The included meals and transfers make the day easier to arrange, while the guide adds support on the walk. The standout reward is the turquoise lake and the Andean setting around it.

Think twice if the climb sounds unpleasant, you are managing a serious health condition, or you cannot spare most of a day. Confirm the pickup point, current entrance fee and any horse option before you go. If those details check out and you are prepared for the effort, the small-group tour offers a straightforward way to visit Humantay Lake from Cusco.

FAQ

How long is the Humantay Lake tour?

The tour is listed as 12 hours. Departure is scheduled for 4:00 am, with a return to Cusco between 5:30 and 6:30 pm. Traffic and weather can affect the schedule.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike is about 4 km and involves a steep climb and stairs. The tour information warns that it requires considerable walking, so it is not a casual stroll.

What is included in the small-group tour?

The small-group package includes an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch and round-trip transfers.

Is the lake entrance fee included?

No. You pay the entrance fee on site in cash. The supplied details list both 20 and 25 soles, about US$8, so confirm the current amount with the operator.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear comfortable clothes suited to the day’s weather and hiking shoes. Sunglasses are recommended, and you should bring cash for the entrance fee.

Is there an age limit?

Participants must be at least 5 years old, and infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount. No upper age limit is stated, but the activity is not recommended for elderly people or those with certain health conditions.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, in local time. Changes are generally allowed until 24 hours before the activity, with exceptions.