Humantay Lake is a vivid turquoise glacial lake at around 4,200 m, cupped beneath the ice of Humantay peak in the Salkantay massif — the same range whose ridge carries Choquequirao. It is reached from the hamlet of Soraypampa by a steep climb of about an hour and a half.
For Choquequirao trekkers it is the perfect acclimatisation day: higher than anything on the classic trek, it tests your lungs and legs a few days before you start, and returns you to Cusco in the evening.
Top things to do at Humantay Lake
Climb to the lake
The path from Soraypampa is short but steep. Go slowly, breathe and stop often; horses can be hired for the way up.
Walk the viewpoint above the shore
A path climbs a little above the lake for a better view of the water and the glacier behind it.
See Salkantay
On a clear day, the 6,271 m Salkantay peak is visible from the approach — the highest mountain in the Cusco region.
How to get to Humantay Lake
- From Cusco: about three hours by road to Soraypampa via Mollepata, then the climb on foot.
- On a tour: the easiest way — early pickup, breakfast, lunch and transport. See our recommended Humantay Lake tour.
- On the Salkantay trek: most Salkantay itineraries visit the lake on day one.
Insider tips
- Do it on your second or third day in Cusco, not on arrival.
- Bring warm layers, a hat and sunscreen — it is cold and the sun is strong.
- Carry some cash for the local community entrance fee.
Best treks & tours for Humantay Lake
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Humantay Lake:
Day hike from US$24 Cusco: Humantay Lake Tour with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
A superb acclimatisation day: drive to Soraypampa, climb roughly an hour and a half to Humantay Lake beneath the glaciers of the Salkantay range, and return to Cusco. Thousands of reviews and a very low price.
- Turquoise glacial lake at about 4,200 m
- Views of the Salkantay massif
- Breakfast and buffet lunch included
Multi-day trek from US$649 Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train
The most popular alternative route to Machu Picchu: from Soraypampa over the Salkantay pass and down through the jungle to Aguas Calientes, with a guided tour of Machu Picchu and a panoramic train back.
- Salkantay pass beneath a 6,271 m peak
- High lakes and cloud forest
- Guided Machu Picchu visit and panoramic train
