Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake
5
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
About
Located over 2.5 miles above sea level in the Andes mountains, Humantay Lake is one of Peru’s most unique natural wonders. With turquoise water you’d expect from the Caribbean and beautiful rugged terrain, it’s a favorite amongst photographers and outdoors enthusiasts. Don’t forget to keep an eye out while hiking to the top as you might see condors flying above. You can hop on a day-long private tour from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to reach the lake, or opt to complete the Salkantay Trek, which will take you from Humantay all the way to Machu Picchu. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Humantay Lake
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  • kathinpa
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania166 contributions
    a tough climb, but worth it
    We took a day trip to Humantay Lake from Cusco (a 12 hour trip) with Cusco Local Friend, who we highly recommend. Rather than one of the large bus tours, this was a private trip for our family of three in a comfortable minivan and included breakfast (before) and lunch (after) at the small restaurant at the start of the trail. The hike is strenuous and gets steeper the closer you get to the top. I'd say the last 1/2 mile is kind of brutal, but you can either take it slow or pay a local for a ride on a horse almost to the top. It took us 2 hours to climb, at our slow pace. The lake is breathtaking, a lake of beautiful blues & greens at the base of the glacier. Many visitors lounge on the boulders and pose for photos, but I wouldn't call it too crowded. If you love a good view and a lovely (if strenuous) hike, this is worth your time.
    Visited September 2019
    Written January 3, 2020
  • Hugh M
    64 contributions
    Good short hike with amazing views at the top
    We did this as part of the Saltantak trek. The walk up to the lake was steep but very doable, and there are locals with donkeys for rent if people find it too hard. Once you're there the colours of the lake are amazing and these also change depending on the weather. The mountain and glacier in background are truly impressive and unique. While I would recommend going it might be a long way to drive from Cusco just for a day trip, but definitely worth it as part of a longer visit/trek to the area.
    Visited March 2020
    Written March 20, 2020
  • Pigtails_Travels
    Provo, Utah78 contributions
    1 Night / 2 Day Stay at Humantay Lake
    One of the places we read about to visit was Humantay lake and when we saw the pictures of it, we knew we had to go there. However, we were taking our 4 kids ages 14, 12, 9, & 6 and were worried about having to wakeup at 4 am and traveling in the car 7 hours in one day and so we preferred an overnight stay in Humantay area to split it up a little. Cusco Adventure Transtours was able to set everything up for us for a very reasonable price including a homestay with a local family, food, transportation, and tickets. We loved the more relaxed tour and getting to also spend some time at the Salkantay glacier. We had the hike and lake to ourselves not having to wake up early and drive 3.5 hours! Such an amazing place and experience!
    Visited July 2021
    Written July 19, 2021
  • Rob from Peoria
    Arizona35 contributions
    The views are amazing but
    If you go, find a time where 300 to 400 of your closest friends are not going at the same time. In other words, all the tours arrive at the same time and everyone (300 to 400) hike and view the lake at the same time. This makes for a less than desirable outing and takes away from the natural beauty of the environment. Either go earlier or later and avoid the crowd. The park / government need to better regulate this natural resource to improve the experience - I would not recommend going with the standard tour.
    Visited August 2022
    Written August 26, 2022
  • JonathanN
    42 contributions
    Magnificent lake but not worth driving 3 hours for
    Did this at our last day in Peru and started in Cusco. Left at 4.30am, had to drive for about 2-3 hours before having breakfast, then went about an hour further and started hiking. Easy hike of 45-60 minutes, we arrived before all of the other tourists so we got up a bit higher on the left bank which gave us a superbe spot. Magnificent views, even saw a few condors. While sitting there we saw many (and I mean, MANY) tourists arrive. It is crazy overcrowded. I think if you stay nearby and have to drive for 30-60 minutes, it might be worth it. If you take the Salkantay hike, it is worth seeing. But a whole day trip to see this lake and being in the tourist bus for about 7 hours (which is the standard tourist trip) is just not worth it.
    Visited September 2022
    Written October 14, 2022
  • Vik K
    Ljubljana, Slovenia114 contributions
    Luck with the weather
    We started hiking at around 8 am. The drive from Cusco was 3+ hours and the last hour (maybe an hour and a half) is on a pretty lousy roads... We started hiking at around 8am and the skies were blocked with clouds ... was not happy about it. However soon the clouds disperssed and we had a wonderful clear skies when reaching the top. The hike, eventhough shorter than Rainbow Mountain, was rather steep and I would say it is a medium difficulty. If fit and no altitude sickness, you could do it in a good hour, otherwise 1,5 hour is realistic. When reaching the top, suggest you make a bit more effort and hike those few meters also to the ridge, where the color of the lake is even more beautiful and can make some wonderful photos. We spent about an hour at the lake, then clouds started again to arrive, and guess this is kind of a similar pattern most of the days in this time of the year (June). If you're not going to Huaraz area, then definitely suggest to visit
    Visited June 2021
    Written June 27, 2021
  • hbkm
    Leverkusen, Germany329 contributions
    Great hike in the nature
    Okay, February is not the high season for the Peruvian mountains for a good reason: Lot of rain and fog. The hike up to the lake is a little steep, so be prepared to breath hard when you reach it. Or just take slow steps. The lake itself is nice to see, however, I assume that its true beauty is only revealed when you also see the entire mountain behind the lake. As only parts of the mountain stuck out eventually, more than anything, I enjoyed the hike and the views into the valley. Beautiful place!
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written February 16, 2020
  • may triane
    Cambria, California3 contributions
    Great tour with MVP
    We had a great one day trek to Humantay lake with great views. Would highly recommend Machu Picchu Viajes Peru to anyone looking for a one day hike while in the cusco. The hike up took us a little over one hour. We ride the horses and made the hike easer. We recommend to bring poles. Also, dress in rain coat and bring sunscreen.
    Visited January 2020
    Written January 17, 2020
  • Binoya
    Nagpur, India2 contributions
    Absolutely beautiful
    Absolutely beautiful. The snow-capped mountain in the background is monstrous and one of the most magnificent sights I've ever laid eyes on. The hike to the top was very difficult but doable. How fast you go will impact how much time you have at the lake itself, so I definitely recommend doing some training before this hike. I would also recommend spending a week in Cusco to get use to a higher elevation if you come from a lower elevation. The road leading to the beginning of the hike is terrible, so prepare for a bumpy ride of about an hour before/after!
    Visited November 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 10, 2023
  • Tall-Traveler6ft7
    Saint Louis, Missouri188 contributions
    Tough Hike, Worth the View!
    Expect to take 90 mins or so as you need to rest every 30 steps at this high altitude. Expect to see some friendly cows along the path that generally follows a beautiful stream to the lake. Once at the lake, make sure you go up a hill even a little more as the water becomes even more turquoise if you view it from above.
    Visited May 2021
    Written May 31, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Rob from Peoria
Arizona35 contributions
Aug 2022
If you go, find a time where 300 to 400 of your closest friends are not going at the same time. In other words, all the tours arrive at the same time and everyone (300 to 400) hike and view the lake at the same time. This makes for a less than desirable outing and takes away from the natural beauty of the environment. Either go earlier or later and avoid the crowd. The park / government need to better regulate this natural resource to improve the experience - I would not recommend going with the standard tour.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JonathanN
42 contributions
Sep 2022
Did this at our last day in Peru and started in Cusco. Left at 4.30am, had to drive for about 2-3 hours before having breakfast, then went about an hour further and started hiking. Easy hike of 45-60 minutes, we arrived before all of the other tourists so we got up a bit higher on the left bank which gave us a superbe spot. Magnificent views, even saw a few condors. While sitting there we saw many (and I mean, MANY) tourists arrive. It is crazy overcrowded. I think if you stay nearby and have to drive for 30-60 minutes, it might be worth it. If you take the Salkantay hike, it is worth seeing. But a whole day trip to see this lake and being in the tourist bus for about 7 hours (which is the standard tourist trip) is just not worth it.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vik K
Ljubljana, Slovenia114 contributions
Jun 2021
We started hiking at around 8 am. The drive from Cusco was 3+ hours and the last hour (maybe an hour and a half) is on a pretty lousy roads... We started hiking at around 8am and the skies were blocked with clouds ... was not happy about it. However soon the clouds disperssed and we had a wonderful clear skies when reaching the top. The hike, eventhough shorter than Rainbow Mountain, was rather steep and I would say it is a medium difficulty. If fit and no altitude sickness, you could do it in a good hour, otherwise 1,5 hour is realistic. When reaching the top, suggest you make a bit more effort and hike those few meters also to the ridge, where the color of the lake is even more beautiful and can make some wonderful photos.

We spent about an hour at the lake, then clouds started again to arrive, and guess this is kind of a similar pattern most of the days in this time of the year (June). If you're not going to Huaraz area, then definitely suggest to visit
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hbkm
Leverkusen, Germany329 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Okay, February is not the high season for the Peruvian mountains for a good reason: Lot of rain and fog. The hike up to the lake is a little steep, so be prepared to breath hard when you reach it. Or just take slow steps. The lake itself is nice to see, however, I assume that its true beauty is only revealed when you also see the entire mountain behind the lake. As only parts of the mountain stuck out eventually, more than anything, I enjoyed the hike and the views into the valley. Beautiful place!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

may triane
Cambria, CA3 contributions
Jan 2020
We had a great one day trek to Humantay lake with great views. Would highly recommend Machu Picchu Viajes Peru to anyone looking for a one day hike while in the cusco.
The hike up took us a little over one hour. We ride the horses and made the hike easer. We recommend to bring poles. Also, dress in rain coat and bring sunscreen.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Binoya
Nagpur, India2 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful. The snow-capped mountain in the background is monstrous and one of the most magnificent sights I've ever laid eyes on. The hike to the top was very difficult but doable. How fast you go will impact how much time you have at the lake itself, so I definitely recommend doing some training before this hike. I would also recommend spending a week in Cusco to get use to a higher elevation if you come from a lower elevation. The road leading to the beginning of the hike is terrible, so prepare for a bumpy ride of about an hour before/after!
Written February 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tall-Traveler6ft7
Saint Louis, MO188 contributions
May 2021
Expect to take 90 mins or so as you need to rest every 30 steps at this high altitude. Expect to see some friendly cows along the path that generally follows a beautiful stream to the lake. Once at the lake, make sure you go up a hill even a little more as the water becomes even more turquoise if you view it from above.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Trent
Dayton, OH8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
This tour was amazing! The views were breathtaking. I highly recommend getting a horse because the hike is somewhat long and uphill. The altitude makes it difficult. The horse only costs s/80 (about $20). A must see.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jazmin
Summerville, SC6 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
The view was awesome this early in the morning! There was literally no one around. We rented horses (80 soles) for the climbing part, I would 100% recommend this. We would have NOT made it without them. It is a LOOOONG and rocky path. Our guide Carlos was super friendly and sweet! Would definitely recommend him!
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BXAndrade
Sao Paulo, SP251 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
All the way to get on top of the hill is difficult. The climb has mug and stones all over the way, but it’s worthy, it’s one of more beautiful places that I’ve ever been. Trekking shoes and comfortable clothes are good ideia to wear. Maybe you can feel breathless and tired because altitude sickness.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Humantay Lake - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake is open:
  • Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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