Humantay Lake Tour: Full Day Experience at the Foot of the Salkantay Glacier

AVAILABILITY & HOW TO BOOK & GROUP SIZE

Each step brings you closer to the reflection of the Apus.

Humantay Lake is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the Andean region of Cusco. Available year-round, this full-day adventure connects you to the raw beauty and spiritual energy of Peru’s sacred glaciers. Get ready for a challenging, transformative hike.

Availability:

• Humantay Lake is open to visitors all year, with no entry restrictions, allowing for flexible tour scheduling.
• We offer daily guaranteed departures, including Sundays and holidays.
• The tour starts early in the morning, with pickups beginning at 4:00 AM, and is available in both shared or private formats, depending on your travel preferences and group style.

What You Should Know:

• Full-day adventure tour with high-altitude hiking (approx. 3 to 4 hours on foot)
  
• Physical demand: Moderate to challenging (maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
  
• Best suited for travelers in good physical condition and open mindset
  
• Not recommended for individuals with heart or respiratory conditions
  
• Support horses available at the starting point (optional, paid directly to the local community)
  

When to Book?

• We recommend booking 2 to 3 months in advance to ensure optimal planning for guides and transportation.
• However, last-minute bookings (48 to 72 hours in advance) are also possible, subject to availability.
• During peak season (June – August), we suggest booking further ahead to secure your spot in the desired group.
• For urgent requests, WhatsApp inquiries are answered promptly.

How to Check Availability:

Contact us via our website, email, or WhatsApp. We’ll confirm availability, departure time, and group space within 24 hours.

HOW TO BOOK & MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT

Simple, Fast & Secure — Booking with Wayki Trek is Easy.

Step-by-Step Booking Process:

Step 1 – Required Information:

To secure your permits, we need:

• Full name (please send a clear passport photo)
  
• Passport number and expiration date
  
• Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
  
• Gender and nationality
  
• Occupation (If you’re a student, send a valid ID at the time of booking)
  

Step 2 – Deposit Booking

To confirm your permits:

• Pay a 50% deposit or the full amount in advance
  
• The remaining balance can be paid up to 15 days before the trek or in cash at our office in Cusco during the briefing.

Booking & Payment Options:

Via Our Website

1. Visit: www.waykitrek.net and select the Humantay Lake.
2. Click on “Book Now” and choose: Tour date, group type (group, couple, family, friends), language, customer type (adult, student, child), and number of people.
   
3. Accept the terms and conditions and create a user account to manage your booking.
   
4. Enter your personal details and make the required deposit.
   
5. Our sales team will contact you to confirm your reservation.
   

Via PayPal

1. Click on “Pay Online” on our website.
   
2. Log in to your PayPal account.
   
3. Send the deposit to: leocusi@waykitrek.net
   
4. Select the reason for payment and click “Continue”.
   
5. Email us the transaction receipt to confirm your booking.
   

Step 3: Personalized Confirmation

Once we receive your form and deposit, our team will send you a personalized email confirming your official booking. You’re in!

Deposit Terms & Conditions:

1. A deposit is mandatory to secure your place.
   
2. Pay 50% upfront or the full amount. (Transfer fees not included)
3. If paying via PayPal, send proof of payment or MTCN code by email. Without it, we cannot confirm your booking.
4. You may choose to pay 100% in advance to avoid handling cash upon arrival in Cusco.
   

Check our Terms and Conditions here.

GROUP SIZE

You can choose from three types of shared experiences, all with professional guidance and safe, organized logistics:

1. Small Group (4 to 10 people):
   More flexibility during the hike and highly personalized attention.
2. Medium Group (10 to 16 people):
   Perfect for maintaining a steady pace with a social, yet comfortable group size.
3. Large Group (15 to 30 people):
   A more budget-friendly option while still enjoying quality service and professional guiding.

HUMANTAY LAKE FULL DAY – ITINERARY

A Hike to the Sacred Heart of the Andes

In just one day, you’ll experience a memorable ascent through snowy peaks, Quechua villages, and glacial lakes. Humantay Lake is not just a natural wonder, it’s a sacred place of connection and reflection, waiting at 4,200 meters above sea level.

Detailed Itinerary

Departure Time: 04:00 AM

Total Duration: Approx. 12 hours

Meeting Point: Pick-up from hotels in Cusco’s historic center

04:00 – 04:30 AM | Hotel Pick-Up or Meeting Point
We’ll start the day with pick-up from your central accommodation or designated meeting point. The drive to the Mollepata area takes around 3 hours.

Breakfast in Mollepata
Enjoy a nutritious Andean breakfast at a local restaurant — featuring warm drinks, fruit, bread, and traditional dishes to fuel your hike.

Arrival at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
This open valley is the starting point of the trek, surrounded by towering peaks: Salkantay and Humantay. As the air grows purer, anticipation builds.

Start of the Hike
The hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours on a steady incline. Due to the elevation and gradient, this portion ranges from moderate to challenging. The group sets the pace, with guided stops and ongoing support.

Arrival at Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
At the summit, you’re greeted by an awe-inspiring view: brilliant turquoise waters nestled beneath snowy peaks, in deep silence. Enjoy free time for photos, rest, or quiet reflection in this sacred space of the Incas.

Descent to Soraypampa
The return hike is easier, offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding glaciers. You’ll be accompanied by your guide back to the trailhead.

Buffet Lunch in Mollepata
Refuel with a varied buffet lunch: warm dishes, soups, salads, and vegetarian options.

Return to Cusco (Approx. 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
We return to the city via tourist transport, arriving between 5:00 and 5:30 PM at your hotel or a central location — completing a day filled with magic and achievement.

Every step toward Humantay is a step back to your true self.

INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED

Everything You Need to Reach Higher — Without the Hassle.

At Wayki Trek, we ensure your journey is safe, organized, and deeply enriching. Every detail is taken care of so you can focus on walking, admiring, and feeling the mountain.

INCLUDED SERVICES

1. Authorized Tourist Transportation (Round Trip):
   Modern and comfortable vehicles from Cusco to Soraypampa.
   
2. Hotel Pick-Up:
   From hotels in Cusco’s historic center (meeting point coordination if outside).
   
3. Professional Bilingual Guide (Spanish–English):
   Specialized in high-altitude trekking, Andean culture, and first aid.
   
4. Breakfast in Mollepata:
   Balanced and adapted to the physical activity ahead.
   
5. Buffet Lunch in Mollepata:
   Traditional dishes and vegetarian options.
   
6. Entrance Ticket to Humantay Lake:
   Included in the tour package.
   
7. First Aid Kit & Oxygen:
   Available in the transport vehicle and throughout the hike.
   
8. Personalized Assistance:
   Ongoing support via WhatsApp and email before, during, and after your tour.
   
9. Trekking Poles (optional, upon request):
   Provided free of charge when requested in advance.
   

NOT INCLUDED

1. 1. Horse rental during the hike:
      Optional, extra cost (paid directly to local communities).
      
   2. Mountain gear:
      Windbreakers, gloves, hats, rain ponchos, etc. not included.
   3. Tips: Voluntary for your guide and driver.
   4. Personal expenses: Souvenirs, local restroom fees, etc.
   5. Travel insurance: Not included. We recommend a policy that covers high-altitude activities.
      

With Wayki Trek, you’re equipped, supported, and in good hands — every step of the way.

WHAT TO BRING

Prepare Well, Breathe Deeply, and Let the Mountain Move You.

The Humantay Lake hike demands physical, mental, and logistical preparation. Following these recommendations will help you fully enjoy the journey and arrive at this sacred site with the energy and spirit it deserves.

General Tips:

1. Acclimate in Cusco for at least 2 days before the tour to avoid altitude sickness
   
2. Get good rest the night before; avoid alcohol or heavy meals
   
3. Eat a light breakfast before departure or at the designated stop
   
4. Walk at your own pace — this is not a race. Pause, breathe, hydrate
   
5. Respect the natural environment. Stay on the trail, and don’t leave trash
   
6. Listen to your guide — they’re here to support, orient, and care for you
   

What to Pack in Your Daypack:

1. Original ID or passport (or a copy)
   
2. Reusable water bottle (at least 1 liter)
   
3. Sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, and a sun hat
   
4. Warm hat and gloves (especially useful between May and August)
   
5. Layered clothing: thermal shirt, fleece/windbreaker, waterproof jacket
   
6. Comfortable trekking or athletic pants
   
7. Trekking shoes or sports shoes with good grip
   
8. Rain poncho or waterproof shell (especially from November to March)
   
9. Personal snacks: energy bars, trail mix, chocolate
   
10. Cash in Peruvian Soles: for personal expenses or horse rental
    
11. Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and face mask (optional)
    
12. Trekking poles (optional, available free when requested in advance)
    
13. Camera or phone with full battery
    

Being well-prepared makes the difference between simply arriving… and truly enjoying the arrival.