Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour in Cusco
Cusco, Peru

Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour

Outty Ranking 57 4.5 · 4 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $122
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour worth booking?

Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour is a 9-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $122 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (4)
Duration
9 hours
From
$122 per person

Humantay Lake, a sacred site once revered by the Incas, continues to attract spiritual travelers and Andean priests who perform the traditional "Apacheta" ritual, placing stones to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and seek

What you get

  • Walking stick (optional)
  • First aid kit available during the hike
  • Breakfast, lunch, snack, and bottled water
  • Small group experience for personalized service
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in central Cusco
  • Bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish)

About this experience

Humantay Lake, a sacred site once revered by the Incas, continues to attract spiritual travelers and Andean priests who perform the traditional "Apacheta" ritual, placing stones to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and seek blessings for the journey. The hike begins at 3,800 meters above sea level, offering scenic views of highland farms, remote camping areas, and encounters with llamas, alpacas, and local livestock along the trail. Due to the high altitude, proper acclimatization in Cusco is highly recommended to avoid altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. For travelers who may find the hike physically demanding, alternative support options are available on the route. Similar to the popular Rainbow Mountain experience, the Humantay Lake day tour from Cusco is a highly sought-after adventure, perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking to connect with the spiritual and cultural roots of the Andes.

What's included

Included

  • Walking stick (optional)
  • First aid kit available during the hike
  • Breakfast, lunch, snack, and bottled water
  • Small group experience for personalized service
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in central Cusco
  • Bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish)
  • Private round-trip transportation from Cusco
  • Entrance fees to Humantay Lake and surrounding areas

Not included

  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips and Gratuities (optional)
  • Optional Horseback Ride: Available at Soraypampa for an extra cost, paid directly on-site.

What you'll see and do

  1. Cusco

    CUSCO TO MOLLEPATA: In the morning, between 06:00 and 07:00, we’ll collect you from your Cusco hotel. Once all travelers are on board, our comfortable tourist transport begins a scenic three hour drive to the Andean village of Mollepata, where we’ll stop for a traditional breakfast and allow time to purchase snacks or supplies.

    180 minutes here

  2. Mollepata

    MOLLEPATA TO SORAYAPAMPA: After breakfast, we continue with a one hour drive to Soraypampa, the official starting point of the Humantay Lake trek. The hike begins at an altitude of 3,871 meters and gradually climbs to 4,236 meters. This moderate trek takes approximately 1.5 hours, surrounded by spectacular mountain views.

    120 minutes here

  3. Humantay Lake

    AT HUMANTAY LAKE: We often arrive before the main crowds, giving you plenty of time to explore the turquoise lake, take stunning photographs, and enjoy the serenity of this sacred Andean site. For adventurous travelers, there is an option to climb to a nearby viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding peaks.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  4. RETURN FROM LAGUNA HUMANTAY TO SORAYAPAMPA: After enjoying your time at the lake, we begin the descent back to Soraypampa, which typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once at the parking area, our vehicle will be waiting to transport the group back to Mollepata.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  5. Cusco

    JOURNEY BACK FROM MOLLEPATA TO CUSCO: In Mollepata, we pause for a buffet style lunch before beginning the return drive to Cusco. Arrival is expected between 03:00 PM and 03:30 PM, with drop off at Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square

    240 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Hotel pickup

Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

Ends at

Returns to the starting point

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
de, pt, en, fr, es
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 9 travelers per booking
Operated by
Salkantay Travel Peru

Know before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Breathtaking views at the turquoise Humantay LakeBreathtaking views at the turquoise Humantay LakeSacred waters of Humantay – a hidden gem in the Peruvian Andes.Touching the sky at the foot of Humantay glacier.Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour in Cusco, photo 6The perfect spot to reconnect with nature.

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

3 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Photo opportunities

3 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Knowledge and storytelling

1 mention

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Value for money

1 mention

Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

Organization

1 mention

Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

Good for families

1 mention

Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

Traveler reviews

4 verified traveler reviews for Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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houenh2026 · July 2026

Family-friendly with care

Our teens struggled a bit with altitude, but the guide handled it perfectly. We took breaks often. The lake itself is a postcard view. Glad we booked ahead.

via Tripadvisor

elloittk · June 2026

Great support for tired hikers

We’re not super fit, but the support options on the route saved us. The scenery with llamas and alpacas was magical. The private tour made everything flexible and comfortable.

via Tripadvisor

abdicasiisnuurd · June 2026

Perfect spiritual experience

I joined the Apacheta ritual and felt deeply connected to the Andes. The guide explained Incan traditions beautifully. Acclimatization helped a lot. Highly recommended for solo travelers seeking meaning.

via Tripadvisor

brucesS3856OX · June 2026

Breathtaking views and great organization

The hike was challenging but absolutely worth it. Our guide was knowledgeable and patient. The lake’s turquoise color is surreal. We appreciated the early start to avoid crowds.

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
9 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
4+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Hotel pickup
Included for all travelers
Booked in 30 days
1
Verdict
Worth a Look

Who runs this experience

Operated by Salkantay Travel Peru, who run 3 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.3.

See everything Salkantay Travel Peru runs

Why this scores 57

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
Review evidence (18% weight)24
Booking momentum (14% weight)13
Value for money (12% weight)31
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)43
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

How much does Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour cost?

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Prices start at $122 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour take?

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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.

Is Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 9-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour?

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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Excursion to Humantay Lake Private Day Tour start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Cusco?

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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Cusco?

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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Cusco?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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