Hike to one of Peru’s most beautiful turquoise lakes, hidden at 4,200m at the foot of the sacred Salkantay glacier. A spiritual and visual experience that most travelers call the highlight of their trip to Cusco.
Humantay Lake (Laguna Humantay) is a sacred glacial lake of electric turquoise blue, cradled at 4,200 meters above sea level at the base of Mount Humantay a 5,917m snow-covered peak that is part of the mighty Salkantay mountain system, considered sacred by the Andean people for millennia.
The color of the lake is caused by glacial minerals suspended in the water, combined with the reflection of the surrounding snow peaks and Andean sky a shade of blue so vivid it seems unreal in photographs and even more extraordinary in person. Our guides share a deep knowledge of the sacred Salkantay mountain (an Apu, or mountain spirit), giving your visit a cultural and spiritual dimension that goes beyond ordinary trekking.
The hike itself is a 6.4km round-trip from the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,850m), ascending 350m to the lakeshore. It takes most people 1.5–2 hours to reach the lake. Challenging due to altitude, but deeply rewarding.
⭐ Upgrade: Book This Tour Privately with Wayra
Want the founder’s personal experience? Adrián ‘Wayra’ Yabar Luna 35 years of guiding, trilingual (Spanish/English/Quechua), featured in El Comercio is available for private tours exclusively. Private groups get Wayra himself as your guide: deeper stories, flexible pace, personal Andean spiritual insights, and a truly one of a kind experience. Contact us on WhatsApp to get your private tour quote.
Highlights
- Humantay Lake — electric turquoise glacial lake at 4,200m
- Certified bilingual guide with deep knowledge of the Salkantay Apu
- Buffet breakfast at Mollepata village included
- Andean lunch on the return included
- First aid kit and emergency support on trail
