Humantay Lagoon, fed by the meltwater of the eponymous snow-capped mountain in the Andean mountain range, is a world-famous natural treasure known for its intense turquoise waters and breathtaking landscape. With Vilcabamba Tours, this full-day adventure is ideal for trekking and nature lovers, also offering a deep immersion into Inca mysticism, where the snow-capped peak is revered as the younger son of the sacred Apu Salkantay and guardian of the waters that bring life to the communities in the valley, all under a safe and professional service.
Short Itinerary
- 04:00 a.m. – 04:30 a.m. – Pickup: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco by the Vilcabamba Tours team and travel in tourist transportation toward the northeast.
- 07:00 a.m. – Breakfast: Arrival in Mollepata to enjoy an energy-boosting breakfast.
- 08:00 a.m. – Transfer: Transfer to Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), the starting point of the trek.
- 09:00 a.m. – Hike: Ascent hike of approximately 2 hours, appreciating the high Andean flora and landscapes.
- 11:00 a.m. – Arrival: Arrival at Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m a.s.l.) with free time to explore and take photos with our guide.
- 12:00 p.m. – Descent: Descent on foot toward Soraypampa and subsequent vehicle transfer back.
- 02:00 p.m. – Lunch: Andean buffet lunch in Mollepata.
- 06:00 p.m. – End of trip: Arrival in the city of Cusco and end of the experience with Vilcabamba Tours.
Detailed Itinerary
The journey begins early in the morning with the pickup at your hotel in Cusco to board Vilcabamba Tours’ comfortable tourist transport heading northeast of the region. The trip crosses the picturesque landscapes of the fertile Limatambo Valley before ascending to the town of Mollepata, where a technical stop is made to enjoy a complete breakfast that will serve to recharge energy. With breakfast concluded, the journey will continue by vehicle for an additional hour to Soraypampa, a mountain camp located 3,900 meters above sea level which serves as the official starting point of the hike.
At 9:00 a.m., the ascent trek begins, which takes approximately two hours of constant walking. During this journey, you will closely observe the transition of the high Andean flora and the impressive views of the majestic snow-capped Humantay. Around 11:00 a.m., the summit is reached at 4,200 meters of altitude, revealing the imposing turquoise lagoon. At this sacred point for Andean culture, and with the assistance of our professional guide, you will have one hour of free time to walk around, capture memorable photographs, and, if you wish, leave an offering of stones or apacheta to the Pachamama.
The path of return on foot toward Soraypampa begins at noon, where our transport will be ready to transfer the group back to Mollepata. At 2:00 p.m., an Andean buffet lunch prepared with local ingredients from the area will be served to replenish energy from the hike. Finally, the trip concludes with the return transfer to the city of Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m. with unforgettable memories of this natural sanctuary organized by Vilcabamba Tours.
Included
- Direct pickup from your hotel in Cusco by Vilcabamba Tours staff.
- Tourist transportation throughout the round trip.
- 1 energy-boosting breakfast in the town of Mollepata.
- 1 Andean buffet lunch with ingredients from the region.
- General entrance ticket to Humantay Lagoon.
- Professional bilingual guide service (English – Spanish).
- First-aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen tank for your complete peace of mind.
Not Included
- Optional ascent horse rental (approximately S/ 90.00, subject to variations from the local provider in the area).
- Dinner and personal expenses not detailed in the itinerary.
