The Turquoise Jewel of the Salkantay Trail
Fed by the melting snows of the Vilcabamba mountain range, Humantay Lake (Laguna Humantay) is one of the most striking natural wonders in all of South America. Its mineral-rich glacial flour gives the water an almost surreal, luminous turquoise hue when the morning sun hits the basin.
Your day starts with a scenic drive northwest from Cusco across the fertile valleys of Limatambo and the highland town of Mollepata before climbing above the clouds to the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,460 ft). Here you stand directly beneath two sacred Inca mountain spirits (Apus): the towering ice peak of Mount Salkantay (6,271 m) and Mount Humantay (5,473 m).
Accompanied by an experienced English-speaking mountain guide carrying first-aid and emergency oxygen, you will hike a rewarding 2-hour trail up into the glacial cirque—with nourishing Andean breakfast, a freshly prepared post-hike lunch, and your official Mollepata entrance ticket all taken care of.
- Marvel at the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake
- Hike a scenic stretch of the Salkantay Trail
- Close-up views of Humantay & Salkantay Glaciers
- Official Mollepata entrance ticket included
- Hearty mountain breakfast & lunch included
- Certified mountain guide with oxygen on hand
Complete Hour-by-Hour Trek Itinerary
From Cusco to the Glacial Basin of Soraypampa
Trailhead: 3,800 m (12,460 ft) • Lagoon Summit: 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
1. Morning Drive Through Mollepata & Breakfast at Soraypampa
Your adventure begins early with a 5:00 AM pick-up right from your hotel in Cusco. Settle into our comfortable tourist transport as we leave the city behind and travel northwest across the lush Anta plains and down toward the dramatic canyon of the Apurímac River.
Ascending through the mountain district of Mollepata, we continue up the valley to arrive at the high-altitude camp and trailhead of Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,460 ft). Framed by the snow-covered peaks of Salkantay and Humantay, we pause here to enjoy a hot, energizing breakfast and hot coca tea before hitting the trail.
2. Ascending the Salkantay & Humantay Trail
With energy high, we set off on our 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) uphill hike toward the glacial basin. Taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, the well-marked mountain path climbs steadily gainng 400 meters (1,320 ft) of elevation—and if you prefer an easier ride, local horsemen at Soraypampa offer optional horses for hire right at the trailhead.
Along the way, your mountain guide sets a steady, breathable pace with well-timed rest stops, pointing out high-Andean flora, wildvizcachas (mountain chinchillas), and the shifting ice walls of Mount Salkantay towering across the valley.
3. At the Edge of the Turquoise Treasure: Laguna Humantay
Cresting the final rocky ridge at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), the basin opens up to reveal the dazzling emerald-and-turquoise waters of Humantay Blue Lagoon, resting directly beneath the vertical ice face of the Humantay Glacier.
You will have plenty of unhurried time at the lake to catch your breath, learn about the traditional Inca apacheta stone offerings made to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the mountain gods, walk along the shoreline, and capture unforgettable photographs under the clear Andean sky.
4. Scenic Descent, Andean Lunch & Return to Cusco
After soaking in the alpine views, we begin our 1-hour descent back down to the Soraypampa trailhead—a much faster and easier walk on the lungs with panoramic views of the valley stretching out before you.
Waiting for us back at camp is a freshly prepared, hearty Andean lunch to replenish your strength. Afterward, you can relax and nap aboard our comfortable transport during the 3-hour return drive, arriving back in Cusco around 5:30 PM.
Tour Pricing
Choose between our social small-group trek or a 100% private VIP experience with flexible departure timing. Both options include meals, tickets, and expert guiding.
- Shared Tourist Transport from Cusco
- Professional English-Speaking Mountain Guide
- Humantay Entrance Ticket Included
- Nourishing Breakfast & Lunch Included
- First Aid Kit & Emergency Oxygen
- 100% Private Transport Door-to-Door
- Dedicated Private Mountain Guide
- Humantay Entrance Ticket Included
- Nourishing Breakfast & Lunch Included
- Hike Entirely at Your Own Pace
What's Included
- Early morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Round-trip tourist transportation (Shared small group or 100% Private based on your selection).
- Licensed English-Speaking Mountain Guide experienced in high-altitude trekking.
- Official Entrance Ticket to Humantay Lake / Mollepata district.
- Nourishing mountain Breakfast and freshly prepared Lunch.
- First-Aid Kit and Emergency Oxygen Bottle carried by your guide.
Not Included
- Optional horse rental at Soraypampa (can be hired directly from local horsemen at the start of the trail for ~80–90 PEN).
- Trekking poles (available for rent upon request).
- Voluntary gratuities / tips for your mountain guide and driver.
