How the day runs
Pickup is between 3:30 and 4:30 AM. The road runs west out of Cusco through the Apurímac valley to Mollepata, where every tour here stops for breakfast; Inka Altitude gives 2 hours to Mollepata and one more hour to Soraypampa, the parking area at the foot of Salkantay and Humantay. From there you walk up to the lake: 3 km and about 2 hours with Inka Altitude, about 1.5 hours with Chullos Travel Peru, MachuPicchu Journey and Willka Travel. Inka Altitude calls the way up steep. The way down takes about an hour, lunch is back in Mollepata, and you reach Cusco between 5 and 6 PM.
Chullos Travel Peru and MachuPicchu Journey include a short offering to the mountain spirits at the lake, which you can join or watch. Inka Altitude suggests an optional climb above the shore for a view over the lake.
Altitude
The listings put the lake at 4,200 m (Inka Altitude, Viagens Machu Picchu, Willka Travel) or 4,250 m (Chullos, MachuPicchu Journey), and the start of the walk at 3,800 to 3,900 m. So the climb gains about 300 to 400 m, much less than at Rainbow Mountain, but you still end up well above Cusco. Every listing asks for acclimatization in Cusco first. Horses can be hired for part of the way up, at extra cost and subject to availability. See how to plan the first days at altitude.
Entry fee and payment
The fee for the lake is paid in cash, in soles. Only Willka Travel sells an option with the fee included; on the other tours you pay it yourself on the day. Inka Altitude points out that only local currency is accepted for entry fees and extras.
Who should not book these tours
The listings advise against the hike when pregnant, with heart or breathing problems or with limited mobility. Inka Altitude adds vertigo and a low level of fitness, Viagens Machu Picchu takes travelers from 12 years only, and MachuPicchu Journey up to age 65. Willka Travel writes a minimum age of 14 in its notes but accepts bookings from 11, so check with the operator through the booking page before you book for a child.
What to bring
Warm clothes for the first hours, which Inka Altitude says are very cold, a hat and gloves, rain gear, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Large bags and luggage stay in Cusco. Willka Travel does not pick up from vacation rentals; guests there walk to Plaza Regocijo for 4 AM.
Season and closures
The rainy season brings mud on the path and, in bad years, landslides. In March 2025 a landslide in the Balconpata sector on the access road from Mollepata led to a suspension of visits to the lake until further notice, as Andina reported. In August 2026 an avalanche from the Humantay glacier was filmed by visitors, and Cusco's regional risk management office asked for an early-warning system; the site stayed open. Peru's weather service SENAMHI says the rains can last until April. All tours here can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before. More on the seasons: best time to visit.
Humantay Lake is also the first stop on several Salkantay treks to Machu Picchu, if you would rather keep walking.
