How to Book Your Humantay Lake Full Day Tour From Cusco
Booking Online
Reserving your Humantay Lake Full Day Tour From Cusco through our website is fast, straightforward, and secure.
- Hit the BOOK NOW button to get started.
- Choose the date that works for you — departures run daily, year-round.
- Fill in your details: full name, nationality, where you’re staying in Cusco, and a WhatsApp contact number.
- Finalize payment with a debit or credit card through our secure system. Note that a 3.99% processing fee applies to card transactions.
- Once payment goes through, you’ll instantly get a confirmation email containing your receipt and booking details. A follow-up email will arrive separately with your precise pick-up time and helpful pre-tour guidance.
- Reservations made online are accepted up until 9:00 PM the night before departure, pending availability.
Booking In Person at Our Cusco Office
Prefer to book face-to-face? Visit our office, where our staff will walk you through the full itinerary, what’s included, entrance costs, suggested gear, and any other details before locking in your spot. Find us at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco.
Accepted Payment Options
- Cash — Peruvian soles, US dollars, or euros
- Debit/credit card (3.99% processing fee applies)
Details Needed to Confirm Your Booking
Have the following ready when you book:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Name of your hotel or accommodation in Cusco
- WhatsApp number (with country code) or a local Peruvian number
Your accommodation details and contact info are essential — they’re what allow us to arrange your precise pick-up time.
Changes, Cancellations & Refund Policy
Rescheduling or Switching Tours
Need to adjust your plans? You can reschedule your Humantay Lake Day Tour from Cusco or swap it for another full-day tour — Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo, the Sacred Valley, or Seven Lagoons — free of charge, as long as you request the change before 7:00 PM the day prior to departure.
Reach out to make changes via:
📧 Email: machupicchureservations.com
💬 WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700
All modifications depend on availability at the time of request.
Cancellation Terms
- Full refund (100%): Cancel at least 24 hours before the tour begins
- Partial refund (50%): Cancel within 24 hours of departure, but before 7:00 PM the prior evening
- No refund: Cancellations made after 7:00 PM the night before, or failure to show up
Note that card processing fees may not be refundable, even when the tour cost itself is.
If Machu Picchu Team Cancels
Should conditions beyond our control — extreme weather, blocked roads, civil unrest, safety hazards, and similar issues — force us to cancel, you’ll be given the choice to reschedule, transfer to a different available tour, or receive a refund for any portion of the service not delivered.
Acclimatize Before Your Hike
Since Humantay Lake sits at roughly 4,220 meters above sea level, it’s best to spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco beforehand to adjust to the altitude. Take it easy during your first days in the city, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol the night before your tour.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Pick-up happens very early (between 4:15 and 4:45 AM), so plan to sleep early the night before. Being well-rested makes the long day and high-altitude hike much more manageable.
Eat Light Before Departure
A light breakfast will be provided in Mollepata, but if you tend to get hungry early, consider having a small snack before pick-up. Avoid heavy meals right before starting the hike.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Altitude can dehydrate you faster than you’d expect. Sip water regularly throughout the hike rather than waiting until you’re thirsty, and consider bringing coca leaves or coca candy, which are commonly used locally to help with altitude symptoms.
Pace Yourself on the Trail
There’s no need to rush. Walking slowly and steadily, especially during the uphill sections, will help you conserve energy and reduce the effects of the altitude. Take breaks whenever needed.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Even on cloudy days, UV exposure is intense at high altitude. Apply sunscreen generously, wear sunglasses, and use a hat to avoid sunburn.
Bring Small Cash in Soles
Since the entrance fee, horse rental, and any extra snacks or purchases along the way require cash in Peruvian soles, it’s wise to carry small bills and coins for convenience.
Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is recommended, especially for travelers with any pre-existing health conditions. Consult your doctor beforehand if you have concerns about the altitude.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Reducing plastic waste helps preserve the natural beauty of Humantay Lake and the surrounding environment. A refillable bottle is both practical and eco-friendly.
Respect the Environment
Humantay Lake is considered a sacred site by local communities. Avoid littering, stay on marked trails, and be mindful of the cultural and spiritual significance of the area during your visit.
Can I use dollars or a card to pay the Humantay Lake entrance fee?
No – this fee has to be settled in cash, in Peruvian soles, right at the local entry point. Foreign currency, credit or debit cards, and any digital payment methods aren’t accepted there. Bringing exact change is a good idea to speed up the entry process.
Is horseback riding an option during the hike?
Yes, horses can be hired right at the Soraypampa trailhead, typically running between 90 and 100 soles depending on demand and local pricing. The fee usually covers both the horse and a local handler who accompanies it along the route. Keep in mind the horse generally won’t take you the entire way — a short stretch on foot near the end is usually still required. Payment goes directly to the horsemen, in cash and soles only. If you’re interested, your guide can help set this up.
Is luggage storage available while I’m on tour?
Yes — Machu Picchu Team provides complimentary luggage storage at our Cusco office, open daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This means you can hike without lugging extra bags along. Since the Humantay Lake Day Tour from Cusco wraps up near our office at Plaza Regocijo, retrieving your belongings afterward is quick and convenient.
Can I switch my tour date or pick a different tour altogether?
Definitely. Rescheduling is possible, and you can also transfer to another full-day tour option — such as Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo, the Sacred Valley, or Seven Lagoons — at no extra cost, provided you reach out before 7:00 PM the day before your scheduled departure. Availability applies. To arrange this, contact us at 📧 machupicchureservations@gmail.com or 💬 WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700.
Does Humantay Lake live up to the hype?
Without question. It ranks among the standout natural sights in the Cusco area, with brilliant turquoise waters framed by rugged Andean terrain and the snow-covered peaks of Humantay and Salkantay. The blend of crisp mountain air, striking scenery, and the lake’s vivid color makes it a favorite for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike — many travelers rank it among the top experiences of their entire Peru trip.
How tough is the trek to Humantay Lake?
Expect a moderate-to-difficult hike, largely due to the altitude and steady incline. Starting at Soraypampa (around 3,900 meters), the trail climbs to the lake at roughly 4,220 meters. Reaching the top generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on fitness, pace, and how well you’re adjusting to the elevation, while heading back down takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. For extra support, walking poles and horse rentals are both available.
When’s the ideal time to go?
The dry season (May through October) tends to bring clearer skies, firmer trails, and stronger mountain visibility — plus great morning light for photos. That said, the tour runs year-round. Visiting during the rainy season (November to April) means lusher scenery, but also a higher chance of rain, cloud cover, and muddy conditions, so waterproof gear and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for travelers during those months.
