Soraypampa Trek to Humantay Lake

Dogs Unknown

Features Geological Significance · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

From Cusco to the trailhead takes about three hours by car. Depending on your fitness level and acclimatization, the mountain takes one to one and a half hours, not including stops. Most people make arrangements with tour groups in Cusco. Tours usually leave early in the morning and provide breakfast and lunch, so the trip is a full-day commitment. Bathrooms are accessible at the start of the trail, by a restaurant about a 0.5 miles in, and – for a fee – before the main ascent.

Culminating in a picturesque, blue-turquoise lake at the base of a glacier, the Soraypampa Trek to Humanitay Lake is a day hike of moderate to high difficulty that is usually arranged with tour groups based in Cusco.

After approximately a mile of relatively flat terrain, the path begins with a steep, mountainous ascent. You'll pass several campsites and a restaurant before a final set of bathrooms (which can be accessed for a small fee) and a counter to buy snacks. Turn left at this juncture and pass through a gate towards the mountain. The hike is not well signed, but the path is fairly obvious.

The uphill portion is wide; hikers have forged several adjacent routes, some of which are shared by horses that are available for rent. The horses only go partway up, so everyone will need to hike down by foot. The terrain itself is relatively easy, but even experienced hikers will struggle if not properly acclimated.

At the top, most groups take their time to absorb the views. From here, you can hike around the sides of the lake to get above 14,000 feet. Due to the elevation, it is important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Bugs are not much of an issue, but be wary of animal manure, especially at the beginning of the hike.