How To Conquer Peru’s Humantay Lake Hike
Hiking Humantay Lake was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, and I’m still not sure if I’d do it again. But if you’re determined to see this stunning glacial lake and curious if you’d be able to hike it, here’s everything you need to know to make Humantay Lake as manageable as possible.
Humantay Lake Tour Experience
I booked a Humantay Lake tour through Viator, which included breakfast, lunch, and round-trip transportation. The tour starts early with a 5 AM pickup from Cusco, and you’re looking at about 8 hours total for the entire experience.
Here’s what nobody tells you: even with all the shortcuts I took (and I took every single one available), this hike nearly broke me. I had motion sickness, altitude sickness, and couldn’t breathe properly. Peru really was trying to take me out that day. It was during those moments of struggle on the mountainside that I regretted not being more consistent on the stairmaster before my trip.
The tour itself was well-organized with a knowledgeable guide, good food, and reliable transportation. But no amount of organization can prepare you for how your body will react to that altitude and physical exertion.
Is Hiking Humantay Lake Difficult?
Hiking Humantay Lake is genuinely difficult, even for people in decent shape. The combination of steep terrain and extreme altitude makes this one of the most challenging day hikes you can do from Cusco. At nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, your body is working with significantly less oxygen, which means you’ll get winded much faster than usual.
The trail itself starts relatively easy with about an hour of flat walking, but once you hit the incline, it becomes a steep, rocky climb with loose stones and sections where you’ll need to use your hands. This isn’t just a casual nature walk! It’s a serious physical challenge that will test your limits.
How Long Does the Humantay Lake Hike Take?
The hiking portion is about 3 hours ONE WAY to reach Humantay Lake, meaning you’re looking at roughly 6 hours of hiking total if you walk the entire route. However, you can significantly reduce this time by using the available shortcuts.
With shortcuts, you can cut the hiking time up the mountain by about 1-2 hours. The tuk-tuk eliminates the first hour of flat walking, and the horse ride reduces the steepest, most challenging portion by about 90 minutes. Even with these time-savers, you’ll still need to hike the final approach to the lake and walk back down on foot.
The entire tour day lasts about 8 hours, including transportation to and from Cusco, breaks, and time at the lake itself.
Things to Know When Visiting Humantay Lake
You Can’t Get in the Water
Humantay Lake is a sacred glacial lake, and swimming or entering the water is strictly prohibited. The water is also extremely cold year-round due to glacial runoff, so you wouldn’t want to anyway. You can get close to the shoreline for photos, but respect the barriers and stay out of Humantay Lake.
Drones Are Not Allowed at Humantay Lake
Drone use is prohibited at Humantay Lake, so don’t bring one thinking you’ll get epic aerial shots. The authorities are serious about this rule, and you could face fines or have your equipment confiscated.
Acclimate Before Attempting the Humantay Lake Hike
This cannot be stressed enough: spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco acclimating to altitude before attempting the Humantay Lake hike. Going from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet without proper acclimatization is asking for severe altitude sickness. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol during your acclimatization period.
Restroom Situation on the Humantay Lake Trail
There are basic restroom facilities at the starting point, but once you begin the Humantay Lake hike, I think there’s only one bathroom on the trail. Make sure to pack your own toilet paper! Plan accordingly and use the facilities before starting your hike. The entire Humantay Lake hiking portion can take 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and shortcuts used.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Do the Humantay Lake Hike
You should consider hiking Humantay Lake if:
- You’re in good physical shape and comfortable with challenging hikes
- You’ve had at least 2-3 days to acclimate to Cusco’s altitude
- You’re okay with potentially feeling sick from altitude and exertion
- You really want those stunning glacial lake photos
- You don’t mind a very long, exhausting day
Skip hiking Humantay Lake If:
- You have heart or respiratory issues
- You haven’t acclimated to the altitude yet
- You’re looking for a relaxing day trip
- You get motion sick easily (the drive is very winding)
- You have knee or joint problems
Alternative Options to Humantay Lake
If the Humantay Lake hike sounds too intense, but you still want to see beautiful landscapes in Peru, consider these alternatives:
Rainbow Mountain offers incredible views with motorcycle shortcuts available, though it’s at an even higher altitude. Sacred Valley gives you beautiful scenery without the extreme physical demands of Humantay Lake. Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World for a reason.
Is Hiking Humantay Lake Worth It?
This is the big question, and honestly, it depends on your priorities and physical capabilities. Humantay Lake itself is absolutely stunning. It’s one of the most beautiful natural sights I’ve ever seen. The turquoise water against the snow-capped mountains is genuinely breathtaking, and you’ll get photos that will amaze people.
But the physical cost of hiking Humantay Lake is brutal. I spent most of the hike struggling to breathe and feeling sick from the altitude. Even with shortcuts, it wasn’t easy, and I’m someone who generally enjoys hiking and outdoor activities.
My Rating for Humantay Lake: 1/10 for enjoyment, 10/10 for views
If you’re in excellent shape, have experience with high-altitude hiking, and are prepared for a serious physical challenge, the Humantay Lake tour can be an incredible experience. But if you’re not sure about your fitness level or altitude tolerance, there are other beautiful places in Peru that won’t put you through such physical distress.
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