Hike to Lake Humantay
Set out from Cusco for the village of Soraypampa, then walk beneath Salkantay, one of the highest peaks in the Andes, to Lake Humantay. Its turquoise water lies hidden at 4,200 metres, backed by snowcapped Mount Humantay and ringed by glaciers.
Area
Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Who
Adults
Teens
Leave Cusco early in the morning for the village of Soraypampa, where the walk begins at the foot of the Vilcanota range and the snowcapped skyline opens up ahead. The path passes close to Salkantay, one of the highest mountains in the Andes, and the fertile valleys between its white peaks are home to viscachas and condors that live among the vegetation and the snow. The altitude makes the climb demanding, so horses are available for travellers who would rather ride, and the full day lasts ten hours, including about three and a half hours of walking over a 7 km route.
Hidden among the surrounding slopes like an Andean oasis, the lake lies high in the Vilcanota range, 4,200 metres above sea level, its turquoise water backed directly by the snowcapped summit of Mount Humantay. Linger on the shore, surrounded by glaciers and mountain peaks, before heading back down to Cusco. Among the most spectacular things to do in Peru beyond Machu Picchu, Humantay is one of the country's most picturesque natural settings.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationExplora Valle Sagrado
Discover Explora Valle Sagrado, a luxury lodge set in Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering immersive excursions, contemporary comfort, and curated Andean experiences for discerning travellers seeking adventure and exclusivity.
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View AccommodationInkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba — a refined 5-star hacienda in Peru’s Sacred Valley — offers 36 stylish rooms and casitas, an organic estate kitchen, spa sanctuary, and sweeping mountain views for a serene, soul-soothing Andean escape.
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View Accommodation
Hotel Sol y Luna
Set amidst the Sacred Valley’s rolling hills, Hotel Sol y Luna blends Andean heritage with contemporary luxury, offering a serene retreat.
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View AccommodationSanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel is the only hotel located adjacent to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and therefore a very convenient base for visiting the awe-inspiring ruins and the beautiful surrounding area.
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View AccommodationTambo Del Inka Resort & Spa
A luxury retreat in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka offers elegant rooms, exceptional spa facilities and refined local cuisine, set beside the Urubamba River and perfectly placed for exploring Machu Picchu and the Andes.
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View AccommodationCasa Clara
A quietly restored 18th-century colonial mansion on the Plaza Nazarenas in Cusco — Casa Clara offers a curated blend of heritage architecture, boutique intimacy, refined comfort and effortless access to the city’s historic heart.
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View AccommodationSumaq Machu Picchu
The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is located in the village of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the Machu Picchu, and offers 60 spacious guest rooms and suites. It offers a perfect base from which to visit the awe-inspiring ruins and lost city of Machu Picchu.
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View AccommodationPalacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
A former Incan palace transformed into Cusco’s most exclusive sanctuary, Palacio Nazarenas blends timeless heritage with contemporary luxury—an intimate retreat curated to perfection.
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View AccommodationSkyLodge Adventure Suites
Suspended 400m above the Sacred Valley, Skylodge Adventure Suites offers one of the most adventurous sleeping abodes in Peru. Enjoy breathtaking views, watch condors swoop by and get your adrenaline pumping as you climb to your hanging capsule to sleep.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceAndean Drinks: Traditional corn beer and microbreweries
Discover Cusco’s brewing heritage through traditional chicherías and modern microbreweries, sampling ancient chicha de jora alongside innovative craft beers made with local ingredients such as Sacred Valley quinoa.
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View ExperiencePachamanca Lunch at Piuray Lagoon
A traditional Pachamanca at Piuray lagoon, where food is cooked underground with hot stones. Take part in the ritual before enjoying a generous Andean feast with local produce, meats, desserts and drinks.
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View ExperienceTraditional Andean Wedding Ceremony
Celebrate your union at Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, with a private Andean ceremony led by a traditional paq’o. Set against the Sacred Valley’s dramatic peaks, this soulful ritual honours love, nature and ancient tradition in unforgettable style.
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View ExperienceMachu Picchu Guided Tour with Lunch
Experience a full-day tour of Machu Picchu, starting with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a guided two-hour tour of the ancient ruins, followed by lunch before returning. Discover the wonder of this iconic site with ease.
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View ExperienceMil Immersion Experience
Explore Moray’s landscapes, history, and ingredients through ruins, farms, and local traditions, culminating in tastings of unique spirits and an exquisite eight-course menu at MIL.
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View ExperienceCooking Class with tour to San Pedro Market
Discover Peru’s flavours with a guided visit to San Pedro Market, followed by a hands-on cooking class at Rooftop Kitchen Peru. Prepare a three-course Peruvian fusion menu and pisco sour while enjoying panoramic views over Cusco.
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View ExperienceVisit the potato fields of Manuel Choqque
Step into the Peruvian highlands to meet Manuel Choqque, the visionary agronomist behind 300+ rare potatoes. Explore his mountain farm, taste vivid heirloom varieties, Oxalis wine and fiery uchucuta—ingredients coveted by the world’s greatest chefs.
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View ExperienceFarming experience in the community of Huayllafara
An immersive visit to Huayllafara in the Lamay Valley, where local farmers share ancestral agricultural knowledge, native crops and traditions, complemented by a seasonal lunch and insights into traditional textile artistry.
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View ExperienceTribute to Mother Earth
A traditional Andean Offering honouring Pachamama, Mother Earth. Led by a pacco, this ritual reflects ancient spiritual beliefs rooted in gratitude, reciprocity and a deep connection to the natural world.
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View ExperienceVia Ferrata & Zip-Line Adventure
An award-winning via ferrata and zip-line experience high in Peru’s Sacred Valley, featuring a ladder-and-bridge ascent and a thrilling seven-line descent, with spectacular Andean views throughout.
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View ExperienceMagical & Hidden Cusco
Uncover Cusco beyond its monuments, exploring legends, hidden streets and Inca-era stories before ending with traditional dishes and chicha at a classic picantería—an intimate look at the city’s living history.
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View ExperienceInti Raymi Festival
Join Cusco's most spectacular living tradition, a full day of Inca ceremony moving from the Koricancha temple to the Plaza de Armas and the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
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