Humantay Lake + Raimbow Mountain
The Experience
Designed for those who want to explore the beauty of the Peruvian Andes without needing several days, this excursion to Humantay Lake is an unmissable natural gem. Its waters, fed by glacial melt, contrast magnificently with the high-altitude mountain landscape.
The journey begins in Soraypampa and offers a total immersion in the local flora and fauna. In addition to the lake, travelers can admire the majesty of Mount Salkantay, the highest peak in the region. Departing from the city of Cusco, this trip guarantees memorable scenery and a deep connection with the Andean environment. Let yourself be captivated by this paradise!
What's Included
- Full transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco, plus tourist transportation between all points on the route (Soraypampa and Phulawasipata).
- Briefing: Informative session with the guide in Cusco 1 or 2 days before departure.
- Storage: Option to securely store your luggage at the main office during the trek.
- Exclusive stay: 01 night in an Andean cabin at the "Mama Andrea" Eco-lodge (Soraypampa).
- Full board: 02 breakfasts, 02 lunches, tea time, and 01 dinner prepared by a professional chef (vegetarian options and special diets available).
- Expert staff: Professional tour guide throughout the entire journey.
- Health equipment: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Entrance tickets for Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.
What's Not Included
- Here is a brief summary of what is not included:
- Tips: These are voluntary and optional for the guide and the cook at the end of the tour.
- Travel insurance: Not covered; this is the passenger's responsibility.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 AM in our private transportation and travel for 2 hours to reach the town of Mollepata. Here, we will have an included breakfast at a local restaurant to power up for the day.
Then, we will board our vehicle again and continue our journey for another hour to the area known as Soraypampa (12,795 ft), arriving at approximately 9:00 AM.
After a short break, we will begin our hike toward Humantay Lake, located at 14,107 ft. After an uphill trek of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will reach this stunning destination to admire its turquoise waters and take photos of the beautiful panoramic views of the glacier peaks, such as Mount Humantay and Mount Salkantay. Following a well-deserved rest, we will hike back down for 1 hour until we reach our "Mama Andrea" Eco Lodge in Soraypampa around 1:00 PM for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
In the evening, after some downtime, we will have a delicious dinner. If the weather permits at night, we can enjoy a uniquely clear, starry sky.
We wake up very early at 5:00 AM, and after breakfast, we will board our transportation around 6:00 AM. We will travel for about 5 hours to reach Cusipata for lunch at a local restaurant, followed by another hour of driving to reach the Phulawasipata area around 1:00 PM—the end of the road and the starting point of our hike.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, our guide will give a brief introductory talk about the area and the route. Around 1:30 PM, we will begin our 1 hour and 30-minute hike to reach the Mountain of Colors, Rainbow Mountain—a unique place that Mother Nature whimsically formed as if it were a massive work of art. If we are lucky, we might spot the world's largest flying bird, the great Andean Condor.
At Rainbow Mountain, we will have plenty of time to take souvenir photos, rest, and enjoy our snacks. From here, we will have the best panoramic views of Mount Ausangate. After an hour, we will begin our descent along the same path for approximately 2.5 hours until we reach the rural community of Quesiuno around 2:00 PM. Along the way, we can spot herds of South American camelids like llamas and alpacas, local bird species, and crystal-clear streams.
In Quesiuno, our transportation will be waiting to take us to the town of Pitumarca for a hearty lunch. After our refreshing and delicious meal, we will board our vehicle once more for the return trip to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM.
