Resumen
Hidden high in the shadow of sacred Mount Salkantay lies one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth: Humantay Lake. Formed by melting glacial runoff, its intense emerald-turquoise waters shimmer under sheer vertical ice walls and crystalline Andean skies.
Reaching this alpine jewel requires navigating steep high-altitude mountain roads and trails. With HL Transportes Turisticos, you travel with experienced mountain drivers in sanitized, warm vehicles equipped with emergency medical oxygen. By departing early, our private service ensures you arrive at the lakeshore before the giant tour buses arrive, granting you uninterrupted silence and postcard-perfect photos.
Detalles del Tour
| Duration: | Full Day (11 – 12 Hours) |
| Sites to Visit: | Limatambo Valley, Mollepata Village, Soraypampa High Plateau (3,900m), Humantay Turquoise Lake (4,200m), Mount Salkantay Glacial Vistas |
| Transportation: | Modern sanitized tourist vehicle with licensed professional driver |
| Guiding: | Official certified bilingual tour guide & Andean historian |
| Physical Level: | Challenging / High Altitude Hiking (Horses available to rent) (Medical oxygen onboard) |
| Group Size: | Small Groups (Max 10) & Exclusive Private VIP |
Humantay Lake Private Transport
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Full-Day Glacial Alpine Adventure to Lake Humantay
Highlights
- Beat the Crowds VIP Timing: Arrive at the lake ahead of mass-tourism groups for serene photographs and tranquil reflection.
- Mesmerizing Turquoise Glacial Waters: Marvel at the extraordinary vibrant colors created by mineral-rich glacial silt under bright sunshine.
- Sacred Salkantay Glacier Panoramas: Stand in awe before Mount Salkantay (6,271m / 20,574 ft), the revered guardian spirit of Cusco.
- Horse Rental Flexibility: If high altitude hiking feels challenging, local horse rentals are available at the base camp to carry you up comfortably.
- Reassuring Safety Equipment: Our vehicles and guides carry medical oxygen bottles and complete first-aid supplies at all times.
- Delicious Mountain Meals: Energizing warm breakfast and hearty buffet lunch included in Mollepata.
Detailed Itinerary
Full-Day Glacial Alpine Adventure to Lake Humantay
Morning Pickup & Departure
We greet you at your Cusco hotel at 4:30 AM. Settle into comfortable reclining seats as we journey through scenic valleys, arriving in Mollepata for a hot, freshly prepared breakfast.
Scenic Journey & Cultural Immersion
We continue along a rugged mountain route to Soraypampa (3,900 meters / 12,795 feet), the base camp nestled beneath the icy pyramids of Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay.
Exploration of Sacred Landmarks
Begin the 1.5 to 2-hour ascent along the mountain trail. Walk at a steady, rhythmic pace, inhaling crisp glacial air. For those preferring to save energy, local wranglers offer horses for rent on site.
Panoramas, Photography & Dining
Reach the lake rim at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) and behold the astonishing turquoise lagoon reflecting the ice falls above. Take plenty of photographs, explore the panoramic ridge, and participate in a traditional gratitude offering (pago a la tierra) to the sacred Apus.
Comfortable Return to Hotel
After an unhurried descent back to Soraypampa, our vehicle takes us to Mollepata for a well-deserved, hot buffet lunch before returning smoothly to your Cusco hotel by 5:00 PM.
Inclusions
Included
- Private or small-group transport with seasoned mountain driver: Private or small-group transport with seasoned mountain driver
- Door-to-door hotel pickup and return in Cusco: Door-to-door hotel pickup and return in Cusco
- Certified professional bilingual trekking guide: Certified professional bilingual trekking guide
- Nutritious breakfast and hot buffet lunch in Mollepata: Nutritious breakfast and hot buffet lunch in Mollepata
- Medical oxygen bottle and comprehensive first-aid kit onboard: Medical oxygen bottle and comprehensive first-aid kit onboard
- Trekking poles available upon request: Trekking poles available upon request
- 24/7 bilingual trip assistance on WhatsApp: 24/7 bilingual trip assistance on WhatsApp
Not Included
- Mollepata community entrance fee: 20 PEN per person
- Optional horse rental with muleteer (approx. 80 – 100 PEN paid directly): Optional horse rental with muleteer (approx. 80 – 100 PEN paid directly)
- Personal snacks, extra bottled water, and beverages: Personal snacks, extra bottled water, and beverages
- Gratuities for trekking staff: Gratuities for trekking staff
- Personal medical travel insurance: Personal medical travel insurance
Pricing List
Fair, Transparent & Direct Operator Pricing
At HL Transportes Turisticos, we take pride in offering premium, reliable transportation and guiding with honest rates and zero hidden fees. Choose between our intimate Small Group option or upgrade to our Private VIP Service for complete schedule flexibility and exclusivity.
Guaranteed Daily Departures
100% Punctual & Insured
Instant Confirmation
Group Price
<p>Per person in small group service. Early departure at 4:30 AM.</p>
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|
Price Per person (Max 12 participants) | $40.00 | Inquire Now |
Private VIP Service Rates (Best Value for Couples, Families & Friends)
<p>Travel ahead of the tourist herds with our exclusive private transfer: relax in reclining seats, start early for pristine morning light, and hike at your personal pace.</p>
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|
1 Person (Solo VIP) Persons | $140.00 USD | Inquire Now |
2 Persons Persons | $85.00 USD | Inquire Now |
3 - 4 Persons Persons | $60.00 USD | Inquire Now |
5 - 7 Persons Persons | $48.00 USD | Inquire Now |
8+ Persons (Group Special) Persons | $38.00 USD | Inquire Now |
Recommendations
Traveler Pro-Tips from HL Transportes Turisticos
We strongly advise acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least 2 full days before attempting the hike to Humantay Lake (4,200m). Drink plenty of water and warm coca tea the day prior.
Valid Student ID for Machu Picchu
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 cannot enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date

Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student Id without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.

What to Bring
- Original passport or official photo ID
- Cash in Soles (PEN) for community entry and optional horse rental
- Warm clothing in layers: thermal shirt, fleece jacket, windbreaker, and gloves
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and deep tread
- Warm wool beanie and UV sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm for intense high-altitude rays
- Reusable water bottle and high-energy snacks (nuts, chocolate)
Frequently Asked Questions
The hike is short (approx. 3.5 km / 2.2 miles each way) but steep, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Because of the elevation (starting at 3,900m and finishing at 4,200m), pacing yourself is essential. If you feel tired, horses can be rented on site.
Yes! Local community horse owners offer riding horses with a muleteer leading them for approx. 80 to 100 PEN ($22 – $27 USD). The horse carries you up to within 5 minutes of the lake view.
Large shared tour buses travel very slowly and arrive at the same time around 10:30 AM, crowding the lake. Our private service departs earlier, giving you pristine morning light, calm water reflections, and peaceful solitude.
How to Book
TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS, FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:
- Choose a reputable, government-authorized tour operator.
- Click the “Book Online” button, select the date, and complete the booking form. Have one person fill it out for the entire group to ensure you’re booked together. Keep your passport handy for accurate information.
- Make a payment online using any debit or credit card. There’s a 2.9% fee for online payments, which customers must cover.
- To secure your Humantay Lake Private Transport, provide a $180 deposit per person. This helps obtain necessary permits and tickets from the Peruvian government.
- Optionally, you can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns.
- If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in cash (soles or dollars) at the office in Cusco or by card (3.9% fee). You can also pay the balance online with any card (2.9% fee).
By following these straightforward steps, you can easily book your Humantay Lake Private Transport experience and focus on preparing for your adventure.
Payment: You can pay for Humantay Lake Private Transport online using any debit or credit card. A 2.9% fee applies to online payments, which customers must cover. To book Humantay Lake Private Transport, a $180 deposit per person is required to secure permits and tickets from the Peruvian government. You can choose to pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid future payment concerns. If you pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay the balance in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco, or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online using any card with a 2.9% fee.
Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date to Peru. If it’s set to expire within 6 months, renew it before traveling. If your passport expires within 6 months but you want to secure Humantay Lake Private Transport and Machu Picchu tickets, book the tour and update your passport details with us after renewal. Failure to do so may result in permit and ticket forfeiture.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.
Deposit: The $180 deposit per person for the Humantay Lake Private Transport tour is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Remaining Balance: If you only pay the deposit, the balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online with any card and a 2.9% fee.
Student Discount: If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.
Inquire Now
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru with HL Transportes Turisticos. Please take a moment to complete our form so that our travel specialists can prepare the best itinerary for you.

