Trail Run Project Logo

The Soraypampa Trek to Humantay Lake is a steep but rewarding run to the base of a glacier outside Cusco, Peru.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.4

Miles

3.9

KM

56%

Runnable

13,963' 4,256 m

High

12,733' 3,881 m

Low

1,236' 377 m

Up

1,116' 340 m

Down

18%

Avg Grade (10°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Geological Significance · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Need to Know

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.

Description

Culminating in a picturesque, blue-turquoise lake at the base of a glacier, the Soraypampa Trek to Humanitay Lake is a day run 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 run is not well signed, but the path is fairly obvious.

The uphill portion is wide; runners 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 run down by foot. The terrain itself is relatively easy, but even experienced runners will struggle if not properly acclimated.

At the top, most groups take their time to absorb the views. From here, you can run 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 run.

Shared By:

Jack M

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 3 votes

#1038

Overall
  5.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Peru

#1,038

Overall
6 Views Last Month
341 Since Sep 2, 2019
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%

Photos

Classic view from base of Humantay Lake.
Sep 6, 2019 near Limatambo, PE
Rear view from Humantay Lake. The Soraypampa Trek to Humantay Lake ends in the right corner, where hikers are stopped for photos.
Sep 6, 2019 near Limatambo, PE
Around the side of Humantay Lake for better views.
Sep 6, 2019 near Limatambo, PE
The Salkantay Trek has a few streams to cross along the way, but pretty easy to do (this picture is in late March).
Nov 18, 2015 near Limatambo, PE

0 Comments

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.