Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain: Explore the Best of Cusco’s Natural Beauty

Ultima actualización en 28 January, 2026 por Amy Pérez

Last Updated on 28 January, 2026 by Amy Pérez

Welcome to the blog! If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, you’re probably choosing between two incredible options: the stunning Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain.

In this guide, created with Waman Adventures, we’ll dive into both attractions. Follow along as we share interesting facts, plus the key similarities and differences between Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.

Choose the perfect day hike for you

Interesting facts about Humantay Lake

• Humantay Lake is a striking turquoise lake known for its scenery.
• “Humantay” is a Quechua word that means “sacred head” or “revered head.”
• It’s one of the most popular day trips from Cusco.
• Humantay Lake is framed by dramatic snow capped peaks and lush forests.
• Along the route to Humantay Lake, you’ll get the chance to take in gorgeous scenery.

Panoramic view of Humantay Lake

Interesting facts about Rainbow Mountain

• Also known as “Vinicunca.”
• Featured in National Geographic’s roundup of the top five places to visit in Peru.
• It’s one of the most visited destinations in Cusco, topped only by Machu Picchu.
• Its ridgelines show off striking bands of color, created by a complex mix of minerals in reds, greens, yellows, purples, pinks, and creamy tones.
• The route includes captivating views of the Red Valley.
• Those iconic colors make it easy to snap photos with local llamas along the trail.

Panoramic view of Rainbow Mountain

Location

Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake is about a two hour hike from the community of Soraypampa, in the district of Mollepata, Anta province, in the Cusco region.

Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain is located in the majestic Vilcanota mountain range, on the border between the provinces of Canchis and Quispicanchis, specifically between the districts of Cusipata and Pitumarca.

Where does the hike start?

Humantay Lake

The hike to Humantay Lake starts in Soraypampa, at about 12,795 ft (3,900 m) above sea level.

Excited hikers at the start of their Humantay Lake trek

Rainbow Mountain

The starting point for the Rainbow Mountain hike is the village of Phulawasipata at about 15,177 ft (4,626 m), located in the district of Cusipata.

Altitudes at Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain

Distances: Humantay Lake vs Rainbow Mountain

Difficulty: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain

Which hike is harder: Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?

For some travelers, the deciding factor is simply which attraction feels easier. Overall, the hike to Rainbow Mountain tends to be a bit more demanding than Humantay Lake because of the higher altitude.

The Humantay Lake outing is a 2.5 mi (4 km) round trip hike, rated “Moderate,” around a 3 on a 1 to 5 scale. It takes about 4 hours to hike to the lake and back. Keep in mind that much of the route is a steep climb with rocky, sometimes slippery terrain.

By contrast, the Rainbow Mountain route is almost twice as long, at about 3.7 to 5 mi (6 to 8 km). It’s typically rated “Moderate to challenging,” scoring a 3.5 on a 1 to 5 scale. Most people take around 5 hours round trip. Much of the trail is fairly gradual, except for the steep final push to the viewpoint.

Both hikes sit above 13,123 ft (4,000 m) above sea level

How to get to Humantay Lake

On your own

If you want to do this hike on your own, follow these steps:

1. Take a bus from Cusco to Mollepata from the Arcopata terminal for about $4 (S/ 15), with a travel time of around two hours.
2. In Mollepata, grab a quick breakfast at a cozy local spot and stock up on water and snacks from nearby shops. Then take a shared taxi to Soraypampa.
3. Start the hike from Soraypampa and enjoy the scenery. The ascent usually takes about 2 hours.
4. At Humantay Lake, take in the views for about 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Head back down the same way and, once you reach Soraypampa, find transportation back to Mollepata. From there, take the bus back to Cusco.

If you prefer a safer, more convenient option, consider hiring a taxi to pick you up at your hotel and take you straight to Soraypampa. This service, with an estimated cost of $60 to $100, covers the drive to Soraypampa, waiting during the roughly 4 hour hike (about 2 hours up and 2 hours back), and the return to Cusco.

With a travel agency

Going with a travel agency, like Waman Adventures, is the more practical choice. Skip the transportation stress with hotel pickup and drop off in Cusco, plus breakfast and lunch. With a guide adding context along the way, Waman Adventures offers two options to explore this beautiful lake:

Full day Humantay Lake (CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE)

• Distance: 2.5 mi (4 km)
• Maximum altitude: 13,779 ft (4,200 m)
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Duration: 12 hours

Group of hikers who trusted Waman Adventures

2 day hike to Humantay Lake

Day 1: Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha

• Distance: 7.45 mi (12 km)
• Minimum altitude: 12,795 ft (3,900 m)
• Maximum altitude: 15,091 ft (4,600 m)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Lodging: Soyroccocha campsite

Day 2: Soyroccocha – Salkantay Pass – Cusco

• Distance: 5 mi (8 km)
• Minimum altitude: 12,795 ft (3,900 m)
• Maximum altitude: 15,190 ft (4,630 m)
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Difficulty: Challenging (because of the altitude)

Hikers enjoying the view at Salkantay Pass

How to get to Rainbow Mountain

On your own

To do this beautiful hike on your own, follow these steps:

1. Hire a taxi or take a bus from Cusco to the town of Cusipata. Buses leave from the Coliseo Cerrado on Avenida Huayruropata, and the fare is about $3 (S/ 10). The ride takes around 2 hours.
2. Once you’re in Cusipata, you can rest before continuing on to the community of Phulawasipata. Shared taxis run this route, and the fare is about $4 (S/ 15). The ride takes about 1 hour.
3. In Phulawasipata, you can buy your entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain. You can also hire a horse or pick up last minute supplies before the hike.
4. The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes about 3 hours, depending on your fitness level. The climb is tough, but it’s worth it.
5. Return the same way and, once you reach Phulawasipata, find transportation back to Cusipata. From there, take the same local transport back to Cusco.

With a travel agency

Choosing a travel agency is the more practical way to do this trek. Forget about coordinating transportation and meals for the day (breakfast and lunch). And to make the experience even richer, you’ll have a guide sharing helpful context throughout the route.

Your trusted agency Waman Adventures offers two options to visit this stunning mountain:

Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour

• Starting altitude: 14,189 ft (3,890 m)
• Maximum altitude: 16,466 ft (5,020 m)
• Distance: 1.9 mi (3 km).
• Hiking time: 2 hours up; 2 hours down
• Difficulty level: Moderate

The beautiful Rainbow Mountain is the reward at the end of this hike.

2 day hike to Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca and Red Valley

DAY 1: Cusco – Ausangate – Ananta

• Minimum altitude: 14,356 ft (4,376 m).
• Maximum altitude:16,354 ft (4,985 m).
• Distance: Approx. 6.8 mi (11 km)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Hiking time: About 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch (box lunch)
• Lodging: Campsite

DAY 2: Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

• Maximum altitude:16,732 ft (5,100 m).
• Minimum altitude: 13,779 ft (4,200 m).
• Distance: Approx. 11.2 mi (18 km)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Hiking time: About 6 to 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch (box lunch)

Panoramic view of the Red Valley

How much do tickets cost for Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?

You can buy your Humantay Lake ticket at a small booth at the entrance to Mollepata. To access Rainbow Mountain, you’ll purchase your ticket at the control booth in the community of Phulawasipata, at the base of the imposing Ausangate peak.

Important note:

Bring cash, and keep in mind prices can vary by local control and season

Horse rentals:

You can rent horses from local residents at the start of your trek in both Soraypampa and Phulawasipata. For an extra cost of about $16 to $21 (S/ 60 to 80), locals will provide a horse to help you cover the hardest section faster and get you closer to the viewpoint. In about 15 minutes, the horse can get you nearer to Humantay Lake or closer to wide open views of Rainbow Mountain.

Horse rentals offer convenient help for visitors and also support the local economy, benefiting families in the region.

What to see at Humantay Lake

Flora

On the way to Humantay Lake, you’ll walk through rich vegetation where you may spot plants like:

• Queuña
• Ichu grass
• Paico
• Achupalla
• Raqui raqui

Discover the flora at Humantay Lake

Fauna

Along the route to Humantay Lake, you can find a variety of animals, for example:

• Swallows
• Black chested buzzard eagle
• Andean geese (huallatas)
• Andean caracara
• Andean condor
• Brown bellied swallow
• Andean lapwing
• Black siskin
• Highland wren
• Andean gull
• Crested duck
• Stripe headed antpitta
• White winged cinclodes
• Puna yellow finch
• Vizcacha
• Andean pumas
• Andean foxes

Apachetas

Apachetas are small stone cairns found in the Andes, placed in honor of the lake and surrounding mountains. You’ll see several along the hike to Humantay Lake.

Apachetas are common along the trail to Humantay Lake.

Views of Salkantay and Humantay glaciers

Salkantay and Humantay are two of Peru’s most impressive peaks. Salkantay rises to about 20,574 ft (6,271 m) above sea level, while Humantay reaches 17,920 ft (5,462 m). Humantay is smaller, but still absolutely striking.

Once you reach Humantay Lake, you can enjoy panoramic views of both mountains. The contrast between the lake’s turquoise color and the white peaks is simply unreal.

Sacred Salkantay Glacier

What to see at Rainbow Mountain

Panoramic view of the Red Valley

The Red Valley is a natural wonder in the Cusco region of Peru, known for its dramatic geological formations and reddish tones that create a one of a kind landscape. On the hike to Rainbow Mountain, you get a rare chance to take in this scenic beauty. If you love photography and nature, this extra highlight on the Rainbow Mountain trek can make your trip truly memorable.

Apachetas

Apachetas are small stone cairns found in the Andes, placed in honor of the mountains and the landscape. On your hike to Rainbow Mountain, you’ll see several apachetas.

Protective apachetas at Rainbow Mountain.

Flora

On the way to Rainbow Mountain, you’ll pass through high altitude vegetation where plants like these stand out:

• Ichu grass
• Picchu Willka
• Yareta

Fauna

Along the route to Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca, you may spot a range of animals:

• Andean condor
• Andean pumas
• Andean foxes
• Llamas
• Vicuñas

See wild animals in their natural habitat, like the puma, huallata, fox, and the spectacular Andean condor

Altitude sickness

High altitude can cause altitude sickness, known locally as “soroche,” and it often shows up above 8,000 ft (2,400 m) above sea level. It’s important to remember that both the Humantay Lake hike and the Rainbow Mountain hike take place above 13,123 ft (4,000 m) above sea level. Typical altitude sickness symptoms hikers may experience on these routes include:

• Throbbing headache
• Feeling unusually tired
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea (which can sometimes lead to vomiting)

How to avoid altitude sickness

• Try to arrive in Cusco at least one day before starting your Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain trek.
• On that day in Cusco, avoid heavy meals, since they can upset your stomach.
• Avoid alcohol and do not smoke.
• Consider bringing medications like Diamox or Sorojchi to help manage altitude symptoms.

It helps to arrive at least one day early and avoid a few habits that can affect your trip.

What is the best season to visit Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?

• Rainy season (November to April)

This season brings frequent rain, with January and February often among the wettest months. Long hikes are often less comfortable during this time, although shorter trips around Cusco can still be possible.

• Dry season (May to October)

This period is defined by much less rainfall, making it the best season for travel in the Cusco region thanks to the frequent sunny days.

The most recommended months to explore Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain are April, May, September, and October. These months offer a great balance of favorable weather and fewer crowds. With less frequent rain, it’s an ideal window to explore different areas around Cusco without peak season congestion. Plus, lodging and flights are often more affordable during these months of the year.

What to pack for Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake

To help you stay comfortable and safe, here’s a checklist of what to bring:

Essentials:

• Original passport (physical copy)
• Extra cash (soles)
• Water bottle
• Personal medication
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Rain poncho

Clothing:

• Waterproof, wind resistant jacket
• Hiking shoes or trail runners
• Comfortable pants
• Comfortable shirt
• Warm beanie
• Rain poncho

It’s smart to pack wool gloves to keep your hands warm during the hike.

Recommended:

• Camera
• Trekking poles (available to rent)
• Snacks

Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain: which should you choose based on your situation?

If you only have 1 free day

• Choose Humantay Lake if you want something more manageable, with high altitude but less extreme elevation.
• Choose Rainbow Mountain if your top priority is the iconic landscape and you handle altitude better.

If you’re worried about altitude sickness

• Best option: Humantay Lake. Even though it’s demanding, it usually feels more manageable than Vinicunca because of the lower altitude.
• At Vinicunca, the altitude climbs above 16,404 ft (5,000 m), which can intensify symptoms even if you’re in good shape.

If you want the best photo

• At Humantay Lake the turquoise water against the snow capped peaks often looks stunning, even with a short visit.
• At Vinicunca the classic shot depends more on weather and reaching the viewpoint feeling strong.

If you’re traveling during the rainy season (November to April)

• Humantay can have slippery sections, but it’s often more manageable because of the lower altitude.
• Vinicunca may bring fog and reduced visibility; in that case, you’ll see less of the landscape.

If you have 2 days in Cusco

• The most recommended plan is to do both, starting with the easier option (Humantay) and saving Vinicunca for when you feel better acclimated.

Tips for hiking to Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain

• Plan ahead so you can prepare properly, a habit that also pays off when you’re figuring out where to stay on the Choquequirao trek.
• Choose a reliable travel agency to avoid worries about transportation and meals.
• Get good rest the night before, especially since the day starts early. Show up with energy.
• Because the weather at Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain changes fast, wear comfortable layers and bring extras.
• Wear high quality trekking footwear, since the terrain is rocky and steep.
• Apply sunscreen; even in cold weather, the altitude can damage your skin.
• Do not forget a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Some travelers chew coca leaves in small amounts to help with altitude symptoms.
• Respect local flora and fauna and avoid damaging the ecosystem.
• If you love photography, bring a camera to capture the best moments.
• Carry enough cash (Peruvian soles) for last minute purchases, like water and snacks.

Quick comparison: Humantay Lake vs Rainbow Mountain

In conclusion… Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain: which is better?

Choosing between Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain can be a real challenge, because both deliver incredible scenery and unforgettable moments. While they share that wow factor of nature, it’s the differences that ultimately shape your decision.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet in a less mainstream setting, go with Humantay Lake. On the other hand, if you want a more scenic hike with the chance to pass small towns along the way, I recommend choosing the Rainbow Mountain trek.

No matter which route you choose (Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake), it’s essential to acclimate by spending at least a couple of days in the Cusco region. Pack what you need, including snacks, water, warm layers, hiking boots, trekking poles, rain gear, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

And if you have enough time, my recommendation is to visit both so you can see the differences for yourself.

If you have the time, the final recommendation is to visit both destinations so you can experience their unique differences and highlights firsthand.

Both Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain have their own unique and captivating charm.

In this blog, we’ve shared fascinating facts about two truly magical destinations: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain. We hope what we shared sparked your interest.

Personally, I feel a special connection to the calm and magic of Humantay Lake.

How about you? Which of these stunning places would you choose? We’d love to hear your pick, and we invite you to book with Waman Adventures, your trusted agency for unforgettable experiences.

Frequently asked questions…