Cusco Highland Hikes: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain
Sightseeing walks, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, ordered from low to high altitude, with rest days in between. All seven nights are in the city.
This route follows the advice of most local agencies and schedules by altitude. The first three days are spent in town and the lower Sacred Valley to acclimatize. On day four, go to Humantay Lake at about 4,200 m. On day five, rest in town and browse markets. On day six, climb Rainbow Mountain above 5,000 m. Both hikes start before dawn and take 10–14 hours round trip. Suited to fit travelers who want to see snowy peaks and glacial lakes. Machu Picchu is not included, but this route can be combined with others.
May–Oct is the dry season with stable weather. In the rainy season, mountain trails are muddy, and Rainbow Mountain occasionally sees snow.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Arrival and Flat Walk in the Old Town
庫斯科（庫斯科武器廣場、庫斯科大教堂、太陽神殿（科裡坎查））
A taxi from the airport to the old town takes about 20 minutes. In the afternoon, walk on flat ground around the square.
On the first day, only walk on flat ground and go to bed early.
住宿：武器廣場周邊
第 2 天 · Downhill Acclimatization Walk Through Four Ruins
庫斯科（坦博馬查伊、普卡普卡拉、肯科遺址、白色基督像、薩克塞瓦曼）
Take a taxi to Tambomachay (about 3,765 m). Then walk downhill past Puka Pukara, Qenqo and the White Christ statue to Sacsayhuamán, about 8 km or 3–4 hours.
住宿：武器廣場周邊
第 3 天 · Downhill to Pisac in the Sacred Valley
聖谷·馬丘比丘（阿瓦納坎查駝羊中心、皮薩克遺址、皮薩克集市）
Take a minibus or hired car for about 1 hour to Pisac, stopping at an alpaca center on the way. Climb the terraced trail at the Pisac ruins, then return to town in the evening.
The Sacred Valley sits at about 2,900 m, so this is a buffer day for altitude.
住宿：武器廣場周邊
第 4 天 · Humantay Lake Hike
Take a group van around 4 am for about 3 hours to Soraypampa. Walk uphill for about 1.5–2 hours to the lake, then return to town in the evening. The full day takes 10–11 hours.
Bring warm clothing and sunscreen. You can rent a horse at the foot of the mountain for the uphill climb.
住宿：武器廣場周邊
第 5 天 · Rest Day: San Blas and Markets
Spend the whole day walking in the old town, visiting San Blas, the Inca Museum and San Pedro Market. Avoid high climbs.
住宿：武器廣場周邊
第 6 天 · Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Take a group van around 3:30 am for about 3 hours to the trailhead. The round trip is about 10 km on foot, reaching above 5,000 m. Return to the city in the evening.
Don't go up if you have a cold or noticeable altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, descend immediately.
住宿：武器廣場周邊
第 7 天 · Leaving Cusco
Take a short morning walk around the Jesuit church, then take a taxi to the airport, about 20 minutes.