Cusco: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

Discover the Hidden Gem of Cusco: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

For those who love a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and local flavor, the Humantay Lake tour offered by Runas Expeditions checks all the boxes. Starting early from Cusco, this full-day trip takes you through high-altitude landscapes, gives you a chance to savor traditional Peruvian breakfast and lunch, and rewards you with unforgettable views of turquoise waters against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The trip is priced at $186 per person and is designed for active travelers looking for authentic experiences rather than just tourist-packed sites.

What we love most about this tour is how well it balances a challenging yet manageable trek with ample time for taking photos and soaking in the scenery. Plus, the inclusion of local culinary delights makes the day feel complete, immersing you in the region’s flavors. One minor consideration: the early start means waking up before dawn, but that’s often the price for catching the best light and avoiding crowds. This tour suits adventurous day-trippers who want an authentic, scenic escape from Cusco with guided support.

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Key Points

• Spectacular Views: Get sweeping vistas of Humantay and Salkantay mountains.
• Challenging Trek: About 2 hours of uphill walking to reach the lake, suitable for fit travelers.
• Authentic Flavors: Enjoy breakfast in Mollepata and a hearty buffet lunch with mountain views.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides share local insights and help you make the most of your day.
• High-Altitude Experience: The tour involves elevations up to 4,300 meters, so prepare accordingly.
• Group Size: Private groups ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed pace.

The Itinerary: What Makes This Tour Special

Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

The adventure begins at 4:00 am, with a private vehicle collecting you from your Cusco hotel. The early hour might seem harsh, but it’s the best way to beat the crowds and catch the incredible sunrise over the Andes. The 2.5-hour drive to Mollepata is part of the charm, offering glimpses of rolling hills, distant mountains, and local villages. We appreciated the comfortable transport, which made the early start less painful and set the tone for a smooth day.

Mollepata Breakfast and Cultural Flavor

Once in Mollepata, you’ll stop for a delicious breakfast—a welcome moment to refuel before the hike. If you wish, you can buy additional snacks or souvenirs here. Many travelers mention how the local hospitality and fresh produce make this breakfast a real highlight. It’s a chance to stretch and prepare for the ascent.

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Continuing to Soraypampa and Preparation

Next, the journey continues for about an hour to Soraypampa, at 3,900 meters. This is the official starting point of the trek. The scenery en route is breathtaking, with the towering Humantay and Salkantay mountains front and center. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of these peaks, which many find to be some of the most stunning sights in the region.

The Trek to Humantay Lake

The hike itself is approximately 2 hours uphill to Humantay Lake, perched at 4,300 meters. The trail is gradual but steady, making it accessible for most physically fit travelers. As one reviewer quoted, “We loved the way the guide explained the landscape and made us feel comfortable with the altitude.” Along the way, you’ll encounter alpine terrain and get plenty of opportunities to take photos.

Reaching the lake is a moment of triumph. The turquoise waters set against the glaciers and rugged mountains create a scene straight out of a postcard. The altitude can be challenging—many visitors experience some shortness of breath—so taking your time and staying hydrated is key.

Celebratory Coca Tea and Exploration

At the lake, your guide offers coca tea, a traditional remedy for altitude sickness and a soothing way to celebrate your achievement. You’ll have ample time to explore the area, take photos, and simply soak in the awe-inspiring landscape. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching this point is often described as “priceless,” making the effort worthwhile.

Return and Lunch with Mountain Views

Descending from the lake, the group enjoys a downhill walk back to Soraypampa, taking about an hour. Then, a buffet lunch awaits, served with stunning mountain vistas. Many reviews highlight the deliciousness of the meal and the peacefulness of eating in such a spectacular setting. After lunch, it’s time to say goodbye to the guide and team, and head back toward Cusco.

The Return Journey

The drive back takes approximately 3.5 hours, providing time to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. The tour concludes around 6:30 pm at your Cusco hotel, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment—and plenty of photos and stories.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The Scenic Value

The panoramic views of Humantay and Salkantay mountains are truly breathtaking. Many travelers mention how the weather can be clear and sunny, allowing for incredible photographs of the turquoise lake and glacier. The landscape is rugged yet accessible, perfect for those who want a challenging but manageable trek that delivers scenery in return.

The Guided Experience

Your knowledgeable guide plays a significant role in making this experience memorable. From sharing insights about local geography to explaining the significance of coca tea, guides like Juan and others make sure you’re comfortable and informed throughout the journey. Several reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and expertise, which adds a personal touch.

The Food & Cultural Touches

Starting your day with breakfast in Mollepata and ending with a buffet lunch among mountain peaks creates a sense of local immersion. The food quality is often highlighted as surprisingly good, considering the remote locations. The inclusion of local flavors makes this tour more than just a hike; it’s a taste of Peruvian mountain culture.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While this tour offers many positives, it’s worth noting that the early start might be challenging for some travelers. Waking at 4 am can be tough, but it’s necessary to maximize your time in the mountains. Plus, the elevation—up to 4,300 meters—may pose difficulties for those with altitude sensitivity. The tour is not suitable for people over 70 or 95 years or those with known altitude sickness issues, so plan accordingly.

The physical nature of the hike also means you should be comfortable walking uphill for two hours and descending for an hour. If you prefer leisurely sightseeing with minimal physical effort, this may not be the best fit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for active travelers eager to experience one of the most iconic landscapes in the Cusco region. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, organized day trip that combines adventure, culture, and stunning scenery. Nature lovers, hikers, and anyone interested in a photo-worthy experience will find this trip rewarding. However, if you’re not comfortable with high altitudes or long walks, you might want to consider a less strenuous alternative.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers craving a mountain adventure that offers a mix of physical challenge, scenic beauty, and local flavor, this Humantay Lake tour delivers. You’ll love the expert guidance, which enhances your understanding of the landscape and makes the entire experience more meaningful. The early start might be a downside, but it’s a small price to pay for catching the best light and avoiding crowds.

The inclusion of breakfast and buffet lunch ensures you’re well-fed and energized, making the long day feel worthwhile. The views of turquoise waters, glaciers, and towering peaks are genuinely awe-inspiring, and the sense of achievement upon reaching the lake is hard to match.

This trip suits those who enjoy active travel with a view and are willing to navigate high-altitude terrain. If you’re prepared for a day of physical effort and want a truly authentic and scenic experience, this tour offers excellent value and unforgettable memories in the heart of the Andes.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with altitude sickness?
No, this tour involves high elevations up to 4,300 meters, and it’s not recommended for those with altitude sickness or sensitive to high altitudes.

What should I bring for this trip?
Bring sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), comfortable clothes suitable for mountain weather, and cash for extras. Pack layers, as temperatures can vary.

How long is the total drive from Cusco?
The total transportation time is about 4 hours round trip—2.5 hours to Mollepata and 1 hour to Soraypampa, with the return taking approximately 3.5 hours.

Will I have time for photos?
Absolutely. The guide encourages photography at multiple points—especially at the lake, which is often described as a “photo paradise.”

Is this tour private or group-based?
The experience is offered as a private group, allowing for a more personalized and flexible schedule.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation, breakfast, guided trek, coca tea at the lake, and buffet lunch. Tips and souvenirs are extra.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather in the mountains can change quickly. The tour operates only if conditions are safe, and guides will advise on any adjustments or cancellations.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, with “Cancel up to 24 hours in advance” policy, you can reserve your spot flexibly. However, booking ahead ensures availability, especially in peak seasons.

In essence, the Humantay Lake tour is about embracing a full-day adventure that combines physical effort with spectacular natural beauty, guided by experts who know how to make the experience both safe and enriching. If you’re seeking a true taste of Andean landscapes and local culture, this trip might just become one of your favorite Peru memories.

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