Exursion from Cusco: Humantay lake 2 Days

A Two-Day Adventure from Cusco to Humantay and Salkantay Lagoons

If you’re looking to escape the bustling streets of Cusco and find yourself surrounded by mountain majesty, the Humantay Lake 2-Day Tour offers a well-balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and physical challenge. For around $190 per person, this trip takes you into the heart of the Peruvian Andes, with stops at two breathtaking snow-capped mountains—Humantay and Salkantay—and an overnight stay in a cozy, private lodge.

What we love about this tour is how it combines spectacular scenery with an authentic experience. The guides, like Luis, are knowledgeable and eager to share stories about the mountains’ spiritual significance, making the trek more meaningful. The second thing we appreciate is the well-planned logistics—luggage is carried by mules, so you can focus on enjoying the views rather than hauling gear.

A possible consideration is the altitude—reaching 4630 meters at Salkantay’s highest point can be tough for some travelers, especially if you’re not accustomed to high elevations. That said, the early starts and gradual ascent make it manageable with proper preparation.

This tour suits active travelers who enjoy hiking and stunning vistas but also appreciate comfort, thanks to the private lodge accommodation. It’s ideal if you’re eager for a physically rewarding experience that also offers cultural stories and panoramic photographs.

Key Points

• Stunning Mountain Views: Traverse the slopes of Humantay and Salkantay, two of the most impressive peaks in the Cusco region.
• Authentic Experience: Guides share local legends and spiritual significance of mountains, enriching your understanding of Andean culture.
• Comfort & Convenience: Luggage is transported by mule, and overnight accommodation is in a private, geodesic wooden dome.
• Balanced Itinerary: The tour combines challenging hikes, relaxing exploration, and free time for photography or optional short hikes.
• Well-Organized Logistics: Starts early, with transportation, meals, and a small group size ensuring personalized attention.
• Great Value: All major expenses, including transportation, meals, guide, and accommodation, are included, making it a practical option.

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An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Tour Experience

Day 1: From Cusco to Humantay Lake

Your adventure begins early, with a pickup from your Cusco hotel around 5:45 a.m. The first leg by car takes about 2 hours to reach Mollepata, a small town where you’ll break for breakfast and pay a 10 soles entrance fee to the local municipality. This stop gives you a taste of rural life and the chance to stretch your legs before the uphill part of the day.

From Mollepata, it’s about an hour more by car to Soraypampa, where you’ll meet the muleteers and pack animals that will carry all your luggage—except for 7 kilos of personal items which you’ll carry in a duffel bag. This setup lets you focus on the hike without the burden of gear, a big plus for many travelers.

The trek to Humantay Lake is approximately 2 hours uphill, and the path offers a steady but manageable incline. As you ascend, the views of Humantay Mountain—its snow-capped peak towering above you—become more spectacular. When you arrive at the lake, you’ll find it hard not to stop for photos; the shimmering turquoise waters are framed by the mountain’s rugged profile. Guides like Carlos often take time to explain the lake’s spiritual significance, considering it a sacred place for local communities.

After a couple of hours at the lake, you descend for about 2 hours to the Quiswarniyoc campsite. Here, a healthy lunch awaits, and you’ll have free time to explore the surrounding area or climb up to the Salkantay viewpoint for a panoramic look at the region. This optional short hike is a highlight for those craving more mountain vistas.

Day 2: The Challenge and the Glory of Salkantay

Waking early again, you’re gently awakened around 5:00 a.m. with a cup of hot coca tea—a comforting tradition at high elevations. After a nutritious breakfast, the most demanding part of the trip begins: a 3 to 4-hour uphill hike to the highest point of the Salkantay trail at 4630 meters. This ascent requires a steady pace, but the payoff is immense.

From this vantage point, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Salkantay Mountain, one of the most impressive peaks in Peru. Your guide, like Luis, will share stories about the mountain gods and perform a small Andean ritual, adding a spiritual dimension to the experience. You’ll have time to take photos, soak in the views, and appreciate the quiet majesty of the Andes.

The descent back to Soraypampa takes about 2.5 hours, offering a chance to catch your breath and reflect on the morning’s adventure. Then, it’s back on the transport for a one-hour drive to Mollepata, where a simple but satisfying lunch awaits. The final leg by car takes approximately two hours back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $190 includes transportation (Cusco to Soraypampa and back), two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast, a professional guide, and one night in a cozy geodesic wooden dome. It’s a solid package considering the logistics and the experience offered.

You’ll want to budget an additional 20 soles entrance fee, and any extra expenses such as tips or souvenirs. The tour’s included meals are hearty and designed to sustain you through the more strenuous parts of the trek, which is appreciated given the altitude and physical effort involved.

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Authenticity and Comfort

The private lodge, where you’ll spend the night, offers a unique way to experience the mountains without sacrificing comfort. Staying in a geodesic dome lends a sense of adventure, yet still provides a cozy spot to rest after a challenging day.

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and ability to share stories about local legends, mountain spirits, and cultural traditions, making the journey richer than just a walk in the mountains. Their enthusiasm and attentiveness help keep the group motivated and informed.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This two-day expedition from Cusco is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see the mountains from a local perspective, rather than just snapping selfies at tourist spots. If you enjoy trekking, want to experience authentic Andean culture, and don’t mind a physically demanding schedule, this tour offers excellent value.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate comfort and organization—thanks to the luggage transport, guided explanations, and included accommodations. However, be prepared for early mornings and high altitudes, which can be challenging for some.

In short, if you’re after jaw-dropping mountain scenery, cultural stories, and a sense of achievement, this trip will leave you with stories to tell for years.

FAQs

• Is this tour suitable for beginners?
  The trek involves some uphill walking at high altitude, so beginners should be prepared for a physical challenge, but the pace is steady and guides are attentive to individual needs.

• What is the altitude at Humantay and Salkantay Lakes?
  The highest point of the trek reaches 4630 meters at Salkantay, which can cause altitude sickness; travelers should consider acclimatization beforehand.

• Are meals provided?
  Yes, the tour includes two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast, all designed to energize you for the hikes.

• What about luggage?
  Your personal belongings, up to 7 kilos, are transported by mule, leaving you free to hike light and focus on the scenery.

• What is the accommodation like?
  Staying in a private geodesic wooden dome provides a cozy, unique overnight experience amid the mountains.

• How long are the hikes each day?
  Expect about 2 hours uphill on Day 1, and 3-4 hours uphill on Day 2, with downhill sections to balance the effort.

• Is transportation included?
  Yes, round-trip transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa and back is part of the package.

• Are guides bilingual?
  Guides speak both Spanish and English, making explanations accessible for most travelers.

• What should I bring?
  Layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, and personal items within the 7-kilo luggage limit.

• Are there any extra costs?
  You’ll need to pay a 20 soles entrance fee and possibly tips or souvenirs.

This tour offers an authentic glimpse into the high Andes, combining natural beauty with cultural richness. It’s a rewarding experience for those ready to step outside the city, breathe in crisp mountain air, and witness some of the most stunning landscapes Peru has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby