Experience the stunning beauty of Humantay Lagoon on a private guided tour from Cusco. For just $115, you’ll enjoy a full day of breathtaking views, outdoor adventure, and cultural insight. The tour, led by a professional bilingual guide, begins early, around 4:00 am, and takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Andes. Expect to hike about 1.5 hours to the lagoon, with a delicious breakfast in Mollepata and a buffet lunch at the end. It’s the kind of trip that combines adventure with comfort and personalized attention.

What we love most about this experience are the spectacular vistas at Humantay Lagoon—those turquoise waters against rugged mountain backdrops are unforgettable—and the flexibility of a private group, which means your guide can focus on your interests and pacing. Plus, the inclusion of walking sticks and oxygen-equipped transport makes the hike safer and more accessible, especially for those new to high altitudes.

A potential consideration is the early start time and the high-altitude environment, which can be challenging if you’re not properly acclimatized. It’s advisable to spend a couple of days in Cusco beforehand to adjust. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, are comfortable with a half-day hike, and want an intimate, tailored experience away from the crowds.

Key Points

Private group for personalized attention and flexible pacing
Stunning scenery at Humantay Lagoon, a highlight for nature lovers
Includes breakfast and buffet lunch, with vegetarian options available
Transport equipped with oxygen for safety at high altitude
Early morning start to maximize daylight and scenery
A moderate hike of about 1.5 hours from Soraypampa

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In-Depth Review of the Humantay Lagoon Private Tour

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Why Choose This Tour?

This specific tour from Cusco is designed for those who want more than just a quick glance at Humantay Lagoon. It offers the comfort of a private service, ensuring your experience is tailored and relaxed, without the hustle of large groups. The price of $115 covers almost everything you’d need—transport, guides, meals, and equipment—making it a good value for a day packed with remarkable sights and cultural insights.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, comfortable transportation, professional guides fluent in both English and Spanish, walking sticks, and oxygen-equipped transport—an important safety feature given the high altitude. You’ll also enjoy a hearty breakfast in Mollepata before the hike and a buffet lunch afterward, with vegetarian options available.

What’s not included are the entrance fee of 20 soles—so budget for that—and horse rental if you wish to ride instead of hike. Other optional services are not covered, so if you’re interested in extra activities, you’ll need to arrange those separately.

The Itinerary Step by Step

The day starts early, with pickup around 4:00 am. While an early start might seem daunting, it’s necessary to beat the crowds and catch the scenic morning light. The drive to Mollepata takes approximately 2 hours, where you’ll stop for breakfast—an opportunity to fuel up and enjoy some local flavors.

From Mollepata, the journey continues by private vehicle to Soraypampa, the trailhead for your hike. The walk to Humantay Lagoon is about 1.5 hours, but don’t worry—your guide will pace your group comfortably and provide walking sticks to ease the steep sections. The scenery during the hike is striking, with rugged mountain peaks framing the turquoise lagoon below.

Once at the lagoon, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos, soak in the views, and learn from your guide about the area’s geography and culture. The water’s vivid color—caused by mineral deposits—really pops against the rocky landscape, making it a photographer’s dream.

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The Return and Lunch

After admiring the lagoon, you’ll head back down to a camp to enjoy a buffet lunch in Mollepata. This meal, included in the tour, offers vegetarian options and a chance to relax after the hike. Then, it’s time for the roughly 3-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving between 6:00 and 6:30 pm.

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The Experience and What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight the stunning views as a key reason to choose this tour. One customer noted, “The scenery is breathtaking, and the photos we took are truly Instagram-worthy.” Others appreciated the personalized attention; with a private guide, questions about local culture or geography could be easily addressed, making the experience richer and more engaging.

Many reviewers mention the early start as a worthwhile trade-off for the peaceful, less crowded environment and the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape in the soft morning light. The inclusion of oxygen transport was also appreciated, especially among those sensitive to altitude sickness.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Because the tour takes place at high altitude, it’s wise to acclimate in Cusco for a couple of days beforehand. Dress in layers—weather can change quickly, and it can be quite chilly at higher elevations even if it’s warm in Cusco. Hydration is key, and bringing sun protection is recommended, as the sun can be intense at altitude.

If you’re not comfortable with strenuous walking, consider whether the 1.5-hour hike is suitable for you. The use of walking sticks and oxygen support helps, but the climb still requires a decent level of fitness.

Why It Offers Good Value

Compared to group tours, the private service provides a more relaxed, flexible experience. The cost covers premium inclusions like breakfast, lunch, and transport with safety features. The scenery alone makes it a worthwhile expense—few visitors leave without commenting on how surreal the views are. Plus, having a guide available to explain the geology and cultural background enhances the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who want a personalized adventure with a professional guide, love outdoor activities, and are prepared for a high-altitude hike. It’s especially good for those seeking stunning natural scenery without the crowds, and who value comfort and safety features like oxygen-equipped transport. If you’re short on time but craving a memorable mountain landscape, this trip packs a lot into a single day.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right For You?

If you’re visiting Cusco and craving an authentic, scenic escape that combines adventure with cultural insights, this private Humantay Lagoon tour hits the mark. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate stunning mountain vistas and prefer a more intimate, flexible experience over large group excursions.

The early start and physical activity might not suit everyone—those who prefer more leisurely sightseeing should consider their fitness level and altitude acclimatization. But for active travelers eager to see one of Peru’s most beautiful natural sights, this tour provides excellent value, personalized attention, and memories to last a lifetime.

Finally, the combination of spectacular scenery, professional guidance, and included meals ensures you’re well cared for, allowing you to focus on enjoying the incredible views and the quiet majesty of the Andes. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a curious traveler, Humantay Lagoon offers a truly worthwhile experience.

FAQ

How early do we need to wake up for this tour?
Pickup starts at approximately 4:00 am, making it a very early morning, but it allows you to make the most of daylight and avoid crowds.

Is the transport safe and comfortable?
Yes, the transport is private, equipped with oxygen for safety at high altitude, and comfortable enough for a long ride.

What’s included in the price?
The $115 fee covers hotel pickup, transportation, professional guides, walking sticks, breakfast, and buffet lunch with vegetarian options.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, you’ll need to pay 20 soles for the entrance fee to Humantay Lagoon, and optional horse rentals are not included.

How challenging is the hike?
The hike is approximately 1.5 hours, with some steep sections. It’s manageable for most, especially with walking sticks and acclimatization, but may be tiring for those with mobility issues.

Can I modify the tour?
Since this is a private service, you may be able to ask for adjustments, such as different start times or additional stops—just check with the provider.

What should I bring?
Dress in layers, bring hydration, sun protection, and perhaps a camera to capture the jaw-dropping scenery. Be prepared for variable weather and altitude.

Embark on this journey if you’re eager for a high-altitude adventure that rewards you with unforgettable views and cultural insights, all while enjoying the comfort of a private guide.