Beat the Crowds Humantay Lake Day Tour

Exploring Humantay Lake with the Beat the Crowds Tour: A Practical Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Cusco and looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of more popular tours, the Beat the Crowds Humantay Lake Day Tour is an excellent choice. Priced at $139 per person, this full-day adventure lasts around 13 hours and promises a more intimate experience of one of the region’s most stunning natural spots.

What sets this tour apart? First, it departs early in the morning—starting at 3:00 am—to beat the crowds and ensure you’re among the first to arrive at Humantay Lake. Second, it’s capped at just 8 travelers, which means you won’t be lost in a sea of travelers. You’ll enjoy delicious local meals—breakfast and lunch—prepared with high-quality ingredients, and the transportation is comfortable and designed to prevent back pain, making the long drive more pleasant.

We love how this tour emphasizes authentic, quiet moments at the lake and the chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in peace. The small group size really enhances the experience, making conversations more meaningful and the hikes more personal. Plus, the logistics—early pickup, well-planned stops, and included meals—mean you don’t need to worry about the logistical chaos often associated with larger tour groups.

A possible consideration is the early start—if you’re not an early riser, that might take some adjustment. Also, the trek is described as strenuous due to the steep ascent and high altitude, so you’ll want to have a decent level of physical fitness and be prepared for the altitude change.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and authentic experiences away from crowds. If you’re looking for a peaceful day in the mountains with a knowledgeable guide, this tour is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Intimate small group experience caps at 8 people for personalized attention.
• Early departure allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy the lake in relative solitude.
• All-inclusive meals ensure you’re fueled for the trek and don’t need to carry extra snacks.
• Comfortable transportation with modified seats to reduce back pain during the long drive.
• Guided hike with a bilingual guide offering insights and encouragement, appealing to those who appreciate local knowledge.
• Flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Pickup and Early Morning Start

The adventure begins at 3:00 am, with pickup from your Cusco hotel. Yes, it’s early, but this is part of the charm—your goal is to arrive before most travelers, giving you a chance to experience Humantay Lake in a more peaceful setting. The van ride takes around an hour and a half, so bring some snacks and patience. The comfortable vans are equipped with modified seats, which is a real bonus on the bumpy roads leading out of Cusco.

Breakfast at Soraypampa

Around 5:35 am, you’ll stop at Soraypampa, a cozy spot where a hearty breakfast awaits. The reviews rave about the meal’s quality—nothing touristy or mass-produced, but fresh ingredients prepared with care. This is a crucial energy boost before your trek, and many travelers mention how much they appreciated the high standards of the food. You’ll also get a briefing here, where your guide shares safety tips and a quick overview of the day.

Trek to Humantay Lake

The main hike begins around 7:40 am, as you reach the parking lot and meet your guide for a short briefing. The trek to Humantay Lake is strenuous, with a steep ascent and high altitude (around 4,200 meters/13,800 feet). Expect to use trekking poles, which are included, and to take frequent breaks. The reviews highlight the high-energy effort, with one traveler noting the steep climb is “worth every bit of effort,” and another mentioning their guide Vidal was “very encouraging and accommodating.”

The hike takes roughly two hours to reach the lake, with plenty of chances to enjoy the changing scenery—snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and the shimmering water of Humantay Lake itself. The early start means you’ll arrive before most travelers, allowing for spectacular photos and a tranquil moment to soak in the natural beauty.

Time at the Lake

By 9:30 am, you’ll arrive at Humantay Lake, where you can explore the different vantage points, take photos, or just enjoy the serenity. The clarity of the water and the majestic backdrop make for unforgettable scenes, especially with fewer visitors around. Many travelers, like Eleanor, comment that having the lake to yourself for a few minutes makes the early wake-up worth it.

Return and Lunch

After about an hour of enjoying the scenery, you’ll head back to the van around 11:00 am. The drive back includes a stop at Soraypampa, where a highly-rated restaurant awaits. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with beautiful views. The reviews emphasize the quality and cleanliness, making this a satisfying end to the physical part of your day.

Return to Cusco

You’ll be back in Cusco around 3:30 pm, with plenty of time to relax or explore more of the city. The tour ends with hotel drop-off, completing a seamless day.

Why This Tour Is a Great Value

For $139, you’re getting a lot: transportation, meals, guiding, and a unique experience that minimizes crowds. The small group size ensures that you’re not just another face in a crowd, and the early start maximizes your chance to have a peaceful connection with nature. The included safety equipment—like the first-aid kit, oxygen, and trekking poles—adds a layer of confidence, especially for less experienced hikers.

The reviews reinforce that this isn’t just about reaching a pretty lake—they value the knowledge and friendliness of guides, the quality of meals, and the personalized experience. One traveler even mentioned how the guide Maik made sure everyone was okay and tailored the experience to the group’s needs.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who are comfortable with hiking at high altitude and enjoy quiet, scenic spots. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds typical of more popular tours and value good food and personal attention. If you’re seeking authentic, less commercialized moments with nature, this will suit you well.

FAQs

How early do I need to wake up?
The tour starts at 3:00 am, so prepare for an early morning wake-up. It’s worth it to beat the crowds and enjoy the lake in peace.

Is the trek difficult?
Yes, the hike is strenuous and involves a steep ascent at high altitude. Good physical fitness and some hiking experience will help, but guides are encouraging and provide trekking poles.

What should I bring?
Bring layers of clothes, a rain cape, gloves, a hat, hiking shoes, extra socks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and some snacks. Pack a small backpack for personal items.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast at Soraypampa and a delicious lunch at a top-rated restaurant are included, saving you from carrying extra food.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 2-8 travelers, favoring a more personal experience.

Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco are part of the tour.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fee to Humantay Lake is not included, so you’ll need to pay that separately.

Can children join?
The minimum age is 12 years old, suitable for teenagers and older.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to bad weather are possible, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a peaceful, less crowded experience of Humantay Lake, this tour offers excellent value and thoughtful logistics. The early start, small group size, comfortable transportation, and delicious meals combine to create a memorable day for active travelers looking to connect with nature in an authentic way. While the climb is challenging, guides are there to support you, and the scenery is truly breathtaking.

For those who enjoy hiking, photography, and tranquil mountain vistas, and want a more personal touch, this is a tour worth considering. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate attention to detail and want to avoid the hustle of larger groups—leaving you with only the sound of mountain winds and the stunning view of Humantay Lake.

In brief, this tour balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity—a rewarding choice for explorers eager to see one of the most beautiful spots near Cusco without the crowds. It’s a solid pick for those who prioritize personalized service, good food, and breathtaking scenery on their journey through Peru.