Excursion to Humantay Lake with Coca Ceremony || Private Tour ||

Discovering Humantay Lake: A Private Day Trip from Cusco

If you’re looking for a memorable day outside the bustling streets of Cusco, this private excursion to Humantay Lake offers a focused, personalized way to enjoy one of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. For $120 per person, you get a full 12-hour journey that begins early in the morning, with hotel pickup and ends back at your accommodation—saving you the hassle of public transport and large group tours.

What really makes this tour shine are two key elements: the flexibility of a private guide who can tailor the experience to your pace, and the chance to participate in a Coca ceremony at the lake—an authentic Andean ritual that adds cultural depth to your visit. We also love how the tour includes breakfast and lunch, so you can focus on soaking in the scenery rather than worrying about meals.

A potential consideration is the early start—4:30 am pickup might be challenging for some travelers, especially those who prefer a more leisurely morning. But if you’re an outdoor lover eager to make the most of your day and avoid crowded tours, this is a fantastic choice. It’s especially ideal for those who want a more intimate experience with expert guides, quick logistics, and the opportunity for memorable photographs.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural explorers who value personalized service and meaningful experiences in the Andes. If you’re ready to tackle a rewarding hike and witness one of the region’s most stunning sights, this trip will serve you well.

Key Points

• Private Tour: Personalized experience with a dedicated guide, avoiding crowds.
• All-Inclusive: Breakfast, lunch, transportation, guide, and even oxygen assistance are provided.
• Hiking & Cultural Rituals: One-and-a-half-hour trek to Humantay Lake, including participation in a sacred offering to the Apus.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics; optional horseback riding helps with altitude challenges.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect jaw-dropping views of the lake’s turquoise waters and surrounding peaks.
• Early Start: The 4:30 am pickup requires a good rest beforehand but maximizes your day.

A Deep Dive into the Humantay Lake Private Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins well before dawn, with a hotel pickup at 4:30 am. This early start is typical for many high-altitude day trips from Cusco, aimed at avoiding crowds at the lake and making the most of daylight hours. The first stop is Mollepata, where a buffet breakfast awaits. Here, you get your energy for the day ahead — a simple but much-appreciated perk after an early morning.

From Mollepata, the journey continues in private transportation, which is a major advantage over group tours — no waiting for others or navigating public buses. The scenery along the way is stunning, with views of rolling hills, highland farms, and distant peaks, setting the stage for the hike.

Next, you arrive at Soraypampa, at around 3,800 meters. This is where the real adventure begins: a hike to Humantay Lake, which sits at 4,250 meters above sea level. The hike takes about an hour and a half, on a trail that’s moderately challenging but manageable for most with decent fitness. One reviewer noted that renting horses helped ease the ascent, especially at this altitude—important to consider if you’re concerned about altitude sickness.

The Highlight: Humantay Lake and the Coca Ceremony

Reaching Humantay Lake, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular scene: a vivid turquoise body of water surrounded by towering mountains. The clarity and color here are genuinely captivating, and you’ll want your camera ready. The tour includes a demonstration of offerings to the sacred Apus—mountain spirits—and an opportunity for participants to take part in this meaningful ritual, adding a cultural layer to the natural beauty.

The duration of your stay at the lake gives plenty of time for photos, reflection, and soaking in the atmosphere. Visitors often mention how the views are breathtaking, and the sense of peace that comes with being in such a pristine environment.

Practical Details and Comfort

What sets this tour apart is the private transportation and hotel pickup, which means you avoid the chaos of public transit and large groups. The guide’s knowledge and friendliness make a big difference—several reviews praise guides like Edward and Frank for their attentiveness and local expertise.

You’ll be supplied with a walk stick for support, and oxygen assistance is available if needed, which is considerate given the high altitude. Lunch is a buffet with options to refuel after the hike, rounding out the day.

Flexibility and Personalization

Being a private tour means you can enjoy the experience at your own pace, avoiding the rush of big groups. Some travelers opt to rent horses for the ascent, which can make the trip less strenuous, especially if altitude or age is a concern.

Final Return and Rest

After a satisfying day, the trip concludes with a smooth drop-off back at your hotel in Cusco, typically around 4 to 5 pm, giving you time to relax or enjoy your evening in the city.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

The reviews highlight the quality of guides, with many mentioning how their guides made the experience memorable through their friendliness and local knowledge. For example, one traveler raved about how their guide, Jose, recommended horse rental, which turned out to be a smart decision at high altitude.

Many comment on the stunning scenery—the lake’s vibrant color and the surrounding peaks are consistently described as jaw-dropping. Several reviewers emphasize the value for money, noting that the tour’s inclusions—meals, transportation, oxygen—make it a comprehensive and stress-free experience.

Some travelers mention that the early start is challenging but worth it for the quiet and light conditions at the lake, as well as avoiding crowded spots. The cultural element, specifically the coca ceremony, receives praise for adding authenticity and depth to the visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour suits outdoor enthusiasts who don’t mind an early morning and are comfortable with a moderate hike at high altitude. It’s ideal for those who prefer personalized service over large groups and want to combine natural beauty with cultural experiences. If you value good food, professional guides, and hassle-free logistics, this is a well-rounded choice.

Travelers seeking a more relaxed pace or with mobility issues might want to consider the horseback option or a different tour, but for most active visitors, this trip hits the sweet spot of adventure and comfort.

The Sum Up

This private Humantay Lake tour offers a personalized, hassle-free experience to one of Peru’s most striking sights. For $120, you get a well-organized day with excellent guides, stunning scenery, and cultural insights, all while avoiding the crowds and logistical headaches of larger group tours. It’s perfect for adventure lovers who want to make the most of their day in the Andes, with the added benefit of flexibility and comfort.

While the early start might be a challenge, the payoff is a truly memorable experience, with one reviewer calling it “absolutely beautiful and worth the time and hard work.” If you’re eager to see Humantay Lake’s vibrant waters and participate in an authentic ceremony, this tour will serve you well. Just remember to pack your walking shoes, a sense of adventure, and a camera to capture the breathtaking views.

FAQ

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?
The pickup is at 4:30 am, so you’ll need to get ready the night before. The early start is designed to maximize your time at the lake and avoid crowds.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, a buffet breakfast and lunch, a guide, walk sticks, and oxygen assistance if needed. Entrance fees to the lake are not included.

Can I rent a horse during the hike?
Yes, some travelers choose to rent horses for the ascent, which can help with altitude and reduce fatigue. This is especially helpful if you’re concerned about the steepness or high elevation.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness. The hike lasts about an hour and a half on uneven terrain at high altitude, so younger children or less active seniors should consider their comfort level.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The highlight is reaching Humantay Lake’s vibrant waters and participating in the Coca offering ceremony, which provides cultural insight along with stunning natural scenery.

How long do we stay at the lake?
You’ll have enough time to enjoy the views, take photos, and participate in the ceremony, generally around an hour or more, depending on your pace.

Is the tour flexible or customizable?
As a private experience, it allows some flexibility in pacing and activities, including the option to rent horses or linger at the lake longer if desired.

What if my trip is canceled due to weather or landslides?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. In case of last-minute cancellations, they will notify you and likely suggest alternative activities.

This thoughtful, scenic day trip strikes a fine balance between adventure, culture, and comfort — making it a recommended choice for those eager to see Humantay Lake without the crowds or hassle.