From Cusco: Excursion to Humantay lake from Cusco

Traveling from Cusco to the breathtaking Humantay Lake is a highlight for many visitors seeking stunning scenery and a taste of high-altitude adventure. For just $20 per person, you’ll spend roughly a full day exploring the Andes with a knowledgeable guide, delicious Andean breakfast and lunch, and plenty of photo opportunities. The tour, offered by Chullos Travel Peru, has earned a solid 4.7-star rating from over 500 reviews, which speaks to its popularity and value.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Nevado Salkantay and the surrounding mountain landscape, which are genuinely memorable. Second, the included buffet meals made with local ingredients add a comforting touch after the hike. Our favorite parts? The opportunity to photograph turquoise Humantay Lagoon and the chance to learn about the area from a friendly, helpful guide. The main consideration? The medium-level hike, which involves some steep ascents and descents, so it’s best suited for active travelers.

This tour is perfect for those who love adventure and scenic beauty but are comfortable with a moderate hike. If you enjoy exploring natural wonders, don’t mind a early start, and are prepared for some physical exertion, you’ll find this trip well worth your time. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to see a less-visited gem of the Andes with the support of experienced guides.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Expect sweeping mountain vistas, including views of Nevado Salkantay and the vibrant turquoise lagoon.
• Authentic Experience: Meals with local, Andean ingredients add a cultural and flavorful touch.
• Active Day: About 2 hours of hiking to reach the lake, with options for horses to ease the ascent.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, support, and friendliness, making the hike more manageable.
• Early Start: Departure around 4:00 a.m. ensures you beat the crowds and have optimal lighting for photos.
• Value for Money: At just $20, with meals, transport, and guiding included, it’s considered a very cost-effective way to see high-altitude Peru.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

Your day begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center, typically between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. This early start is crucial to avoid the crowds and catch the best light for photos. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel’s location, so expect a quick WhatsApp message from your guide about your pickup window.

Once on the road, you’ll head northwest toward Mollepata, a charming town where the tour makes its first stop. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local ingredients—think homemade bread, fresh fruit, Andean cheese, or perhaps some coca tea to help with altitude adjustment. Many reviewers highlight the quality and generosity of this meal, noting it sets a nice tone for the day.

From Mollepata, you’ll continue to the Challacancha parking lot, where the real adventure begins. Here, you’ll have the option to rent horses for the ascent—an excellent choice for those who want to conserve energy or avoid the steeper sections. The hike to Humantay Lagoon takes around 2 hours, with a steady climb over uneven terrain. Guides are praised for their support, often walking alongside or encouraging you to keep going.

The Hike and the Lagoon

The walk to Humantay Lake is challenging but rewarding. The terrain varies, with some steep uphill sections that can be tough at high altitude. Many reviewers comment that it’s a medium-level hike—manageable for active travelers but not for those with mobility issues or severe altitude sickness. The return trip is the same route, sometimes with the option to take a horse downhill, which many find helpful or fun.

Upon arriving, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos, explore, and simply soak in the magnificent scenery. The lake’s vivid turquoise water, fed by glaciers, is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, creating a picture-perfect moment. As one reviewer put it, “The view at the top with the crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped peaks was beyond words.”

Lunch in Mollepata and Return to Cusco

After soaking in the views, you’ll retrace your steps back to Challacancha and then to Mollepata for the buffet lunch. Many travelers appreciate the generous, well-prepared meals, often praising the quality of the food and the charming restaurant setting.

In the late afternoon, the tour vehicle heads back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m. This long but scenic day offers a perfect balance of physical activity, cultural experience, and natural beauty.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guide, meals, walking sticks, first aid kit, and oxygen bottles—a thoughtful inclusion given the altitude. However, you’ll need to pay for entrance fees (10 soles for locals, 20 for foreigners), which can be purchased in Mollepata. Horse rental and optional services are cash-only, with prices around S/. 100 uphill and S/. 90 downhill.

Not included are travel insurance and any services not explicitly listed, so it’s worth considering travel insurance if you’re concerned about health or unexpected changes.

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What the Reviews Say

Reviewers are almost universally positive, praising guides like Jonathan, Alex, Wally, and Heber for their knowledge, friendliness, and support during the challenging hike. Many mention that the guides go out of their way to help everyone, whether by offering encouragement or taking photos.

A recurring theme is the spectacular scenery. One traveler mentions, “The view at the top with the glacier and turquoise water was beyond expectations,” while others highlight the supportive guides who make a tough trek feel achievable. The meals receive high marks, with many calling the breakfast and buffet lunch delicious and plentiful.

While most agree the hike is moderate and worth the effort, some reviews point out that rain, mud, or a collapsing trail can add some risk or difficulty—so be prepared for variable conditions.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation gets high praise for being comfortable and safe, with drivers experienced in mountain roads. The group size varies but is designed to be manageable, usually small enough for personalized attention but large enough to keep the energy lively. The early departure helps ensure a quieter, more intimate experience.

This Humantay Lake tour offers fantastic value—combining stunning scenery, cultural meals, and expert guidance—making it a great choice for adventurous travelers who enjoy a bit of physical activity and want a memorable high-altitude experience. It’s perfect for those who can handle a moderate hike and are prepared for early mornings and mountain weather.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, affordable day trip with quality food and scenery, this tour ticks many boxes. It also suits travelers eager to connect with Peru’s natural beauty without the need for intensive multi-day hiking or expensive excursions.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily. The hike is considered medium-level, manageable for those in good condition, but it involves some steep sections. If you’re comfortable walking uphill and at altitude, you’ll be fine. Horses are available for rent if you prefer to take it easier.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
The early start means you arrive in the morning, which helps avoid crowds and catch the best lighting for photos. Weather can vary, so dress in layers and be prepared for sun or rain.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast at the start and a buffet lunch in Mollepata are included. Most reviewers find the meals tasty and filling, with local ingredients.

How much does the entrance fee cost?
It’s 10 soles for local residents and 20 soles for foreign visitors, paid in Mollepata. It’s best to bring cash for this.

Can I rent a horse?
Yes, horse services are available for uphill and downhill segments, paid in cash. Expect to pay around S/. 100 uphill and S/. 90 downhill.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, and a small daypack. Large luggage or bags are not allowed on the tour.

To sum it up, this tour offers an accessible yet awe-inspiring way to see one of Peru’s most beautiful spots. The combination of scenic views, delicious meals, and supportive guides makes it a solid choice for active travelers craving a taste of the Andes. While it involves some physical effort, the reward of witnessing Humantay Lagoon’s vivid colors and mountain majesty makes it worth every step. Perfect for those who appreciate nature, culture, and a well-organized adventure, this trip will leave you with lasting memories of your time in Peru.

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