From Cusco: Humantay Lake Full Day in Small Group with Meals

From Cusco: Humantay Lake Full Day in Small Group with Meals

Exploring Humantay Lagoon is a highlight for many travelers visiting the Cusco region. This full-day tour, offered at a modest price of $29 per person, takes you high into the Andes, where you’ll encounter one of Peru’s most striking natural wonders. The journey includes eco-friendly transport, a friendly guide, and delicious meals—all in a small group setting, which keeps the experience intimate and personal.

What we love most about this tour is how accessible it makes stunning mountain landscapes, giving you a chance to reconnect with nature without the need for strenuous multi-day treks. The turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon, fed by glacial melt, are truly mesmerizing and worth every effort of the early start. Another favorite feature is the combination of a scenic drive and a manageable hike, making this adventure suitable for a variety of fitness levels and travel styles.

A potential consideration is that the day involves long hours of travel—roughly 8 to 9 hours from Cusco—so it’s best suited for those who enjoy large scenic rides and early mornings. If you’re after a relaxing, leisurely day, this might not be your best fit. But if you’d like an authentic, well-organized excursion with breathtaking views, this trip is perfect.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate nature, photography, and cultural highlights, and those eager to experience the Andes’ grandeur without the physical demands of multi-day treks.

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Key Points

• Stunning scenery of Humantay Lagoon, with its vivid turquoise waters and towering mountains.
• Affordable price that includes meals, transport, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Small group size enhances the personal experience and interaction.
• Early start ensures you’ll beat the crowds and experience the mountain serenity.
• Comfortable transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and Soraypampa, with scenic views en route.
• Meal options include breakfast and a buffet lunch, accommodating vegetarian diets.

The Deep Dive: A detailed look at your day

Starting Early, Seeing It All

This tour begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 am—yes, it’s early, but so is the sunrise over the Andes. The journey begins with a roughly 2-hour bus ride to Mollepata, a small town known for its welcoming atmosphere and local markets. Traveling so early means you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer fellow travelers—perfect for those iconic photos of the lagoon and surrounding peaks.

The Scenic Drive to Mollepata and Soraypampa

The trip continues with a roughly 3-hour ride to Mollepata, where breakfast awaits at around 2,800 meters. The breakfast is more than just a quick bite; it’s an opportunity to stretch and prepare for the day ahead. After breakfast, the group boards another bus for a roughly 1-hour trip to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.

The bus rides themselves are a highlight—stunning views of the rolling hills, distant peaks, and local villages. Expect to see the Andes’ rugged beauty unfold outside your window, making the long hours pass more quickly.

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The Hike to Humantay Lagoon

From Soraypampa, it’s about 1 hour and 30 minutes of light hiking to reach Humantay Lagoon. The trail isn’t overly strenuous; it’s a manageable walk that allows you to appreciate the changing landscape and vibrant flora. The path climbs gradually, with occasional pauses to catch your breath and snap photos of the surrounding mountains, including the significant Apu Salkantay peak nearby.

The real reward? The moment you arrive at the lagoon. Its turquoise waters contrast vividly with the dark rocks and snow-capped peaks, creating a scene that looks almost surreal. Many travelers mention how “stunning” and “breathtaking” the views are, and it’s easy to see why. The lagoon’s magic lies not just in its color but in its perch high in the mountains, giving you a sense of being truly immersed in nature’s grandeur.

Exploring and Photography

Once at the lagoon, you’ll have time to soak in the scenery. This is a perfect spot for photos—particularly if you’re a landscape or mountain photography enthusiast. The area also offers opportunities to observe local wildlife and exotic biodiversity, adding more layers to your experience.

Returning and Enjoying a Meal

After soaking up the views, the group retraces the hike back to Soraypampa. The return trip to Mollepata is filled with lively conversation and shared photos. Back in Mollepata, a delicious buffet lunch awaits—highlighting local flavors and offering vegetarian options, which many travelers find satisfying after the morning’s exertions.

The final stretch is the rough 3-hour drive back to Cusco, during which you can relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. Expect to arrive back around 5:30 pm, tired but with a camera roll full of spectacular images.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Including hotel pickup, a professional guide, and transportation, this tour offers excellent value. Meals are part of the package, with breakfast and a buffet lunch, and the group size remains intimate, enhancing your connection with the guide and fellow travelers.

However, you’ll need to cover the S/20 soles entrance fee yourself, and extras like mineral water, horse rides, or travel insurance are not included. Also, consider bringing sunscreen, as altitude and sun exposure are significant factors at high elevations.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews praise the stunning views and the overall organization of the day. One traveler mentions, “The views at Humantay Lagoon are even more incredible than I expected,” emphasizing how this experience exceeds expectations for many. Others note that the early start is well worth it, allowing for a more peaceful experience before crowds arrive.

Someconcerns include the long travel times, which can be tiring, and the necessity of comfortable walking shoes. One review notes, “We loved the way the landscape changed from the bus window and how manageable the hike was,” highlighting how the tour balances effort with scenery.

Final Thoughts: Is this tour right for you?

This tour hits the sweet spot for travelers craving a spectacular outdoor experience without the physical commitment of multi-day treks. The small group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the meals included add significant convenience. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind early mornings and long bus rides in exchange for the chance to witness one of Peru’s most striking natural landmarks.

If your goal is to see iconic mountain landscapes with professional guidance and a reasonable price, this trip delivers. Just be prepared for the early start, and bring layers—altitude and mountain weather can be unpredictable.

The Sum Up

For travelers eager to see Humantay Lagoon’s dazzling, postcard-worthy scenery without committing to a multi-day trek, this full-day tour from Cusco offers a fantastic balance of comfort, value, and adventure. The inclusion of meals, small group size, and professional guiding make it a standout option for those seeking an authentic, well-organized experience.

Whether you’re a keen photographer, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable high-altitude escape, this tour will likely give you plenty to smile about—and a camera full of awe-inspiring images.

FAQ

What is the starting time for this tour?
The pickup from your Cusco hotel occurs between 4:00 and 4:30 am, so be ready early to make the most of the day.

How long is the bus ride from Cusco to Mollepata?
It’s approximately 2 hours to Mollepata, followed by a scenic 1-hour ride to Soraypampa.

Is the hike to Humantay Lagoon difficult?
The hike is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and considered manageable for most; it’s not overly strenuous but involves some elevation gain.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides breakfast in Mollepata and a semi-buffet lunch, with vegetarian options available.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring layers for variable weather, sunscreen, camera, water, and comfortable walking shoes. Additional expenses may include mineral water or horse rides.

Is the entrance fee included?
No, travelers need to pay the S/20 soles entrance fee themselves.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is about 13-14 hours, returning to Cusco around 5:30 pm.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Generally yes, as long as they’re comfortable with early mornings, bus rides, and walking. Always consider individual health and mobility before booking.

Embark on this adventure, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Humantay’s striking beauty—an absolute must-see for your Cusco itinerary.

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