From Cusco: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

Experience the majesty of Humantay Lake on a full-day guided trip from Cusco, Peru. For just $27 per person, you’ll enjoy a journey that covers breathtaking mountain scenery, turquoise waters, and the chance to experience part of the Salkantay trek — all with the comfort of included meals, transfers, and helpful gear. Guides like Jhordy and William receive praise for their friendly, knowledgeable service, making this a popular choice for travelers looking to combine adventure and natural beauty without breaking the bank.

Two standout features we particularly appreciate are the small group size—limiting to 15 guests, which fosters a more personal experience—and the thoughtful inclusion of breakfast, buffet lunch, walking sticks, and safety gear. These touches show genuine care for the traveler’s comfort and safety. A potential consideration: the altitude and physical exertion required for the trek means it’s best suited for those with moderate fitness levels who can handle a bit of a challenge.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a more intimate experience of Peru’s stunning highlands, combined with good value for money. If you’re eager to see iconic mountain views, enjoy authentic local food, and have a guide who explains the significance of each site, this trip fits the bill. Be prepared for a full day—early mornings and a good bit of walking are part of the package, but the incredible scenery makes it worthwhile.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Expect snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and the vibrant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Jhordy enhance the experience with local insights and helpful tips.
• Inclusive meals: Enjoy a buffet breakfast and lunch, with vegetarian options available, adding value and comfort.
• Transportation included: Round-trip transfers from Cusco make logistics hassle-free.
• Small group size: Limited to 15 guests, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.
• Physical readiness: Moderate fitness required due to altitude and trail difficulty.

A Deep Dive into the Humantay Lake Tour Experience

Starting with Convenience and Comfort

From the moment we book, this tour stands out for its convenient pickup in Cusco’s historic center. The transportation by air-conditioned van promises a comfortable ride through scenic landscapes, setting the tone for the day. With round-trip transfers included, there’s no need to worry about navigating busy roads or arranging separate transport—everything is handled, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.

Early Morning Departure and Breakfast

The day kicks off very early, often around 4 or 5 a.m., which might feel a little brutal but is essential for hitting the trail before the midday heat or afternoon crowds. The first stop is a simple, regional-style breakfast; expect bread, coffee, and perhaps some local pastries—nothing fancy, but sufficient and tasty enough to fuel your climb. One reviewer appreciated the “great immersion” in local cuisine, describing it as a chance to experience authentic Peruvian flavors right at the beginning.

The Scenic Drive: Winds and Serpentine Roads

The scenic drive up to the trailhead is often highlighted as a memorable part of the experience. Guides like William, the driver, are praised for their skill navigating the winding mountain roads. The serpentine route offers spectacular views of peaks and valleys, giving an early taste of the rugged Peruvian landscape. While some reviews mention the drive as a highlight, others note that it can be a bit nerve-wracking if you’re prone to motion sickness, so be prepared.

The Trek to Humantay Lake

The heart of the tour is the trek to Humantay Lake itself. The trail is considered more than two hours of climbing, often under challenging conditions—altitude over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), loose stones, and steep inclines. Several reviews acknowledge that it’s a challenging walk, with one reviewer mentioning it as “more than two hours of climbing under stones at a height of more than 4,000 meters,” and warning that it demands physical conditioning.

Despite the difficulty, the views make every step worthwhile. The scene of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain protecting the lake is described repeatedly as “like a picture,” and many mention the lake’s dazzling turquoise color contrasted against the white snow. Some travelers prefer the short trail, which still provides a tough climb but is less demanding than the full route. The guides’ support—helping with photos, offering walking sticks, and explaining the significance of the site—adds comfort and helps preserve the positive experience.

The Best Views and Photo Opportunities

Many reviews praise guides like Jhordy for their friendly assistance with photography, ensuring you capture the moment. The landscape offers spectacular photo opportunities with waterfalls, glaciers, and pristine lakes framed by towering mountains. One reviewer describes the site as “only describable as a picture,” which sums up the surreal beauty.

Lunch and Rest Breaks

After the trek, a hearty buffet lunch awaits, often with vegetarian options. The food is not just fuel but a cultural experience, featuring regional ingredients and flavors. Reviewers highlight the quality and variety, with some calling it “very rich and varied.” The meal provides a welcome break after the climb and offers a chance to swap stories with fellow travelers.

Safety and Gear

Safety measures include a first-aid kit, emergency oxygen, and a polar blanket—all vital in high-altitude conditions. The inclusion of a walking stick, often praised by reviews, helps ease the strain on knees and balance on uneven paths. Such thoughtful details underscore the tour company’s focus on safety and comfort.

Return Journey and Reflection

The descent is usually quicker, and many reviewers mention feeling a profound sense of achievement and awe. The drive back to Cusco offers time to reflect on the day’s adventure, often accompanied by scenic views and a sense of shared camaraderie among the small group.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Several reviews emphasize the guides’ friendliness and helpfulness. One said, “Jhordy was very good and helped us taking photos and explained everything,” highlighting how personalized service elevates the experience. Others note the stunning landscape, describing the lagoon as “beautiful with the imposing snow mountain protecting it,” and the effort to reach it as “worth every step.”

Some travelers mention the physical challenge—climbing at high altitude is no walk in the park. One review captures this: “You need an optimal physical preparation to overcome the climbing distance.” But even those who found it tough agree that the spectacular views and the sense of achievement make it memorable.

The food receives frequent praise, with comments like “very rich and varied breakfast and lunch,” and many appreciate the value for money—considering the included meals, transfers, gear, and guide service, it’s a solid deal in the realm of high-altitude day trips.

Considerations and Tips

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention concerns about altitude sickness or the trail difficulty. If you’re prone to altitude issues or not in good physical shape, it’s wise to prepare accordingly. Also, since the entrance fee to Humantay Lagoon is not included, budget extra if you want to access the site itself.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy hiking and are prepared for a physical challenge. If you’re looking for a guided experience with a personal touch, friendly guides, and good value, you’ll find it satisfying. It’s perfect for those who want to combine spectacular scenery, cultural authenticity, and a manageable group size—and who don’t mind early mornings and a fair bit of walking.

It’s less ideal if you have mobility issues, are unprepared for high altitudes, or prefer a more leisurely sightseeing pace. The trail’s difficulty and altitude mean it’s not for everyone, but for those who can handle it, the reward is a truly memorable landscape.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center, transportation in an air-conditioned van, breakfast, buffet lunch (vegetarian options available), a guide, walking stick, first aid kit, emergency oxygen, and a polar blanket.

Is transportation provided both ways?
Yes, round-trip transfers from Cusco are included, making logistics simple and comfortable.

How physically demanding is the trek?
The trek involves more than two hours of climbing at high altitude, with steep and uneven terrain. It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness.

Do I need to buy a separate entrance ticket?
Yes, the entrance fee to Humantay Lagoon is not included and must be purchased separately if you want to access the lagoon itself.

What should I bring?
Comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, water, and a camera. The tour provides walking sticks and safety gear, but personal items are your responsibility.

Can vegetarians participate?
Absolutely, vegetarian options are available for both breakfast and lunch.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 guests, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Given the physical demands and altitude, it’s more suitable for moderate fitness levels and travelers comfortable with hiking at high elevation.

To sum it up, this Humantay Lake tour from Cusco offers a well-rounded experience that balances stunning natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and thoughtful safety features—all at an affordable price. It’s priced fairly considering the included meals, gear, and expert guides. Travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, don’t mind early mornings, and are prepared for some physical effort will find it highly rewarding. The small group setting and personalized service make it feel more like an adventure shared with friends than a generic tour. For those seeking a genuine and picturesque highland experience away from the crowds, this trip hits the mark.