Humantay Lake Full Day Tour

Humantay Lake Full Day Tour: A Journey to Peru’s Spectacular High-Altitude Beauty

If you’re heading to Cusco and craving an unforgettable outdoor adventure, the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour offers a compelling way to see some of the most stunning landscapes in Peru. For around $85 per person, this 13-hour journey takes you from the bustling streets of Cusco to a high-altitude lagoon that’s as breathtaking as it sounds. Expect a mix of rugged hiking, incredible vistas, and a chance to connect with local flora and fauna—all guided by knowledgeable professionals.

What we love about this tour is the early start, which means you beat the crowds and enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains, and the thoughtful inclusion of meals and trekking poles, making this a well-rounded experience. On the flip side, a possible challenge is the early 4:00 AM pickup, which requires a good level of physical fitness and a bit of an early bird attitude. Still, if you’re comfortable with moderate hikes and love scenic mountain landscapes, this trip suits active travelers eager for a full day of adventure.

This tour is perfect for those who want a well-organized, authentic experience with professional guides, delicious food, and a stunning natural setting. It’s especially suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level who are excited about high-altitude scenery and cultural rituals, like the ancient offerings performed at the lagoon.

Key Points

• Early start for a peaceful experience before the crowds arrive.
• Includes transportation, meals, and trekking poles for a hassle-free day.
• Guided by knowledgeable professionals, with oxygen and medical kits on hand.
• A moderate hike of around 1.5 hours uphill to the lagoon at 4,200 meters.
• Authentic cultural moments, including traditional offerings at the lagoon.
• Small group size (max 16 travelers), ensuring personal attention.

Exploring the Details of the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins bright and early with a 4:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel. While this might seem extreme, it’s a smart move—by leaving early, you enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer fellow travelers, and a more serene environment in the mountains. After a two-hour scenic drive, you’ll arrive at Mollepata, where a hearty breakfast awaits. This is a welcome pause and a chance to fuel up before the hike.

From Mollepata, it’s another two hours by vehicle to Soraypampa, the starting point for the trek. Here, gear up with trekking poles provided by the tour and prepare for an uphill ascent of about 1.5 hours to the lagoon. The climb to 4,200 meters (around 13,780 feet) isn’t trivial, but it’s manageable with steady pacing and proper acclimatization.

Reaching Humantay Lake feels like hitting a natural jackpot—crystal-clear waters reflecting the snow-capped Salkantay and surrounded by rugged peaks. You’ll have ample time to wander around, take photos, soak in the views, and observe local birds and plant life. Many travelers mention the peaceful atmosphere, especially when arriving early.

What You’ll Experience at Humantay Lake

The highlight is, of course, the spectacular scenery. The lake’s vibrant turquoise color contrasts with the rugged mountain backdrop, creating a picture-perfect scene. Many reviews mention the wild birds and flora as part of the experience, adding a touch of nature’s serenity. The tour guide often performs a traditional offering or ceremony, such as using coca leaves to pay homage to Pachamama, which adds cultural depth to the adventure.

Meals and Comfort

The tour thoughtfully includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, both of which receive praise for their quality, especially considering the remote location. The breakfast is a good way to energize for the hike, while the lunch offers a well-earned rest and refuel after the trek. The inclusion of trekking poles helps travelers maintain stability during the ascent and descent, making the hike safer and more comfortable.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation between Cusco and the trailhead is round-trip, comfortable, and reliable, removing the stress of navigating local buses or taxis. The group remains small, capped at 16 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere, which many reviewers appreciated—highlighting guides who are attentive and personable.

Additional Perks and Considerations

The tour provides a medical kit with oxygen, which is reassuring at these high altitudes. It’s important to note that the tour does not include an emergency horse, so if you’re concerned about the strenuous hike or altitude, consider your fitness level beforehand.

While most travelers find the early start worth it, be prepared for the lengthy day—you’re out from roughly 4:00 AM until evening. That said, the value is high considering the included meals, transportation, and guided experience.

Authentic Reviews and Real Experiences

One traveler raved, “The service was spectacular, and our guide Daniel was well prepared.” This highlights the professionalism and knowledge of the guides, which truly makes a difference when navigating high-altitude environments. Another reviewer mentioned, “The guide who accompanied us made us feel at home, and I loved the traditional offering to Pachamama.” Such cultural touches add authenticity that many travelers seek.

Food also scores high—several reviews praise the delicious breakfast and lunch, emphasizing that the meals are more than just fuel; they’re a part of the experience that makes the day enjoyable.

However, not all experiences are perfect. One review notes confusion about the guide’s name, suggesting that clarity and professionalism are crucial for a positive experience. It’s a reminder to double-check details with your provider and communicate any concerns.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Get a good night’s sleep before and pack layers—mountain weather can change quickly.
• Bring cash or small change for tips or souvenirs.
• Start early to enjoy the calm of the mountain landscape.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes and sun protection; high altitude can be harsh.
• Hydrate well and consider acclimatization days if you’re sensitive to altitude.
• If you’re concerned about hiking, note that emergency horses are not included, so prepare accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with moderate hikes at high altitude. It’s ideal for those who want a culturally enriching experience combined with stunning scenery. If you’re looking for a well-organized, small-group adventure with good food and knowledgeable guides, this tour checks those boxes. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up: Is the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour Worth It?

All in all, this tour offers a fantastic way to see a breathtaking natural wonder while enjoying good food, professional guidance, and cultural rituals. The early start and physical demand are balanced by the serenity of the mountain environment, which many reviews highlight as a highlight. If you’re eager to step off the beaten path and experience Peru’s stunning high-altitude lakes, this trip delivers.

It’s especially well-suited for adventurous souls who appreciate authentic experiences and are prepared for a moderate hike at elevation. The inclusion of transportation, meals, and trekking poles makes it a great value for a full-day adventure, and the small group size ensures more personal attention from guides.

For those who love scenic landscapes, cultural moments, and a well-organized journey, the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour is a memorable choice that’s hard to beat.

FAQ

How early will I be picked up?
You’ll be collected from your Cusco hotel at 4:00 AM, so be ready for an early start.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, entrance fee to Humantay Lake, breakfast and lunch buffets, trekking poles, and a medical kit with oxygen.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a breakfast buffet at Mollepata and a lunch buffet at the end of the hike are included and highly praised for their quality.

Does the tour accommodate all fitness levels?
It requires a moderate physical fitness level due to the uphill hike to 4,200 meters. No emergency horses are included, so be prepared for the full walk.

How long is the hike up to the lagoon?
About 1.5 hours of steady uphill hiking from Soraypampa, with some travelers mentioning it’s manageable with proper pacing.

What is the group size?
Limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What are the weather conditions like?
Expect varying weather—hot during the day, cold at high altitude, and possibly rain—so pack layers and rain gear.

Can I participate if I’m not very fit?
Travelers with a moderate fitness level will find it doable, but those with mobility concerns should consider alternatives.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes, at 4,200 meters, some travelers might experience symptoms. Staying hydrated and acclimatizing beforehand can help.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
The combination of early serene scenery, cultural offerings like the coca ceremony, and the inclusion of meals and trekking poles makes it a comprehensive, authentic experience.

Whether you’re after a scenic escape, cultural insight, or a physical challenge, the Humantay Lake Full Day Tour offers an enriching day in the Peruvian Andes that you’ll remember long after your return home.