Humantay Lake Tour From Cusco – Group Tour

Experience the Majesty of Humantay Lake: A Comprehensive Review

If you’re in Cusco and craving a taste of the breathtaking Peruvian Andes, the Humantay Lake Tour offers a fantastic day out for those willing to climb a bit. For around $35 per person, this full-day guided group adventure takes you through striking landscapes, from lush cloud forests to towering glaciers, culminating in the famous turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. The tour lasts about 12 to 13 hours, starting early in the morning, and includes hotel pickup, transport, meals, and walking sticks—making it a well-organized way to experience nature’s grandeur.

What we particularly love about this tour is the early start, which allows us to beat the crowds and enjoy the views in relative tranquility. Plus, the inclusion of breakfast and lunch means you can keep your energy up for the hike without worrying about extra expenses or packing food. On the flip side, the early wake-up call—around 4:00 am—may be a challenge for some, especially if you’re not naturally a morning person. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a good adventure, are reasonably fit, and love scenery that will leave them breathless.

Based on reviews and details, this trip is a solid choice for those seeking both a challenging hike and spectacular vistas. It’s especially ideal if you want guided support, good value for money, and a chance to see one of the region’s most iconic natural sights. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or eager to test your limits, this tour offers a memorable experience in the Peruvian mountains.

Key Points

• Early start helps avoid crowds and enjoy more peaceful scenery.
• All-inclusive transportation and meals streamline the experience and add value.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with detailed information and attentive support.
• Moderate physical activity required; suitable for travelers with decent fitness.
• Stunning landscapes and clear turquoise lake make the effort worthwhile.
• Group size limited to 18 ensures a more intimate experience.

Exploring the Full Itinerary: What to Expect

Pickup and Early Morning Start
The tour kicks off before sunrise, with hotel pickups starting around 4:00 am. This early start is one of the best parts, as it allows you to hit the road before most other visitors, giving you the advantage of pristine views and fewer crowds. Depending on your hotel location, the pickup time might vary, so it’s good to confirm in advance. We found that a prompt start sets the tone for a smooth day, especially considering the long hours involved.

Journey to Mollepata and Breakfast
Within about two hours, you’ll arrive in Mollepata, a small yet charming town that acts as the first stop. Here, a hearty breakfast awaits, often including options suited for vegetarians. This is a great chance to fuel up before the more demanding part of the trip. One review highlights this as a “delicious breakfast,” setting everyone up well for the hike ahead.

Scenic Drive Through the Andes
After breakfast, the journey continues along a dirt road for approximately an hour. This part is particularly scenic, as you’ll pass canyons, cloud forests, and glaciers—most notably, the Salkantay Glacier, which is the second-largest glacier in the Cusco region. The views are spectacular and are often cited as a highlight, with travelers commenting on the “beautiful landscapes” and “amazing glaciers.” The rougher terrain means your transportation is specially arranged for comfort and safety.

Hiking to Humantay Lake
The real adventure begins after the drive, with a roughly 1.5-hour hike to the lake. The ascent is moderately challenging, with some steeper sections, so pacing yourself is crucial. The hike is described as being “more step than Rainbow Mountain,” but the guides recommend frequent stops to avoid fatigue. We love the focus on taking it at your rhythm—no pressure, just enjoying the journey.

Reaching the Turquoise Wonder
Once at the lake, you’ll be rewarded with stunning turquoise waters set against snow-capped peaks. The view is truly postcard-perfect. The guide provides interesting details about the area, making your visit both scenic and educational. The typical stop here lasts around 40 minutes, enough time for photos, exploring, and soaking in the scenery. Several reviews praise the “lovely lake view” and note that walking up on the ridge offers an even better perspective—highly recommended if your legs permit.

Return and Lunch
After soaking in the scenery, you’ll retrace your steps back to the vehicle for the ride down. About an hour after arriving at the lake, a well-deserved lunch is served at the same restaurant from the morning, with vegetarian options available. We appreciate the convenience of the included meals, which keep the trip affordable and hassle-free—”good value for money” is a common sentiment from past travelers.

The Value of Guided Support and Included Amenities

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the guidance by knowledgeable guides. Reviewers like Joachim_S mention feeling “in good hands” with guides like Jenkins, who provided detailed information and attentive support during the hike. Having a guide not only enhances the experience but also helps keep the group safe and motivated, especially on the steeper sections.

The transportation is another key feature. The hotel pickup, comfortable vehicle, and all land transport eliminate the stress of navigating public transit or rental cars, allowing you to focus on the views and the hike. The walking sticks provided also make a difference, especially when ascending or descending uneven terrain.

On top of that, meals included—breakfast and lunch—are major value-adds, considering the long hours and physical exertion involved. These meals are often praised as tasty and filling, essential for fueling the hike and keeping spirits high.

The Challenges and Considerations

While overall positive, some travelers note potential drawbacks. The most common is the early wake-up time, which might be tough for those who prefer sleeping in or are not morning people. Plus, the drive back to Cusco is lengthy, and some critics mention that the time spent at the lake—though beautiful—is relatively short considering the long journey.

Another point to keep in mind is cost—the entrance fee to Humantay Lake is not included in the $35 price, so budget accordingly. Also, the hike demands moderate physical fitness; if you’re unsteady on your feet or have mobility issues, this may not be the best choice.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip appeals most to travelers who enjoy guided hikes, scenic landscapes, and don’t mind an early start. It’s ideal for those seeking good value, as the inclusive meals and transport make it a more affordable way to access a spectacular natural site. The positive reviews from past guests highlight the guides’ expertise and the stunning views, making this a reliable choice for an memorable adventure.

It’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer shorter excursions. Also, if you’re looking for a more relaxed day, the early start and physical effort involved might be less appealing.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those who love mountains, lakes, and challenging hikes, the Humantay Lake Tour offers an authentic, well-organized experience that balances adventure with comfort. The scenic drive and early start make it a smart choice for avoiding crowds, while the included meals, professional guides, and support gear add significant value.

The views at Humantay Lake are truly spectacular—emerald waters framed by snowy peaks—and many travelers leave with their cameras full and hearts full. The tour is a great way to connect with nature and push your limits a bit, making it perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

If you’re after a memorable day that combines physical activity, scenic beauty, and expert guidance, this trip is a solid investment. Just remember to pack your walking shoes, warm layers, and a good attitude—because the payoff is worth every step.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Pickup generally begins around 4:00 am, with the exact time depending on your hotel location. Be prepared for an early morning to make the most of the day.

How long is the drive from Cusco to Mollepata?
The drive takes approximately 2 hours to reach Mollepata, followed by an additional hour on dirt roads through scenic landscapes.

Is the hike to Humantay Lake difficult?
The hike lasts about 1.5 hours and is more challenging than Rainbow Mountain, with some steep sections. It’s suitable for those with moderate fitness levels willing to pace themselves.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast in the morning and lunch afterward, with vegetarian options available. The meals are often praised for their quality and taste.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee?
Yes, the Humantay Lake entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.

What should I bring?
Pack waterproof clothing if visiting between October and April, comfortable shoes, a small backpack, water, sun protection, and a camera. Walking sticks are provided.

In sum, if you’re seeking a day of stunning natural beauty, supported by good guides and included meals, the Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco offers a well-rounded, memorable adventure. Just be prepared for an early start and some physical exertion—and you’ll be rewarded with views that will stay with you long after you leave the mountains behind.