Tour to the HUMANTAY LAGOON from CUSCO

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Humantay Lagoon with this affordable, well-organized tour from Cusco. For just $38, you’ll spend about 12 hours exploring one of the most iconic spots in the Peruvian Andes, complete with transport, meals, and a knowledgeable guide. Starting early at 4:00 am, this tour takes you through scenic landscapes, offering a unique blend of adventure and culture.

What we particularly like about this experience is the thoughtful itinerary that balances physical activity with moments of reflection, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet appreciation. The inclusion of buffet-style breakfast and lunch ensures you’ll stay energized for the day’s adventures. Plus, the small group size (max 18 travelers) helps foster a more personal experience, making it easier to connect with your guide and fellow travelers.

A potential consideration is the early start time—for some, waking up before dawn may be a challenge. Also, the walking involved (about 1.5 hours from Soraypampa to the lagoon) requires moderate physical fitness, so travelers should be prepared for some physical exertion.

This tour is ideal for adventurers who appreciate stunning mountain scenery and don’t mind a bit of a trek. It’s perfect for those seeking an authentic experience that combines active exploration with the comfort of guided logistics. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see one of Peru’s most iconic lakes, this tour should definitely be on your list.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $38, this tour offers excellent value considering transport, meals, and guiding.
• Scenic Highlights: You’ll see snow-capped mountains like Salkantay and Humantay, along with local flora and fauna.
• Includes Meals: Buffet-style breakfast and lunch help keep energy levels high for the day’s activities.
• Small Group: Limited to 18 travelers, providing a more intimate, personalized experience.
• Physical Activity: About 1.5 hours walking to reach the lagoon, suitable for travelers with moderate fitness.
• Weather Dependence: The tour relies on good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable.

A Deep Dive into the Humantay Lagoon Tour Experience

Starting Early for the Best Views

The tour kicks off around 4:00 am with hotel pickups in Cusco. This early start might seem daunting, but it’s essential to beat the crowds and catch the sunrise over the mountains. The group is transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the ride comfortable despite the early hour. We appreciate how this early departure allows you to maximize your day, arriving at Soraypampa around mid-morning to begin the hike.

The Journey to Soraypampa and the Hike to Humantay

The first part of the journey takes you to Mollepata, where a buffet breakfast is served. This meal is a nice touch, especially after an early start, giving you energy for the hike. After breakfast, the vehicle continues to Soraypampa, the starting point for the walk.

The hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lagoon lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The terrain varies but is generally manageable for those with moderate fitness. Along the way, you’ll pass Andean landscapes filled with local animals, typical vegetation, and views of Salkantay, a snow-capped mountain that dominates the horizon.

The Highlight: Humantay Lagoon

Reaching Humantay Lagoon is a moment of quiet awe. Surrounded by towering mountains and snow, the lake’s turquoise waters glisten under the sun, creating an almost surreal scene. Your guide will provide explanations about the area, and you’ll have time for photos and reflection.

One traveler summed it up beautifully: “The randonnée est difficile mais quelle beauté cette montagne et son lac,” highlighting the challenging but ultimately rewarding nature of the hike. The 45-minute stop here allows you to absorb the scenery, snap pictures, and enjoy a moment of peace amid the landscape.

Return and Lunch

After soaking in the views, the group retraces their steps back to Soraypampa, then continues by vehicle to Mollepata for a buffet-style lunch. Though some reviews mention the lunch being light on meat, the overall consensus is that the food is good and satisfying.

End of the Tour

The tour concludes back in Cusco around 6:00 pm. While the long day involves early rising and some physical activity, the experience is generally well-paced, with plenty of breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This tour strikes a good balance between adventure and comfort. The inclusion of transport, meals, and walking sticks means you can focus on enjoying the sights rather than logistics. The small group size fosters a more intimate atmosphere, which many travelers appreciate.

The tour’s popularity is reflected in its high recommendation rate of 97%, and the fact that it’s booked on average 69 days in advance speaks to its appeal and reliability. However, as with many mountain excursions, the weather can affect plans, and cancellations are fully refunded if they occur due to poor conditions.

Authentic Experiences

Despite some reviews mentioning issues like lack of response from the tour operator, the overall feedback highlights the spectacular scenery and the well-organized logistics. Many travelers mention that the views are breathtaking and the walk worthwhile, making the early wake-up call more than worth it.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a bit of physical exertion and are eager to see one of the most beautiful spots in the Andes. It’s ideal if you value small group sizes and organized logistics, which help reduce stress and maximize enjoyment. Also, it’s a good choice for those who appreciate authentic landscapes and are comfortable with moderate hikes.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to explore the mountains near Cusco with a reliable operator, this tour offers excellent value and unforgettable scenery.

FAQs

Is transportation provided?
Yes, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to Mollepata and Soraypampa, ensuring a comfortable journey.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers the transportation, buffet breakfast and lunch, walking sticks, and first aid (including oxygen). Admission tickets are not included.

How early do I need to wake up?
The tour starts with hotel pickups between 4:00 and 4:30 am, so be prepared for an early start to make the most of the day.

What is the physical level required?
The walk to Humantay Lagoon takes about 1.5 hours and involves some moderate hiking. Travelers should have moderate fitness to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable if they occur within the policy window.

Are children allowed?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate physical activity suggests that children with good fitness levels and an adventurous spirit should be fine.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing (it can be cold at high altitude), sunscreen, and camera. The tour provides walking sticks, but personal items like water and snacks are recommended.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience of one of Peru’s most iconic mountain lakes. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to combine scenic beauty, good value, and a manageable adventure from Cusco.