Tours Extreme Humantay Lake Day Trip

Exploring the Torrid Peaks and Turquoise Waters of Humantay Lake: A Good-Value, Action-Packed Day Trip from Cusco

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines spectacular scenery with a healthy dose of adrenaline, the Tour Extreme Humantay Lake Day Trip might catch your eye. Priced at around $40 per person, this trip offers a blend of hiking past snow-capped mountains, zip lining across deep valleys, and experiencing South America’s highest swing. The tour departs early from Cusco, giving you a chance to escape the city and dive into the natural beauty of the Andes—an experience that’s as fun as it is scenic.

Two aspects we really appreciate are how the tour includes all transportation, entrance fees, breakfast, and lunch, making it straightforward to budget and plan your day without surprises. Plus, the chance to zip line over the stunning Humantay Nevado and swing at extreme heights gives this trip a unique edge not typically found on standard hikes.

A possible drawback, however, is the variable quality of guides—one review mentions a guide who couldn’t speak English, and an incident where the driver stopped for drinks mid-journey. If you value well-organized, professional guides, this might be a concern to consider.

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers who want to combine mountain vistas with thrills, and are comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity. Travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and stunning natural landscapes will find this trip rewarding, especially given the value for money and inclusion of meals and transportation.

Key Points

• Adventure and scenery combo with zip lining, hiking, and extreme swings
• All-inclusive price covers transportation, entrance fees, meals, and activities
• Early start ensures a full day exploring mountains and lakes
• Moderate physical fitness required, with options for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike
• Potential guide variability may impact the experience for some travelers
• Stunning views of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lake make it memorable

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins Early with Hotel Pickup

Most travelers will be picked up between 4:30 and 5:00 am, a common start time for mountain excursions. This early start means you’ll leave Cusco before dawn, riding in a private vehicle through the valley of the Apurimac River toward the small town of Mollepata. The early hours are well worth it, as the scenery along the drive is part of what makes this trip special—rolling hills, lush valleys, and dramatic mountain silhouettes.

Breakfast in Mollepata: Fuel for the Day

After a roughly two-hour drive, you’ll stop for a delicious breakfast in Mollepata. This is a good chance to stretch your legs and fuel up before tackling the day’s activities. Expect a simple, hearty meal, setting you up for the hike and adventure activities ahead.

Moving Toward Soraypampa and Humantay Lake

From breakfast, you’ll continue onward to Soraypampa, a picturesque spot surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered peaks. Here, the adventure begins in earnest. The highlight is the 800-meter zip line crossing a deep valley, offering breathtaking views of Humantay Nevado. While this zip line is a popular attraction and part of what makes the tour unique, it may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights or limited mobility.

After zip lining, the journey continues with a short 10-minute drive to Soraypampa, where the real hiking starts. From here, the trail takes you up through mountain terrain, reaching an altitude of around 4,200 meters. The hike offers stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains and glaciers—truly a photographer’s paradise. Expect a moderate exertion level; the altitude can make the hike more challenging than it appears on paper.

The Main Event: Humantay Lake and the High Swing

Arriving at Humantay Lake, you’ll be greeted by turquoise waters set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. The serenity of the lake provides a peaceful contrast to the adrenaline rush of the swings and zip lines. The extreme swing, claimed to be the highest in South America, is the most daring part of the trip. You’ll be strapped in and pushed to swing at heights that will get your heart pounding—definitely a highlight for thrill-seekers.

Many reviews mention the stunning scenery—the clear, bright water of the lake contrasted with the white snow and dark stone of the surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect setting for photos, and you’ll have ample time to soak in the views before heading back.

Return Journey and Lunch

After completing the swing and exploring the area, you’ll start the descent back to Soraypampa, then continue in the private vehicle toward Cusco. The trip includes a buffet lunch, usually featuring local dishes, which helps replenish your energy after a long, active day.

The return trip ends back at your hotel in Cusco, typically around 3 to 5 pm, depending on traffic and group pace.

What You Get for Your Money

This tour, costing about $40, provides good value considering the number of activities, transportation, meals, and entrance fees included. The all-inclusive nature means you won’t have to worry about additional costs, making it a practical choice for budget travelers wanting a comprehensive experience.

However, the quality of guides can vary—a review describes a guide who couldn’t speak English, and an incident where the driver stopped the van to drink alcohol. These issues highlight the importance of managing expectations regarding professionalism and safety standards.

The Experience of the Scenic Highlights

You’ll love the stunning mountain vistas and the tranquil Humantay Lagoon. The turquoise waters, framed by snow-capped peaks, are genuinely breathtaking and worth the early start and altitude gain. The zip line and swings add an extra thrill that elevates this from a simple hike to a memorable adventure.

The Challenges and Considerations

Travelers should be aware that altitude can cause discomfort, especially during strenuous activities like hiking and swinging at high elevations. Comfort with heights is essential if you want to fully enjoy the zip line and swing. Also, the group size is limited to 15 travelers, which helps maintain a more intimate atmosphere but means booking in advance is advisable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventure lovers who don’t mind a physically active day and are comfortable with heights. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate spectacular mountain scenery and want a value-packed experience that includes meals, transport, and activities.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

If you’re after a full-day mountain adventure that combines thrilling activities with the chance to see some of the most stunning scenery near Cusco, this tour offers a lot for the price. The adrenaline rush from zip lining and swinging at high altitude provides an experience you won’t find on every tour.

However, if you prefer guided tours with highly professional guides or are wary of variable management standards, you might find this trip less satisfying. The early start and altitude challenges are something to consider, especially if you’re sensitive to such conditions.

For those happy to embrace the adventure, enjoy breathtaking views, and are looking for good value for money, this tour will likely be a highlight of your Cusco itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transport in a private vehicle from and back to your hotel, making logistics hassle-free.

How early do I need to start?
The pickup is typically between 4:30 and 5:00 am, ensuring you maximize your day and see the sights before it gets crowded.

What’s the difficulty level?
The hike to Humantay Lake is moderate, with some altitude, so it’s suitable for travelers with average fitness levels who are comfortable with walking and hiking.

Are meals provided?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast and a buffet lunch, both of which help keep your energy up for mountain activities.

Can I do the zip lining if I’m afraid of heights?
The zip line is a highlight but involves crossing an 800-meter line over a deep valley. If height fears are an issue, you might want to skip or reconsider.

What’s the best time of year to take this trip?
Since the tour is available year-round, the dry season (May to October) is preferable for clearer skies and better hiking conditions, but check local weather updates.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the activities are adventurous, the high swings and zip line are best suited for teens and adults, especially considering altitude and heights.

How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is 15, which helps keep the experience personal but requires early booking.

What should I bring?
Bring water, rain poncho, cash in soles, fruits, camera, warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.

This tour offers an exciting, scenic, and well-priced way to experience some of the best natural highlights near Cusco. It’s perfect if you’re after a day filled with action, stunning views, and a taste of local mountain terrain—just be prepared for the altitude and variable guide quality.