Cusco: Humantay Lake With Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

Cusco’s Humantay Lake adventure promises an unforgettable day of natural splendor and culinary delights. From an early morning pickup to a scenic van ride and a rewarding hike, this tour offers a chance to witness the turquoise waters of the lake, framed by the majestic Salkantay Mountain. With optional horse riding, hearty breakfast, and a delicious buffet lunch, the experience caters to various preferences. Whether seeking breathtaking views or savoring local flavors, this Cusco excursion has something to captivate every traveler.

Key Points

• This full-day Cusco adventure takes visitors on a hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, surrounded by the Salkantay mountain range.
• The tour includes early morning pickup from Cusco hotels, a 2-hour van ride to Mollepata for breakfast, and a 2-hour hike to the lake.
• Participants can opt for an additional 1.5-hour horse riding experience and enjoy a buffet lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco.
• The tour is priced between $27.69 and $39.00 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Guests have the option to reserve now and pay later, with savings of up to 29% on the tour price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Cusco: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch," offers an enticing opportunity to explore the stunning Humantay Lake at a discounted price.

Priced from $27.69 to $39.00 per person, the tour provides a full-day adventure, lasting 12 hours. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

With the ability to save up to 29%, this tour presents an excellent value for the comprehensive itinerary and immersive experience it provides.

Itinerary and Activities

Guests embark on their excursion with an early morning pickup from downtown hotels in Cusco, departing between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM.

Guests depart their Cusco hotels between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM for their early morning excursion.

They’ll enjoy a 2-hour van ride to Mollepata for breakfast before continuing their journey to Soraypampa.

The main activity is a 2-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, surrounded by the majestic Salkantay mountain.

Adventurous souls can opt for a 1.5-hour horse riding experience for an additional fee.

After admiring the lake, guests hike back to Soraypampa and enjoy a 30-minute lunch in Mollepata before being dropped off in Cusco’s historic center.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with an early morning pickup, with guests departing their downtown Cusco hotels between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM. From there, it’s a 2-hour van ride to Mollepata for breakfast. After a quick 30-minute meal, the group continues on for another hour to reach Soraypampa.

| Stage | Duration | Destination |

| — | — | — |

| Pickup | 30 minutes | Downtown Cusco hotels |

| Van Ride 1 | 2 hours | Mollepata |

| Breakfast | 30 minutes | Mollepata |

| Van Ride 2 | 1 hour | Soraypampa |

The transportation provides a comfortable and efficient way to reach the starting point of the Humantay Lake hike.

Hiking to Humantay Lake

After reaching Soraypampa, participants embark on the 1.8-mile (3km) hike to Humantay Lake.

The trail steadily climbs through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. As hikers ascend, the air grows thinner, and the pace slows.

Reaching the lake’s edge, participants are rewarded with a breathtaking sight – the turquoise waters reflecting the towering Salkantay Mountain. Photographers capture the serene moment, while others take a well-deserved rest.

The return hike follows the same path, allowing for a final glimpse of the serene lake before descending back to Soraypampa.

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Optional Horse Riding

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the tour offers an optional horse riding experience. This adds an extra 1.5 hours to the itinerary, allowing participants to cover the trail to Humantay Lake on horseback:

• Experienced guides lead the horse riding activity

• Horses are well-trained and suitable for all skill levels

• Riders will enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Salkantay mountain range

Riding time is approximately 1.5 hours up to the lake viewpoint. Riders must be at least 8 years old and weigh less than 220 lbs.

Photo Stop and Return Hike

Once atop the trail, participants enjoy a 30-minute photo stop at Humantay Lake.

Mesmerized, they gaze upon the stunning turquoise waters nestled between towering mountains.

Breathtaking vistas of the nearby Salkantay peak create a picturesque backdrop.

Guides encourage participants to capture the ethereal scene, providing ample time to immortalize the moment through pictures.

After the photo op, the group begins the 2-hour return hike to Soraypampa.

The descent follows the same route, allowing participants to appreciate the landscape from a different angle.

Tired but fulfilled, they board the van for the final leg of the journey.

Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

The tour includes a breakfast stop in Mollepata, a quaint village located about 30 minutes from the trailhead. This hearty meal sets the tone for the day’s adventure.

The buffet lunch, served in Mollepata upon return, offers a variety of local and international dishes to refuel hikers:

• Authentic Peruvian specialties, like lomo saltado and quinoa salad

• Freshly baked breads and pastries

• Vegetarian and gluten-free options

• Fresh juices and hot beverages

• Desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth

These meals provide the energy and nourishment needed to tackle the challenging hike to Humantay Lake.

Participant Requirements and Recommendations

While the Humantay Lake tour offers stunning scenery and cultural experiences, it’s important to consider the participant requirements and recommendations. The tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, vertigo, or respiratory problems, and participants should be in relatively good physical condition to handle the 1.8-mile hike to the lake.

| Requirements | Recommendations |

|————–|—————–|

| Comfortable shoes | Warm clothing |

| Snacks and water | Sunglasses and sunscreen |

| Prepared for changing weather | Rain gear |

Participants should check the weather forecast and pack accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Things To Know

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Humantay Lake?

The best time to visit Humantay Lake is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and mild, making the hike more enjoyable and the views of the stunning turquoise lake clearer.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The Humantay Lake tour may not be suitable for families with young children. It involves a strenuous 1.8-mile hike to an elevation of 4,200 meters, which could be challenging for small kids. The tour is better suited for fit, experienced hikers.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Age Requirements?

There’s no minimum age, but the tour isn’t recommended for children as it involves a strenuous hike. Participants should be in relatively good physical condition to complete the challenging trek to Humantay Lake.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

The tour company allows guests to customize their experience by adding optional activities like horseback riding for an additional fee. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide to tailor the itinerary to their interests.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

Group sizes for this tour typically range from small to medium, with an average of 10-15 participants. The tour operator aims to maintain an intimate group experience while ensuring efficient logistics and personalized attention from the guide.

Sum Up

The Humantay Lake tour from Cusco offers an unforgettable experience with stunning views, a hearty breakfast, and a delicious buffet lunch. Whether you choose to hike or ride horses, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking turquoise waters of the lake, framed by the majestic Salkantay Mountain. With prices ranging from $27.69 to $39.00, this full-day adventure promises a memorable journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: