Cusco: One Day Trip to Humantay Lake and Salkantay + Meals

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, beckons travelers with its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This one-day excursion promises to whisk you away to the breathtaking Humantay Lake and the majestic Salkantay Mountain, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s awe-inspiring beauty. From the comfortable van ride to the delectable meals, every aspect of this guided tour is designed to immerse you in the region’s captivating essence. But the real adventure lies in…

Key Points

• A one-day excursion from Cusco to explore the scenic Humantay Lake and the culturally significant Nevado Salkantay, with transportation, meals, and a professional guide included.
• The tour is priced from $29.90 per person, available in English and Spanish, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include stunning views of the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, the cultural significance of Nevado Salkantay, and opportunities for optional horse rides and photography.
• The itinerary includes a 2.5-hour van ride to Soraypampa, a 1-hour breakfast stop in Mollepata, and a 1.5-hour hike to Humantay Lake.
• Reservations can be made with a reserve now & pay later option, and the tour ensures a seamless adventure focusing on natural beauty and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a one-day excursion from Cusco to the stunning Humantay Lake and the sacred Salkantay mountain. Priced from $29.90 per person, the tour lasts one day and is available in English and Spanish.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now & pay later option.

The journey includes pickup in Cusco, a 2.5-hour van ride to Soraypampa, a breakfast stop, hiking to Humantay Lake, a guided tour of Salkantay, an optional horse ride, and a lunch stop before the 2.5-hour return trip to Cusco.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from Cusco, followed by a 2.5-hour van ride to the starting point in Soraypampa.

Travelers enjoy a 1-hour breakfast stop in Mollepata before embarking on the 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake.

After exploring the lake, the group moves on to the sacred Nevado Salkantay, where they spend 1.5 hours taking in the views and learning about its cultural significance. An optional horse ride is available.

Lunch is provided in Mollepata, and the return van trip to Cusco’s Plaza Regocijo takes 2.5 hours.

The key points of the itinerary are:

1. Pickup in Cusco

2. 2.5-hour van ride to Soraypampa

3. 1-hour breakfast stop in Mollepata

4. 1.5-hour hike to Humantay Lake

Highlights

Scenic views of Humantay Lagoon await travelers, with its striking turquoise waters set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

The sacred Nevado Salkantay, a towering mountain, is a highlight of the tour. Visitors can learn about the cultural significance of this Inca site, which was an important part of the ancient empire’s sacred geography.

An optional horse ride offers a unique perspective on the dramatic landscapes. Throughout the day, the tour provides opportunities to capture stunning photographs and take in the natural beauty and rich history of the region.

Inclusions

This one-day tour from Cusco to Humantay Lake and Salkantay includes turistic transport, a professional guide, and both breakfast and lunch.

The tour also provides permanent assistance, nature sticks, and an entrance ticket (approximately 25 soles).

Permanent assistance, nature sticks, and an entrance ticket (approximately 25 soles) are provided on this tour.

Specifically, the inclusions are:

1. Turistic transport

2. Professional guide

3. Breakfast and lunch

4. Permanent assistance, nature sticks, and entrance ticket

These inclusions ensure a seamless and well-supported adventure, allowing travelers to focus on experiencing the stunning natural beauty and cultural significance of Humantay Lake and Salkantay.

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Booking Information

Travelers can check availability for starting times and select their preferred participants and date to reserve their spot on this one-day tour to Humantay Lake and Salkantay.

The itinerary is subject to change, so it’s best to use the information as a reference only. Booking can be done with the reserve now & pay later option.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This comprehensive tour includes scenic transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, and all necessary equipment, making it an easy and convenient way to explore the stunning Humantay Lake and Salkantay region.

Pickup Location and Travel Time

The tour begins with pickup from locations in Cusco, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to the starting point in Soraypampa.

Along the way, travelers will make a 1-hour breakfast stop in Mollepata to fuel up before the day’s activities.

The journey offers scenic views of the Andean landscape, providing a glimpse of the natural beauty that awaits.

Scenic views of the Andean landscape provide a glimpse of the natural beauty that awaits.

The tour itinerary includes:

1. Pickup in Cusco

2. 2.5-hour drive to Soraypampa

3. 1-hour breakfast stop in Mollepata

4. Continued travel to the trailhead in Soraypampa.

Breakfast and Lunch Stops

After the initial 2.5-hour drive from Cusco, travelers make a 1-hour breakfast stop in the town of Mollepata. Here, they can indulge in a hearty meal to fuel their day’s adventures.

The breakfast typically includes a variety of local dishes, such as freshly baked breads, eggs, and traditional Peruvian fare.

Following the morning meal, the group resumes their journey, making their way towards the trailhead for the hike to Humantay Lake.

Later in the day, the tour includes a 1-hour lunch stop back in Mollepata, providing an opportunity to refuel and enjoy the local cuisine before the return trip to Cusco.

Optional Horse Ride

One optional activity during the tour is a horse ride. For those who don’t feel like hiking the steep ascent to Humantay Lake, a horse can be rented. This provides a more leisurely way to reach the scenic viewpoint.

The horse ride typically takes:

1. 30-45 minutes to reach the lake

2. Allows for a relaxing ride through the stunning mountain scenery

3. Includes the guidance of an experienced local horseman

4. Costs an additional fee, payable on the day of the tour

The horse ride offers an alternative for those who prefer not to hike the entire way, while still enjoying the magnificent vistas of Humantay Lake.

Things To Know

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy allows travelers to cancel their reservation without penalty if their plans change.

Can I Book the Tour for a Group?

Yes, travelers can book the tour for a group. The tour provider offers the option to reserve spots for multiple participants, allowing groups to experience the Humantay Lake and Salkantay highlights together.

What Should I Bring for the Hike?

For the hike, you’ll want to bring sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing, a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the scenic views. Remember to pack lightly and dress for the changeable mountain weather.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, though the hike to Humantay Lake is quite steep. The tour operator provides nature sticks and can accommodate families, making it a great option for those traveling with kids.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Optional Horse Ride?

The optional horse ride has some restrictions – children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and riders over 120 lbs may require an additional fee or not be permitted on the horse. Riders should check with the tour operator for specific details.

Sum Up

This one-day tour to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Mountain from Cusco offers an unbeatable opportunity to experience the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. With hassle-free transportation, delicious meals, and an expert guide, you’ll be able to learn about the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this iconic Peruvian destination. Don’t miss out on this chance to create lifelong memories in the heart of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: