Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, is a gateway to some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. The Humantay Lake and Salkantay Day Trip offers travelers a chance to explore this remarkable region. With meals, transportation, and professional guidance included, this full-day adventure promises to immerse visitors in the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Andes. From the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake to the awe-inspiring Salkantay mountain range, this day trip promises an unforgettable experience.

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Key Points

Full-day adventure in the Cusco region, priced from $30.00 per person, available in Spanish and English, with cancellation option for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Includes scenic drive, breakfast, lunch, professional guide, transport, and entrance tickets, with a booking option without upfront payment.
Itinerary involves a 2-hour scenic drive to Mollepata for breakfast, followed by a 1.5-hour steep climb to Humantay Lake or optional horseback ride.
Highlights include the stunning Humantay Lagoon, a moderately challenging trek or leisurely horseback ride, and exploration of the sacred Incan site and breathtaking alpine scenery.
Tour includes tourist transport, professional guide, meals, permanent assistance, and entrance ticket to the site, with the opportunity to immerse in nature and cultural experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco: Humantay Lake and Salkantay Day Trip offers a full-day adventure in the Cusco region. Priced from $30.00 per person, this 1-day tour is available in Spanish and English.

Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour allows for booking without upfront payment.

The itinerary includes a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata for breakfast, followed by a 1.5-hour steep climb to the sacred Humantay Lake or an optional horseback ride.

Lunch in Mollepata and return to Cusco are also included, along with a professional guide, transport, and entrance tickets.

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Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from a designated point in Cusco, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata, where participants enjoy breakfast.

The tour begins with pickup from Cusco, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata, where participants enjoy breakfast.

Travelers then venture to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. The group embarks on a 1.5-hour steep climb to the sacred Humantay Lake or can opt for an optional horseback ride.

After exploring the Incan site and taking in the alpine views, the tour returns to Mollepata for lunch before heading back to Cusco.

Permanent assistance, nature sticks, and entrance tickets are included throughout the immersive one-day excursion.

Highlights

One of the main highlights of this tour is the visit to the stunning Humantay Lagoon.

Located at the base of the magnificent Nevado Salkantay, the lagoon boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding snowcapped peaks.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic, moderately challenging 1.5-hour trek to reach the lagoon, or opt for a more leisurely horseback ride.

Once there, travelers can explore the sacred Incan site and marvel at the breathtaking alpine scenery.

Another highlight is the scenic drive through the Andes, providing opportunities to take in the region’s stunning natural beauty.

Inclusions

This tour includes several key amenities to enhance the overall experience. Travelers will enjoy tourist transport to and from the starting point, as well as a professional guide to ensure a smooth and informative journey. Breakfast and lunch are provided, so participants can fuel up before and after the hike. Permanent assistance is available throughout the day, and nature sticks are supplied to aid in the trek. Plus, an entrance ticket to the site (around 25 soles) is included in the price.

| Inclusion | Description |

| — | — |

| Tourist Transport | Pickup and drop-off at designated point in Cusco |

| Professional Guide | Knowledgeable guide to lead the tour |

| Meals | Breakfast and lunch provided |

| Assistance | Permanent support throughout the day |

| Entrance Ticket | Approximately 25 soles |

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Booking Information

To check availability for this tour, customers can select their preferred starting time and number of participants.

The meeting point for this tour is available on Google Maps, making it easy for travelers to find.

The meeting point for this tour is available on Google Maps, making it easy for travelers to find.

Once customers have selected their desired date and group size, they can book their spot without any upfront payment. This "reserve now & pay later" option allows customers to secure their place on the tour first before making the full payment.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, customers can enjoy a flexible booking experience.

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Getting There

Travelers embark on the tour with a pickup from a designated point in Cusco.

They’ll enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata, where they’ll stop for breakfast. From there, they’ll travel to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek.

The ascent to Humantay Lake is a steep 1.5-hour climb, though an optional horseback ride is available. Along the way, they’ll explore a sacred Incan site and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Andes.

After exploring the lagoon, they’ll enjoy lunch in Mollepata before heading back to Cusco.

What to Expect

The trek to Humantay Lake is a moderate hike that challenges participants’ endurance. Along the way, adventurers will witness stunning alpine scenery, including:

Towering snow-capped peaks
Cascading waterfalls
Lush green valleys
Glacial rivers

Upon reaching the lake, guests will be awestruck by its vibrant turquoise waters, reflecting the majestic Humantay Mountain.

After exploring this sacred Incan site, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Mollepata before the scenic drive back to Cusco.

The Humantay Lake excursion offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and physical adventure.

Nearby Attractions

While exploring the Humantay Lake, adventurers can also discover several nearby attractions that offer additional opportunities for cultural and natural immersion.

One popular site is the Incan ruins of Choquequirao, a majestic and remote archaeological complex often referred to as the "second Machu Picchu".

Visitors can also hike through the stunning Salkantay mountain range, which provides breathtaking vistas of glacier-capped peaks.

Plus, the nearby town of Mollepata is known for its colonial architecture and vibrant local markets, where travelers can enjoy Peruvian culture and purchase handcrafted souvenirs.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, so all meals are provided. Bringing outside food and drinks is not permitted.

What Should I Wear and Bring for the Tour?

For the tour, it’s best to wear comfortable hiking boots, layers of clothing, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. Bringing snacks, water, and a camera to capture the scenic views is also recommended.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can add extra activities or explore the area further for an additional cost. Extended tours provide more time to fully experience the highlights of the Humantay Lake and Salkantay trek.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour provider doesn’t currently offer any discounts or special offers. However, they may have promotional deals or package options available periodically, so it’s best to check their website or inquire directly for the latest information.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, you can typically customize the itinerary to fit your preferences. The tour operator may allow you to adjust the pace, activities, or lunch options based on your interests and needs.

Sum Up

The Humantay Lake and Salkantay Day Trip offers a chance to take in the breathtaking beauty of Cusco. This full-day adventure features a scenic drive, delicious meals, and a moderate trek to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks. With professional guidance and all necessary transport provided, it’s an opportunity to experience the rich culture and stunning landscapes of this remarkable region.