From Cusco: 2-Day 1-Night Humantay Lake Trek & Machu Picchu

The "From Cusco: 2-Day 1-Night Humantay Lake Trek & Machu Picchu" tour offers a chance to explore two of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders. Travelers can trek to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, then discover the iconic Machu Picchu with expert guidance. While some reviews mention a rushed experience at the latter site, the tour’s balance of adventure and sightseeing makes it an enticing option for those seeking an unforgettable Andean experience. With comfortable accommodations and well-organized logistics, this trip could be the perfect way to…

Key Points

• This 2-day, 1-night tour from Cusco includes a trek to Humantay Lake and a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu site.
• The tour is priced from $497 per person and can accommodate up to 10 participants.
• The itinerary includes hotel pickup, guided tours, transportation, and meals, with early morning departure from Cusco.
• Participants should bring comfortable shoes, water, and valid passports, and be aware of some restrictions on items and suitability.
• Customer reviews generally praise the organization, guides, and the Humantay Lake trek, though some note a rushed pace at Machu Picchu.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This 2-day, 1-night tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning Humantay Lake and the iconic Machu Picchu. Priced from $497 per person, the tour accommodates up to 10 participants and is available in English and Spanish.

While the trip is non-refundable, the itinerary includes hotel pickup, guided tours, transportation, and meals. Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, water, and valid passports, as certain health restrictions and luggage limitations apply.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM.

Travelers then travel to Mollepata village, about 2 hours away, where they enjoy breakfast.

The trek to Humantay Lake, a sacred site in Incan mythology, takes 1.5 hours. Guests can rent horses for the ascent.

After returning to Mollepata for lunch, the group travels to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu.

Overnight accommodations are provided in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, along with English or Spanish-speaking guides to lead the way.

Cusco hotel pickup and English or Spanish-speaking guides to lead the way are included in the tour.

Transportation with a polar blanket, a tour of Humantay Lake with a hiking stick, and meals on Day 1 and Day 2 are also provided.

Participants will enjoy private transportation to Ollantaytambo, round-trip expedition train to Aguas Calientes, and bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu.

The tour also includes the entry ticket and a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, as well as bus transportation back to the hotel in Cusco.

Important Information

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, water, a raincoat, sunblock, and a valid passport in a backpack.

Luggage, large bags, drones, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

This trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or those with heart problems.

Tickets for climbing Huayna Picchu must be arranged at least a month in advance, costing an additional $25 per person.

While the tour offers breathtaking views and excellent guides, some customers found the pace a bit rushed, especially at Machu Picchu, due to timing with other groups.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

Customers have given the 2-Day 1-Night Humantay Lake Trek & Machu Picchu tour an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews.

Reviewers praised the well-organized nature of the trip and the breathtaking views, especially at Humantay Lake. Travelers were also impressed by the knowledgeable guides.

However, some found the tour felt rushed, particularly at Machu Picchu, due to timing with other groups.

The Humantay Lake Experience

Although the Humantay Lake is the primary focus of the first day, it’s the trek to reach this sacred Incan site that captivates many travelers.

The 1.5-hour hike through the Andes offers stunning mountain vistas, including snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Trekkers have the option to rent horses for a portion of the journey, making the ascent more manageable.

Upon reaching the vibrant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, visitors are rewarded with the opportunity to soak in the serene, spiritual atmosphere and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Many consider this the highlight of the entire two-day excursion.

Exploring Machu Picchu

After marveling at the serene beauty of Humantay Lake, the tour shifts its focus to exploring the iconic Machu Picchu. The day begins with an early breakfast followed by a bus ride to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors embark on a guided tour, discovering the ancient Inca citadel’s breathtaking architecture, terraces, and plazas. Those seeking a more strenuous adventure can opt to climb Huayna Picchu, offering panoramic vistas. The tour then provides free time to wander the site independently before heading back to Cusco, completing this unforgettable Andean adventure.

| Machu Picchu Highlights | Duration | Difficulty |

| — | — | — |

| Guided Tour | 2 hours | Easy |

| Huayna Picchu | 1-2 hours | Moderate |

| Free Exploration | Flexible | Easy |

Transportation and Logistics

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM, allowing participants to start their journey early.

A pre-dawn hotel pickup in Cusco kick-starts this early-rising tour, allowing participants to embark on their journey with the first light of day.

They’ll travel to the village of Mollepata, about a 2-hour drive, where they’ll enjoy breakfast before beginning the trek to Humantay Lake.

After exploring the sacred Incan site, they’ll return to Mollepata for lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes.

The next day, they’ll take the first bus to Machu Picchu, where they’ll have a guided tour and time to explore on their own.

Finally, they’ll return to Cusco by train and bus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Hike Machu Picchu Mountain Instead of Huayna Picchu?

Yes, there’s an option to hike Machu Picchu Mountain instead of Huayna Picchu. Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain must also be arranged in advance and cost $25 per person.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?

Bringing your own food and snacks is allowed on the trek. However, the tour includes most meals, so it’s best to check with the operator about any restrictions or preferences for outside food to ensure a smooth experience.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Hotel in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade the hotel in Aguas Calientes. Travelers can choose to stay in a higher-rated hotel for an additional cost. The tour operator can provide pricing and availability for upgraded accommodations upon request.

Can I Extend My Stay in Cusco Before or After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Cusco before or after the tour. The tour operator can assist with booking additional nights at your hotel in Cusco based on your preferences and availability.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Trek?

The minimum age requirement for the Humantay Lake Trek & Machu Picchu tour is not explicitly stated. However, the tour may not be suitable for young children due to the strenuous hiking involved. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any age restrictions.

The Sum Up

The "From Cusco: 2-Day 1-Night Humantay Lake Trek & Machu Picchu" tour offers an unparalleled adventure. Combining a scenic trek to Humantay Lake and a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, it’s a must-do for adventure enthusiasts. Though some reviews mention a rushed Machu Picchu experience, the breathtaking views and well-organized trips make this an unforgettable journey worth the price tag.

You can check availability for your dates here: