From Cusco: Humantay Lake With Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

Nestled high in the Andes, Humantay Lake is a true natural wonder. This full-day tour from Cusco offers travelers the chance to witness its breathtaking beauty firsthand. For just $42 per person, guests embark on a scenic journey, complete with transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and delectable meals. While the hike to the lake requires some effort, the reward is a striking turquoise body of water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. But the adventure doesn’t end there…

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Key Points

A 1-day Humantay Lake tour from Cusco priced at $42.00 per person, with round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, meals, and entrance fees included.
The tour departs Cusco between 4:00-4:30 am, with a 3-hour travel time to the Soraypampa trailhead and a 1-1.5 hour hike up to the lake.
Laguna Humantay is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters, offering stunning views of the Humantay Glacier and Andean landscape.
The tour includes a light breakfast upon arrival at Soraypampa and a buffet lunch before the estimated 5:00-6:00 pm return to Cusco.
A memorable Pachamama ceremony is conducted at the lake, honoring the Inca goddess of the earth through offerings and spiritual practices.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The Humantay Lake tour with breakfast and buffet lunch is priced from $42.00 per person.

The tour lasts 1 day and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour departs from Cusco and includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and entrance fees. Optional extras like horse rental are available.

Customer feedback is excellent, with reviewers highlighting the scenic beauty, professional guide, and quality of the experience.

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Itinerary and Schedule

Typically, the tour departs Cusco between 4:00 to 4:30 am, with the travel time to the Soraypampa trailhead taking approximately 3 hours by bus.

Guests arrive at Soraypampa between 7:30 to 8:00 am and enjoy a light breakfast.

The hike to Laguna Humantay takes 1 to 1.5 hours, covering a distance of about 3 kilometers uphill. Hikers reach the lake between 9:30 and 10:00 am and spend 45 minutes to 1 hour admiring the stunning scenery.

The return trip to Soraypampa takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, where a buffet lunch is served midway before the estimated arrival back in Cusco around 5:00 to 6:00 pm.

Hiking Details

The Laguna Humantay sits at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), offering hikers stunning views of the Humantay Glacier and the surrounding Andean landscape.

For those who don’t want to hike the entire distance, horse rental is available for the initial uphill portion. The guide provides thorough preparation and instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The hike to the lake takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and covers a distance of about 3 kilometers.

The hike to the lake covers a distance of about 3 kilometers and takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

After spending 45 minutes to 1 hour at the lake, the descent back to Soraypampa takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Inclusions and Services

The tour package includes pickup from a central Cusco hotel and round-trip transportation.

A bilingual guide fluent in Spanish and English accompanies the group throughout the excursion.

The tour also provides:

A buffet breakfast and lunch, with a vegetarian option available
First aid kit and oxygen bottle for emergencies
One wooden hiking stick per person (optional)
Entrance fees to Humantay Lagoon, with separate pricing for Peruvian nationals and foreigners
Travel insurance, though horse rental is an additional cost.

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Customer Feedback

According to the customer reviews, the Humantay Lake tour has received an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 1 review.

Customers have highlighted the tour’s beautiful scenery, professional guide, memorable Pachamama ceremony, and quality food.

The tour’s beautiful scenery, professional guide, memorable Pachamama ceremony, and quality food have all been praised by customers.

The experience is described as highly recommended for the incredible views and overall experience.

The tour’s high ratings and positive feedback suggest it provides an exceptional opportunity for visitors to explore the stunning Humantay Lagoon and the surrounding Andean landscape.

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Stunning Scenery at Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake boasts a breathtaking landscape, captivating visitors with its crystal-clear turquoise waters mirroring the majestic Humantay Glacier above.

Towering Andean peaks and lush alpine meadows create a serene and awe-inspiring setting.

Highlights of the scenic lake include:

The dramatic, snow-capped Humantay Glacier that overlooks the tranquil waters
Vibrant greens and blues that reflect the pristine natural beauty of the area
Opportunities to witness Pachamama, the Inca goddess of the earth, as part of the tour experience

The stunning scenery at Humantay Lake is a major draw for visitors, promising an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes.

Preparing for the Hike

Although the journey to Humantay Lake may seem daunting, thorough preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

Guests should dress in warm, layered clothing and wear sturdy hiking boots. Bringing trekking poles can provide extra stability and support. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, so packing snacks and water is essential.

The high altitude can affect some travelers, so the tour includes an oxygen bottle and first aid kit for emergencies.

The tour provides oxygen bottles and first aid kits to address potential high-altitude effects on travelers.

With the guidance of an experienced bilingual guide, the uphill hike becomes manageable, allowing hikers to fully enjoy the breathtaking views at Humantay Lake.

Memorable Pachamama Ceremony

As guests arrive at the serene Laguna Humantay, the experienced guide invites them to participate in a memorable Pachamama ceremony.

The Pachamama, or Mother Earth, ceremony honors the sacred connection between the land, people, and Andean cosmology.

The ritual includes:

Offering coca leaves, flowers, and other symbolic items to Pachamama
Expressing gratitude for the natural beauty and blessings of the lake
Connecting with the spiritual essence of the Andes through chanting and meditation

This sacred ceremony enhances the transformative experience of visiting Humantay Lake, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural heritage.

Since You Asked

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size. Travelers can book individually, and the tour operates with a small group of participants to provide a personalized experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parental discretion is advised for those under 6 due to the strenuous hike.

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

Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the hike. However, a buffet breakfast and lunch are provided as part of the tour package, so bringing additional food may not be necessary.

Is It Possible to Extend the Time at the Lake?

It’s possible to extend the time at the lake, but this would need to be coordinated with the tour operator. They generally provide around 45 minutes to 1 hour at the lake, though this timeframe can be flexible.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Tour Price?

Yes, there are some additional costs beyond the tour price. The entrance fee to Humantay Lagoon is 20 soles for foreigners, and horse rental is an optional extra service that comes with an additional charge.

The Sum Up

The Humantay Lake tour from Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Andes. With round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and delicious meals, this experience is an exceptional value at just $42 per person. Whether you choose to hike or ride a horse, the stunning lake and Pachamama ceremony will leave a lasting impression on visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here: