CUSCO ADVENTURE - Humantay Lake: Hike + Buffet Lunch

Cusco Aventura offers an exhilarating day trip to the stunning Humantay Lake. Adventurers can embark on a 2.5-hour hike to a breathtaking turquoise lagoon nestled at 4,200 meters. The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and a hearty buffet lunch. With safety measures in place, participants can fully enjoy the captivating landscapes of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. The journey promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of Peru.

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Key Points

Full-day tour to Humantay Lake, a glacial lagoon at 4,200 meters, including round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, breakfast, and buffet lunch.
Moderate 2.5-hour hike from Soraypampa to the lake, with a resting point at 4,125 meters, offering stunning views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba range.
Preparation for potential altitude sickness, such as slow pacing, hydration, and supplemental oxygen, is recommended to enhance the experience.
Tour provides essential equipment like blankets and hiking poles to ensure participant comfort and safety during the high-altitude trek.
Limited to 15 participants, with the tour available in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of CUSCO AVENTURA – Humantay Lake

CUSCO AVENTURA offers a breathtaking day trip to Humantay Lake, a stunning glacial lagoon nestled in the Cordillera Vilcabamba range. Priced from $25 per person, this 1-day adventure is limited to 15 participants and available in English and Spanish.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch. Visitors can expect to hike for 2.5 hours to reach the lake’s vibrant turquoise waters, situated at an elevation of 4,200 meters.

Travelers are advised to prepare for potential altitude sickness and acclimatize before the trek.

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Exploring the Humantay Lake

The tranquil Humantay Lake, nestled at an impressive altitude of 4,200 meters, beckons adventurous travelers with its mesmerizing turquoise hues.

Formed by the melting of a nearby snow-capped mountain, the lake’s vibrant color derives from the presence of glacier minerals.

Trekkers embark on a 2.5-hour ascent from the starting point at Soraypampa, passing through a midway resting point at 4,125 meters.

The journey rewards hikers with awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Cordillera Vilcabamba range.

Visitors should prepare for potential altitude sickness and take necessary precautions, but the stunning natural beauty of Humantay Lake makes the challenge well worth the effort.

Trekking to the Humantay Lagoon

Trekkers embark on an exhilarating journey to the captivating Humantay Lagoon, a natural wonder nestled high in the Andes.

Ascending from Soraypampa at 3,875 meters, the trail winds through alpine landscapes, offering breathtaking vistas. At the midway resting point of 4,125 meters, hikers pause to catch their breath and admire the surrounding peaks.

The final push to the lagoon’s edge, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters, rewards adventurers with a mesmerizing sight – a turquoise gem framed by towering snow-capped mountains.

The final ascent to the lagoon’s edge, at 4,200 meters, reveals a captivating turquoise gem framed by majestic snow-capped peaks.

The trek, though challenging, provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.

Preparing for the High-Altitude Hike

Given the high-altitude nature of the Humantay Lake hike, proper preparation is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Visitors should acclimatize to the elevation beforehand, allowing their bodies to adjust. Symptoms of altitude sickness, like headaches, dizziness, and nausea, can be mitigated through slow pacing, staying hydrated, and using supplemental oxygen when needed.

The tour provides essential equipment like blankets and hiking poles to help ease the trek.

With the right precautions, trekkers can fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Humantay Lagoon.

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Inclusions and Amenities

Assisting with the hike is a range of amenities provided by the tour.

Pickup and drop-off at designated locations, along with round-trip transportation, make getting to the starting point hassle-free.

A bilingual guide leads the way, ensuring participants stay on track and learn about the area’s history and geology.

Breakfast and a hearty buffet lunch refuel hikers.

Entry fees, drinks, and specialized equipment like blankets, hiking poles, and first aid supplies are all included.

Safety is a priority, with measures in place to address altitude sickness.

From start to finish, the tour streamlines the Humantay Lake experience.

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Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour conveniently offers pickup and drop-off locations within the Historic Center of Cusco, including Plaza Kusipata and Plaza De Armas.

Guests can be picked up from these central locations before the day’s activities begin.

After the hike to Humantay Lake and buffet lunch, the tour will drop off participants back at Plaza De Armas and Plaza Kusipata, allowing them to continue exploring the charming city of Cusco at their leisure.

This streamlined transportation service ensures a seamless experience for adventurers seeking to discover the stunning Humantay Lake during their visit.

Geological Significance of Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake’s intense turquoise color is a result of the glacier minerals that are suspended in the water, a consequence of the lake’s formation from the melting of a nearby snow-capped mountain.

The lake’s geological significance includes:

Situated within the Cordillera Vilcabamba, part of the impressive Andes mountain range
Formed by the gradual melting of the Humantay glacier, which caps a nearby peak
Featuring a strikingly vivid blue-green hue due to the high mineral content in the water
Serving as a prime example of a glacial lake, a common natural feature in the Andes
Offering a stunning visual contrast against the surrounding rocky, snow-capped landscape.

Health and Safety Considerations

Since the Humantay Lake trek takes place at high elevations, visitors should prepare for the possibility of soroche, or altitude sickness. Acclimatization measures are recommended before the trek to help the body adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. The tour operator provides several safety precautions, including:

| Safety Measure | Description |

| — | — |

| Oxygen Balloon | Carried by the guide to help with altitude sickness |

| First Aid Kit | Equipped to handle minor injuries and emergencies |

| Hiking Poles | Handmade poles provided for additional support |

| Polar Blankets | Offered for warmth and comfort during the trek |

These measures ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Things To Know

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer a private option. It’s a group experience limited to 15 participants. However, the company may be able to accommodate private requests for larger groups, but this would likely come at an additional cost.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants can’t bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes a breakfast and a buffet lunch, as well as drinks. Bringing outside food and beverages is not permitted on this tour.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

There’s no specific discount mentioned for children or seniors on this tour. The price is a flat rate of $25 per person, regardless of age.

How Much Time Is Allowed at the Humantay Lake?

Visitors are allowed about 1.5 hours to explore Humantay Lake, which provides ample time to take in the stunning turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks. The guided tour ensures participants make the most of their time at this breathtaking natural wonder.

Can Visitors Rent Hiking Equipment From the Tour Provider?

Yes, the tour provider includes equipment like polar blankets, handmade hiking poles, and a first aid kit for participants. This equipment is provided to ensure a comfortable and safe hiking experience at the high-altitude Humantay Lake.

Sum Up

The Humantay Lake tour offered by CUSCO AVENTURA provides an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning landscapes of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Adventurers can embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike to the mesmerizing turquoise lagoon, complemented by essential amenities and safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable excursion. With its natural beauty and geological significance, the Humantay Lake is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive high-altitude adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: