Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Cusco beckons adventurers to embark on an unforgettable day trip to Lake Humantay and Salkantay. For just $30 per person, this excursion promises to captivate with breathtaking alpine scenery and the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon. With flexible booking and cancellation policies, the only thing travellers need to worry about is packing their sense of wonder.

Contents show

Key Points

Full-day tour to explore Lake Humantay and Nevado Salkantay in Cusco, with round-trip transportation, breakfast, lunch, and necessary equipment provided.
Flexible booking with no upfront payment required and full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata for breakfast, followed by a 1.5-hour steep climb to the sacred Inca site of Humantay Lagoon.
Opportunity to immerse in the region’s rich cultural heritage and witness the majestic Alpine scenery throughout the trails.
Professional guides provide insights and assistance throughout the tour, ensuring a memorable and worry-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The full-day tour offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of Lake Humantay and Salkantay in Cusco.

Priced from $30 per person, the 1-day tour includes live English and Spanish-speaking guides. Travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment and enjoy flexible travel plans with the option to check availability for starting times.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, breakfast and lunch, and all necessary equipment.

Highlights include witnessing the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon and visiting the sacred Inca site of Nevado Salkantay, a significant landmark in the region.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can reserve their spot for the day trip to Lake Humantay and Salkantay with no upfront payment. Cancellations are flexible, with a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.

| — | — | — | — |

Itinerary

A pickup from a central Cusco meeting point kicks off the day trip, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata for breakfast.

Then, it’s off to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike. Trekkers embark on a 1.5-hour steep climb to the stunning Humantay Lake. For those who prefer, a horseback ride option is available.

Once at the sacred Inca site, visitors marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes Alps.

After, it’s back to Mollepata for a well-deserved lunch before heading back to Cusco.

Inclusions

Although the price may seem modest, the tour includes an array of valuable inclusions.

Tourists will enjoy comfortable tourist transport to and from the meeting point in Cusco. A professional guide will provide insights and commentary throughout the day. Hearty breakfast and lunch are included, ensuring travelers are well-nourished.

Permanent assistance is available, offering peace of mind. Sturdy nature sticks are provided, aiding the hike. And the entrance ticket to the stunning Humantay Lagoon is covered, cutting out an additional expense.

With all these perks, this Cusco tour offers tremendous value for the cost.

More Great Tours Nearby

Highlights

The tour’s highlights showcase the stunning natural wonders that await.

The stunning natural wonders of the region await visitors on this captivating tour.

Visitors will be awestruck by the magnificent Humantay Lagoon, where its turquoise waters reflect the towering Andes peaks. Trekking to this sacred Inca site offers an opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Equally impressive is the Nevado Salkantay, a renowned mountain that serves as a significant landmark in the area.

Traversing the trails, guests will be surrounded by the majestic Alpine scenery, making for an unforgettable day in the Cusco region.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Getting to Mollepata

From Cusco, the tour embarks on a scenic 2-hour drive to the town of Mollepata. Winding through the Andean landscape, passengers gaze out at the towering peaks and verdant valleys.

Along the way, the guide points out notable landmarks and shares insights about the region’s history and culture.

Arriving in Mollepata, the group stops for a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the day’s adventures.

This quaint town serves as the starting point for the hike to Humantay Lake, setting the stage for the stunning natural beauty and rich Inca heritage that lie ahead.

Exploring Humantay Lake

After the scenic drive, what awaits is a 1.5-hour steep climb to the stunning Humantay Lake. The hike isn’t for the faint of heart, but the reward is well worth it.

Once at the lake, visitors are treated to:

Breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and the surrounding Andes mountains
The opportunity to visit a significant Inca site, steeped in mythology and cultural significance
The option to take a horseback ride for those seeking a more leisurely ascent

The sheer beauty of Humantay Lake is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who venture here.

Visiting Nevado Salkantay

Following the trek to Humantay Lake, the tour group now sets its sights on exploring the majestic Nevado Salkantay, a significant landmark in the region.

Rising to an impressive 20,574 feet, the snow-capped peak stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Andes. As the group ascends, they’re treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding glaciers and alpine meadows.

The guide shares the rich Inca mythology associated with Salkantay, evoking a sense of wonder and reverence.

Reaching the viewpoint, the travelers bask in the presence of this sacred mountain, connecting with the timeless spirit of the land.

Things To Know

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour company offers luggage storage during the day trip. Travelers can leave their bags at the pickup location and retrieve them at the end of the tour, ensuring a hassle-free experience exploring Humantay Lake and Salkantay.

Are Hiking Poles Provided or Can I Bring My Own?

The tour provides hiking sticks, but travelers can bring their own poles if preferred. This gives participants flexibility to use the equipment they’re most comfortable with during the scenic trek to Humantay Lake.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The tour does not have a minimum number of participants required. Adventurers can book the tour individually or as part of a group, with flexible travel plans to match their schedules and preferences.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Other Activities?

Yes, you can extend the tour to include other activities. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary and add extra experiences like visiting local markets or exploring nearby Inca ruins.

What Should I Bring for the Hike to Humantay Lake?

Hikers should pack warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, snacks, and plenty of water. Trekking poles can also be helpful for the steep climb to Humantay Lake’s stunning vistas.

Sum Up

This day trip to Lake Humantay and Salkantay from Cusco is an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking alpine landscapes of the Andes. With round-trip transportation, delectable meals, and expert guides, this adventure offers a worry-free and unforgettable experience amidst the stunning turquoise waters and majestic peaks, all for an affordable price of just $30 per person.