Cusco’s Humantay Lake is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts. This guided tour promises an unforgettable experience, with a scenic drive, rewarding hike, and plenty of time to soak in the breathtaking views. Travelers can indulge in a delicious buffet breakfast and lunch, ensuring they’re fueled for the adventure. Though the hike requires a moderate level of fitness, the payoff of witnessing the lake’s stunning turquoise waters is well worth the effort. Discover why this tour is such a popular choice among visitors to the Cusco region.
Key Points
- This 1-day guided tour to Humantay Lake from Cusco includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guide, buffet meals, and emergency supplies.
- The tour involves a 2-hour van ride to Mollepata, followed by a 2-hour hike to Humantay Lake and a 1-hour descent back.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, vertigo, high blood pressure, or wheelchair users.
- Participants should be in acceptable physical condition, as the tour includes a 3 km uphill climb, and strong fitness is recommended to avoid needing a horse rental.
- The tour has received a 3-star rating based on a single review, with feedback indicating it can feel crowded and that some lakes are more beautiful than Humantay Lake.
Tour Overview
The Humantay Lake guided tour from Cusco is priced from $33.90 per person and lasts for 1 day. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a bilingual guide, buffet meals, emergency supplies, and an optional walking stick.
Tour participants must wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and cash for the entrance fee.
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, heart problems, vertigo, or high blood pressure, as well as wheelchair users due to the 3 km uphill hike to the lake.
The tour may be delayed by up to 45 minutes for group pickup.
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Itinerary
The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM.
The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM.
You’ll travel by van for 2 hours to Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute breakfast stop.
Next, you’ll continue to Soraypampa in a 1-hour van ride.
From here, you’ll embark on a 2-hour hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake.
After 30 minutes to take in the views, you’ll descend back to Soraypampa in 1 hour.
A 35-minute buffet lunch awaits in Mollepata before the 2-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation via van, and a bilingual tour guide.
Breakfast and lunch are provided, with a vegetarian option available.
For emergencies, the tour supplies a first aid kit and oxygen bottle. Hikers can use a wooden walking stick if needed.
The entrance fee of 20 Peruvian soles (cash) is covered. Horse rental is available for the ascent to Humantay Lake, costing 100 soles per way.
Bringing comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and cash is recommended.
Important Information
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and cash.
Pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed. The tour is suitable for participants in acceptable physical condition, as it involves a 3 km uphill climb to the lake summit.
Those with mobility issues, heart problems, vertigo, high blood pressure, or who use wheelchairs shouldn’t participate.
Check the weather before departure, as the provider isn’t responsible for changes. Pickup timing may take 30-45 minutes to collect the group.
More Great Tours NearbyParticipant Restrictions
This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, vertigo, high blood pressure, or wheelchair users. Participants must be in acceptable physical condition to complete the 3 km uphill climb to the Humantay Lake summit.
| Physical Condition | Suitable? |
|——————-|———–|
| Pregnant | No |
| Mobility Issues | No |
| Heart Problems | No |
| Vertigo | No |
| High Blood Pressure | No |
| Wheelchair Users | No |
Proper hiking gear and stamina are essential for this challenging trek. Those unable to complete the ascent may consider renting a horse for an additional fee.
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Customer Feedback
Based on the single review provided, customers have given this Humantay Lake guided tour a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
The review noted the tour felt crowded, and while the lake was advertised, other lakes were described as more beautiful.
Travelers also commented that a strong stomach is needed for the travel from Cusco, and a good fitness level is recommended to avoid needing to rent a horse for the ascent.
Activity Details
The Humantay Lake guided tour from Cusco offers participants the opportunity to explore a stunning glacial lake nestled in the Andes mountains. The tour includes:
| Activity | Duration |
| — | — |
| Van ride to Mollepata | 2 hours |
| Breakfast in Mollepata | 30 minutes |
| Van ride to Soraypampa | 1 hour |
| Hike to Humantay Lake | 2 hours |
| Time at Humantay Lake | 30 minutes |
After the hike, participants enjoy a buffet lunch in Mollepata before the 2-hour return van ride to Cusco. The tour provides transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and necessary equipment for a memorable alpine adventure.
Getting to Humantay Lake
To reach Humantay Lake, the tour begins with a 2-hour van ride from Cusco to the town of Mollepata.
After a 30-minute breakfast stop, the group continues the 1-hour drive to Soraypampa.
From there, it’s a 2-hour uphill trek to the stunning Humantay Lake. The trek is challenging, covering 3 km of rugged terrain, but the wooden walking sticks provided offer support.
Those who prefer can rent a horse for the ascent, an option costing 100 soles per way.
Once at the lake, visitors enjoy a 30-minute photo stop before beginning the 1-hour descent back to Soraypampa.
Things To Know
What Is the Altitude of Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude location provides stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks.
Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Hike?
The tour includes safety measures like a first aid kit, oxygen bottle, and wooden walking sticks. However, the hike to Humantay Lake requires good fitness and isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or health conditions like heart problems or vertigo.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
According to the tour information, you can bring your own food and drinks on the hike. However, a buffet breakfast and lunch are included in the tour price, so you may not need to bring additional provisions.
Is There an Option to Stay Overnight Near the Lake?
There is no option to stay overnight near Humantay Lake. The tour is a day trip, with a 2-hour hike up to the lake and a 1-hour hike back down. Overnight accommodations are not provided as part of this guided tour experience.
Are There Any Nearby Attractions Besides Humantay Lake?
There are several nearby attractions besides Humantay Lake, such as the Salkantay Trek, Choquequirao ruins, and Machu Picchu. However, the Humantay Lake tour doesn’t include stops at these sites, as its focus is on the lake itself.
Sum Up
Explore the stunning Humantay Lake on a guided tour from Cusco. Enjoy a scenic van ride, a 2-hour hike, and savor a delicious buffet breakfast and lunch. This full-day adventure offers an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature’s beauty. At just $33.90 per person, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
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