Excursion to Humantay Lake Full Day From Cusco

The Excursion to Humantay Lake is a popular full-day adventure from Cusco, Peru. Trekkers can expect to be rewarded with stunning views of the vivid blue-green waters nestled high in the Andes mountains. While the tour offers transportation, knowledgeable guides, and meals, it may not be suitable for those with serious health concerns. With a moderately challenging hike covering around 2.7 miles, this excursion provides an opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. However, some reviews suggest mixed experiences regarding the quality of the provided meals.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion departs from Cusco, Peru and takes visitors to the stunning Humantay Lake at an elevation of approximately 13,780 feet.
• The moderately challenging hike covers around 2.7 miles and is not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
• The tour includes complimentary breakfast, lunch, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, with basic equipment like walking sticks and oxygen assistance available.
• Highlights of the excursion include the lake’s captivating natural beauty, surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks, and the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife.
• While the scenic views are often praised, the quality and variety of the provided meals have received mixed reviews from past participants.

Tour Overview

The "Excursion to Humantay Lake" is a full-day tour that departs from Cusco, Peru.

This highly-rated excursion takes travelers on a trek to the stunning Humantay Lake, situated at an elevation of around 13,780 feet.

The tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and basic equipment like walking sticks.

Customers can expect to hike approximately 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers) through the scenic Soraypampa region.

While the trek is considered moderately challenging, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.

Reviewers praise the stunning views and knowledgeable guides, though some note issues with food quality and communication.

Inclusion Details

Although the Humantay Lake excursion doesn’t include accommodation, it provides several key inclusions to enhance the tour experience.

Travelers can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch during the day. Transportation is covered, with an air-conditioned vehicle picking up participants from their hotels in Cusco’s city center.

A knowledgeable tour guide accompanies the group, ensuring a maximum of 15 travelers per tour. Equipment like walking sticks and oxygen assistance is available, and there’s even an option to rent horses for those seeking an easier trek.

The entrance fee of 20 soles is also included in the tour price.

Physical Requirements and Considerations

Moderate physical fitness is required for the Humantay Lake excursion, as the trek involves a 2.7-mile (4.3-kilometer) hike at an altitude of approximately 13,780 feet.

This high altitude may require some acclimatization, and the trail can be steep and challenging.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

While walking sticks and oxygen assistance are available, the hike may not be accessible for wheelchair users.

Travelers should consider their fitness level and any health concerns before booking this tour to ensure they can fully enjoy the stunning scenery and unique experience.

Scenic Highlights

Humantay Lake is renowned for its captivating natural beauty. The vivid blue-green waters of the lake are framed by the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Andes mountains.

Visitors are often awed by the striking contrast between the serene lake and the rugged, towering glaciers that surround it. The area is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Andean condors, foxes, and vizcachas – a rabbit-like creature unique to the region.

Many travelers find the scenic vistas and the opportunity to connect with nature to be the highlight of the Humantay Lake excursion.

Hiking Challenges

The hike to Humantay Lake poses a significant physical challenge for many visitors. Located at an altitude of around 13,780 feet, the trek requires a moderate fitness level.

The steep, rocky trail can be demanding, especially for those not accustomed to high-altitude trekking. Some travelers have reported issues such as altitude sickness, fatigue, and muscle strain.

While the tour operator provides walking sticks and oxygen assistance, a horse rental option is available for those who need easier access.

The challenging nature of the hike is an important consideration for anyone planning this excursion.

Meal Quality Assessments

While reviews on the meal quality provided during the Humantay Lake tour have been mixed, several travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with the overall food offerings.

Some common complaints include:

• Lack of protein and variety in the lunch

• Concerns about portion sizes and food presentation

• Disappointment with the overall taste and freshness of the meals

• Challenges accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences

• Inconsistencies in the quality and selection of the breakfast offerings

Despite these issues, other participants have reported satisfactory meals that provided adequate sustenance for the strenuous trek.

Satisfactory meals provided adequate sustenance for the strenuous trek, according to some participants.

Ensuring consistent, nutritious, and satisfying food options remains an area for improvement in enhancing the overall tour experience.

Guide Performance Reflections

Although the reviews for the Humantay Lake tour guides have been mixed, some travelers have praised their helpfulness and knowledge, while others have criticized their communication skills and professionalism.

Some guides received high marks for their ability to navigate the challenging terrain, provide valuable insights, and offer attentive support.

However, other travelers reported inconsistent or poor communication, with some guides struggling to effectively explain the tour details or respond to questions.

This variation in guide performance has contributed to a range of experiences among those who’ve taken the Humantay Lake excursion.

Customer Feedback Insights

Travelers have provided a range of feedback on their experiences with the Humantay Lake excursion.

The feedback highlights both the positives and challenges of the tour:

• Many praised the stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides who enhanced the experience.

• However, some noted issues with food quality, transportation communication, and guide professionalism.

• Specific incidents of poor service and miscommunication were reported by certain travelers.

• Despite these challenges, the majority found the experience rewarding, particularly for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

• The feedback suggests the tour offers a worthwhile opportunity, though travelers should be prepared for potential logistical and service issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow dogs. The tour operator’s policies prohibit bringing pets due to safety and logistical concerns for both the travelers and the animals during the strenuous hike to Humantay Lake.

Is There an English Audio Guide Option Available?

There’s no mention of an English audio guide option for this tour. The tour provides a guide, but the availability and quality of English communication may vary based on traveler feedback about guide performance.

Do You Offer Group Discounts for Larger Parties?

The tour company offers group discounts for larger parties. The exact discount varies based on group size, but it’s typically around 10-15% off the per-person rate for groups of 6 or more. Discounts help make the experience more affordable for larger groups.

Can I Cancel My Booking and Receive a Full Refund?

The tour company generally offers full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Refund policies may vary, so customers should check the company’s terms and conditions or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

Are There Any Sustainable or Eco-Friendly Practices on the Tour?

The tour includes some eco-friendly practices, such as providing reusable water bottles and utilizing local guides and transportation. However, there aren’t any specific sustainability initiatives mentioned in the overview. The tour’s environmental impact may vary depending on group size and tour operator.

The Sum Up

The Excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco offers an immersive trekking experience amidst the majestic Andes, though it may not be suitable for those with serious health concerns. While the tour provides transportation, knowledgeable guides, and meals, the quality of the latter has received mixed reviews. The stunning scenery and moderately challenging hike make this excursion an appealing option for adventurous travelers.