Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Humantay Lake is a breathtaking natural wonder that beckons adventurous travelers. This guided tour from Cusco offers a chance to experience the lake’s beauty firsthand. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll embark on a scenic hike, fueled by a hearty breakfast and rewarded with a traditional buffet lunch. But the real star of the show? The lake itself, a mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. What secrets does this hidden gem hold?

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Key Points

A guided tour from Cusco to Humantay Lake, priced at $26.00 per person, includes hotel pickup, professional guide, and necessary equipment.
The tour involves a 2-hour trip to Mollepata for breakfast, a 45-minute journey, and a 2-hour hike to the lake.
At the lake, visitors have 40 minutes to explore and capture photos, followed by a traditional buffet lunch in Mollepata.
The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people over 80, or babies under 1 year.
Recommended essential items include hiking shoes, warm layers, snacks, sun protection, and a camera to capture the scenic views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The guided tour to Humantay Lake from Cusco offers a fantastic opportunity to explore this stunning natural wonder.

Priced at just $26.00 per person, the 1-day tour includes hotel pickup, professional guide, and all necessary equipment.

Travelers can look forward to a 2-hour trip to Mollepata for breakfast, followed by a 45-minute journey and a 2-hour hike to the breathtaking lake.

With 40 minutes to take in the views and snap photos, the tour also includes a traditional buffet lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco around 6 pm.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Looking for more options in Mollepata District? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary

After being picked up from their hotel in Cusco’s historic center between 4 to 5 am, travelers embark on a 2-hour trip to Mollepata, where they’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast. Next, they’ll journey for 45 minutes to the parking lot, followed by a 2-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake. Along the way, they’ll marvel at the breathtaking landscapes and the towering Salkantay mountain. Once at the lagoon, they’ll have 40 minutes to explore and capture stunning photos. Afterward, they’ll return to Mollepata for a traditional buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 6 pm.

| Itinerary | |

| — | — |

| 2-hour trip to Mollepata | Breakfast |

| 45-minute journey to parking lot | 2-hour hike |

| Arrive at lagoon | 40 minutes to explore |

| Return to Mollepata | Traditional buffet lunch |

| Arrival back in Cusco | Approximately 6 pm |

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup from the historic center of Cusco.

Along with the transportation, the package includes:

A professional, multilingual guide to lead the way and provide constant advice throughout the journey.
A hearty breakfast and traditional buffet lunch to fuel the adventure.
Essential supplies like walking sticks, oxygen, and a first-aid kit to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
The 20-sol entrance fee to access the stunning Humantay Lake.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a seamless and well-supported experience for exploring the natural beauty around Cusco.

Exclusions and Restrictions

Although the tour includes numerous amenities, there are a few exclusions and restrictions to be aware of. Dinner is not included, and any extra expenses incurred during the tour must be covered by the participant. Plus, the tour is not suitable for certain groups, such as children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people over 80, or babies under 1 year.

| Exclusions and Restrictions |

| — | — | — | — | — |

Participants should come prepared with essential items like a passport, warm clothing, sunglasses, camera, snacks, hiking shoes, sunscreen, cash, and hiking pants. Smoking in the vehicle is also not allowed, and participants should provide a WhatsApp number for tour communication.

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Preparation and Recommendations

Participants should come prepared with essential items like a passport, warm clothing, sunglasses, camera, snacks, hiking shoes, sunscreen, cash, and hiking pants.

Smoking in the vehicle is strictly prohibited. It’s recommended to provide a WhatsApp number for tour communication.

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, here are four must-have items:

Hiking shoes with good traction
Warm layers, including a jacket and gloves
Plenty of snacks and water
Sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen

Following these preparation tips will help make the Humantay Lake tour an unforgettable adventure.

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Pickup and Transportation

The tour includes pickup from hotels located in Cusco’s historic center, with the bus departing between 4 to 5 am.

This early start allows travelers to reach the hiking trailhead and beat the crowds. The journey to the trailhead takes around 45 minutes, with a brief stop in Mollepata for breakfast.

An early start ensures reaching the hiking trailhead before the crowds, with a brief breakfast stop along the 45-minute journey.

Transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup and drop-off are included, making the entire experience seamless for participants.

Throughout the day, the guide provides constant assistance and advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour.

Exploring Humantay Lake

After the scenic journey and breakfast stop, the group begins the 2-hour hike towards the stunning Humantay Lake.

The trail winds through lush meadows and over rocky terrain, offering magnificent views of the surrounding Andes.

Upon reaching the lake, visitors are captivated by its brilliant turquoise waters, mirroring the towering Salkantay mountain.

The group spends 40 minutes exploring the area, taking in the serene ambiance and snapping breathtaking photographs of:

The glassy lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks.
Colorful wildflowers dotting the shoreline.
Llamas and alpacas grazing nearby.
The trail leading up to the lake’s edge.

Returning to Cusco

After taking in the breathtaking sights, the group reluctantly departs the Humantay Lake, retracing their steps back down the trail. The return journey takes them through the stunning landscapes, with a stop in Mollepata for a traditional Peruvian lunch.

| Time | Activity |

|——|———-|

| 2 hours | Journey to Mollepata |

| 45 minutes | Transport to trailhead |

| 2 hours | Hike back to parking lot |

| 1 hour | Buffet lunch in Mollepata |

| 2 hours | Arrival back in Cusco |

The group arrives in Cusco around 6 PM, having experienced the natural wonder of Humantay Lake and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Andes.

Things To Know

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it mentions the tour includes hotel pickup, professional guide, and constant advice during the trip, suggesting it’s likely a small group experience for a personalized adventure.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?

You can purchase additional food or drinks during the tour, as they’re not included in the package. However, a traditional buffet lunch is provided as part of the tour itinerary.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Run?

There is no minimum number of participants required for the Humantay Lake tour to run. The tour operates daily and travellers can join as individuals or in small groups. The company guarantees the tour will depart as scheduled.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the guide. The tour offers live guides available in both Spanish and English, so you can choose the language that works best for your needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time at Humantay Lake?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the time at Humantay Lake. The itinerary provides 40 minutes for exploring and taking photos at the lagoon before returning to the parking lot. Any requests for additional time would need to be discussed directly with the tour operator.

Sum Up

This breathtaking tour offers an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes. Travelers will enjoy stunning views of Humantay Lake, a hearty breakfast, and a traditional buffet lunch, all for just $26 per person. With professional guidance, essential supplies, and comfortable transportation, this day trip from Cusco promises an adventure to remember.

You can check availability for your dates here: