From Cusco: Humantay Lagoon

Exploring the stunning Humantay Lagoon from Cusco is a must-do adventure. This captivating full-day excursion takes adventurers on a scenic drive and a moderate 2-hour trek to witness the lagoon’s vibrant turquoise waters against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. With early morning hotel pickup, breakfast, and lunch included, it’s an opportunity to take in the rich local culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. What awaits beyond the trek is an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• Humantay Lagoon is a full-day excursion from Cusco, priced from CZK 784 per person, with an early 4:00 am departure and return around 6:30 pm.
• The tour includes a 2-hour uphill trek to the lagoon at an altitude of 4,200 meters, with stops in Mollepata and Soraypamapa along the way.
• Highlights of the tour include the impressive turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon, breathtaking landscapes, and local flavors experienced during the lunch in Mollepata.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, and lunch, as well as an oxygen bottle and wooden stick for the trek.
• Travelers should wear comfortable shoes, bring warm layers, snacks, and water, and consider using trekking poles for the rocky terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Humantay Lagoon tour offers a full-day excursion from Cusco, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Andes.

Priced from CZK 784 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, and lunch. Guests can expect a long day, with an early 4:00 am departure and average return to Cusco around 6:30 pm.

The highlight is the 2-hour uphill trek to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters.

The 2-hour uphill trek to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters, is the highlight of the tour.

The tour also includes stops in Mollepata and Soraypamapa, allowing participants to enjoy the local culture and scenery.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel at 4:00 am, allowing you to embark on the journey through the scenic Izcuchaca and Limatambo regions towards the Salkantay route.

Your first stop is Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast.

After, you’ll drive for an hour to Soraypamapa and begin a 2-hour uphill trek to the stunning Humantay Lagoon, situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters.

Once you’ve soaked in the breathtaking views, you’ll descend back to Mollepata for a delicious lunch.

The average return to Cusco is around 6:30 pm.

Highlights and Experience

One of the primary highlights of this tour is the chance to visit the impressive Humantay Lagoon.

Nestled high in the Andes at an altitude of 4,200 meters, this stunning glacial lake boasts vibrant turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes as they trek to the lagoon.

2. Experience the local flavors during a delicious lunch in Mollepata.

3. Witness the lake’s serene beauty and capture stunning photographs.

4. Explore the area with the guidance of a professional English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Inclusions and Equipment

This tour includes various essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Pickup from your hotel is provided, along with transportation throughout the day. Breakfast and lunch are included, catering to local flavors.

An oxygen bottle and wooden stick are supplied to assist during the trek to the high-altitude Humantay Lagoon. The entrance fee is covered, and horse rental is available for an additional fee if you prefer not to hike the full uphill trek.

Recommended items to bring include comfortable shoes, a camera, and cash, while alcohol, drugs, and electronic devices are prohibited.

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Pickup and Transportation

As the tour begins, hotel pickup ensures a seamless start to the day.

Travelers are whisked away from their Cusco accommodations at 4:00 am, embarking on a journey through Izcuchaca and Limatambo before reaching the Salkantay route.

The transportation is comfortable and efficient, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive.

The itinerary includes:

1. Breakfast stop in Mollepata

2. 1-hour drive to Soraypamapa to begin the trek

3. Lunch in Mollepata upon return

4. Estimated 6:30 pm arrival back in Cusco

The reliable transportation and punctual schedule set the tone for an unforgettable day exploring the magnificent Humantay Lagoon.

Preparing for the Trek

After the comfortable transportation and breakfast, trekkers prepare for the challenge ahead. They lace up their sturdy hiking boots and double-check their daypacks.

Warm layers, snacks, and water bottles are essential for the uphill trek. Trekking poles help navigate the rocky terrain. An oxygen bottle and wooden stick are provided for added support at high altitudes.

With a deep breath, the group sets off, ready to conquer the 2-hour ascent to the stunning Humantay Lagoon. The stunning vistas and serene waters await, making the strenuous hike well worth the effort.

Exploring Humantay Lagoon

Upon reaching the Humantay Lagoon, trekkers are immediately captivated by its serene beauty. The glacial lake sits nestled amidst snow-capped peaks, its turquoise waters reflecting the majestic surrounding mountains.

Four key experiences await visitors:

1. Gazing at the striking contrast between the brilliant blue lagoon and the stark white glaciers.

2. Observing the diverse wildlife, including Andean geese, vizcachas, and soaring condors.

3. Trekking along the shoreline to take in different vantage points and perspectives of the lagoon.

4. Enjoying a tranquil pause to soak in the awe-inspiring scenery and serenity of this natural wonder.

Returning to Cusco

With the Humantay Lagoon explored, trekkers now turn their attention to the journey back to Cusco. The descent back to Mollepata offers a chance to take in the stunning views once more.

After lunch, the group boards the van for the drive back to the city. The return trip passes through the scenic Izcuchaca and Limatambo areas.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?

Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks on the trek. The tour information states that breakfast and lunch are included, but there’s no restriction on bringing additional provisions if desired.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Multiple Days?

The tour is offered as a day trip, but there’s no option to extend it to multiple days. The itinerary focuses on visiting the Humantay Lagoon, so an overnight stay isn’t included. Travelers looking for a longer experience would need to book a separate multi-day trek.

Can I Rent Hiking Poles in Addition to a Walking Stick?

Yes, you can rent hiking poles in addition to the provided wooden stick. The tour operator offers pole rentals for an extra fee, which can provide additional stability and support during the uphill trek to Humantay Lagoon.

Will There Be Restroom Facilities Available During the Trek?

There are no designated restroom facilities along the trek to Humantay Lagoon. Hikers will need to plan accordingly and use natural areas as needed. The tour does not provide any portable toilets or restroom stops during the hike.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the Humantay Lagoon tour individually, and the operator will still provide the scheduled services and transportation for the day trip.

Sum Up

The Humantay Lagoon excursion from Cusco is a must-do for adventure-seekers. Trekking to the vibrant turquoise waters, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, offers an unforgettable experience. With a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, and transportation all included, it’s a convenient and immersive way to discover the stunning natural beauty of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: