Trek to Humantay Lake From Cusco

The trek to Humantay Lake from Cusco is a captivating day-trip that takes adventurers on a journey through the stunning Andes. Spanning 16 hours, this excursion combines breathtaking natural beauty with an invigorating hike, leading participants to a serene lake situated at an impressive 4,250 meters above sea level. Accompanied by a professional guide, travelers enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast and lunch, with ample time to enjoy the serene landscape. Whether you’re a solo explorer or seeking a couple’s adventure, this trek promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• The Humantay Lake trek is a popular day-trip from Cusco, involving a moderate 1.5-hour hike to reach the lake at an altitude of 4,250 meters.
• The trek includes typical Peruvian breakfast and lunch, and is led by a professional guide with a maximum group size of 15.
• Comfortable, broken-in shoes and warm, layered clothing are essential, along with a rain jacket and sun protection.
• Horses can be hired separately to assist with the trek if needed.
• The trek has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, with the guide service and transportation both rated 5 out of 5.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Trek

The trek to Humantay Lake is a popular day-trip activity from Cusco, offering adventurous travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Andes mountains.

The 16-hour excursion takes guests on a moderate hike to the turquoise-colored lake situated at an altitude of 4,250 meters. Along the way, trekkers enjoy a typical Peruvian breakfast and lunch with panoramic views.

The tour is led by a professional guide and includes pickup from accommodations, transportation, and entrance fees. With a maximum group size of 15, the trek provides an intimate experience for hikers of all skill levels.

Highlights of the Itinerary

After an early morning pickup from their accommodations, trekkers embark on the journey to Humantay Lake.

Trekkers embark on the journey to Humantay Lake after an early morning pickup from their accommodations.

They enjoy a typical Peruvian breakfast in Mollepata before traveling to Soraypampa via the historic Camino Real.

The hike to the lake, at an altitude of 4,250 meters, takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Once there, trekkers spend an hour admiring the turquoise waters and surrounding peaks.

After the hike, a panoramic lunch is served.

The tour then returns to Cusco, arriving back around 6:30 PM.

What’s Included and Excluded

The trek to Humantay Lake includes pickup and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo, transportation between Cusco and Soraypampa, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, a first aid kit and oxygen, as well as the entrance fees of 20 Peruvian soles per person. However, it excludes any meals not specified and the option to hire horses. To summarize the inclusions and exclusions:

| Included | Excluded |

| — | — |

| Pickup and drop-off | Meals not specified |

| Transportation | Horses |

| Professional guide | |

| Breakfast and lunch | |

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring warm clothing, and pack a rain jacket.

Important Considerations

Certain considerations are vital to ensure a successful and enjoyable trek to Humantay Lake.

Firstly, proper preparation is key – hikers should wear comfortable, broken-in shoes and warm, layered clothing to accommodate the changing mountain conditions.

Proper preparation is essential – wear comfortable, broken-in shoes and warm, layered clothing for the changing mountain conditions.

Plus, bringing a rain jacket and sun protection is highly recommended.

• Proper preparation is key

• Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes and warm, layered clothing

• Bring a rain jacket and sun protection

Finally, while horses aren’t included in the tour, they can be hired separately to assist with the trek, making it more accessible to a wider range of fitness levels.

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Reviews and Ratings

Travelers frequently commend the Humantay Lake trek for its exceptional guide service and reliable transportation. The experience earns an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 8 reviews. Tourists consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation provided.

| Criteria | Rating |

|————–|——–|

| Guide | 5/5 |

| Transportation| 5/5 |

| Value for Money| 4.2/5|

| Suitability for Couples| ✓ |

| Suitability for Solo Travelers| ✓ |

With high marks across the board, the Humantay Lake trek is an excellent choice for hikers seeking an unforgettable adventure near Cusco.

Preparing for the Trek

Although the trek to Humantay Lake is an exhilarating outdoor adventure, proper preparation is key to ensuring a comfortable and successful experience.

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a comfortable and successful experience on the exhilarating trek to Humantay Lake.

Hikers should pack the following essentials:

• Warm, weather-appropriate clothing, including layers, hat, and gloves

• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good traction

• Plenty of water and high-energy snacks to fuel the trek

Plus, travelers should arrive well-rested, hydrated, and acclimated to the high altitude.

With the right preparation, adventurers can fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Humantay Lake.

Transportation and Logistics

The trek to Humantay Lake begins with a comfortable pickup from accommodations in Cusco’s city center.

The tour group then travels via private transportation to the town of Mollepata, where they’ll enjoy a typical Peruvian breakfast.

From there, the journey continues to Soraypampa along the Camino Real.

Once at the trailhead, hikers embark on the approximately 1.5-hour hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,250 meters.

After spending an hour taking in the lake’s turquoise waters and surrounding peaks, the group returns to Cusco, arriving back around 6:30 PM.

Exploring Humantay Lake

Why is Humantay Lake so captivating? The shimmering turquoise waters, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, create a breathtaking natural wonder.

Upon reaching the lake, trekkers are rewarded with:

• Panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range

• Opportunities to spot Andean wildlife, including wild horses and birds

• The chance to experience the serene, reflective nature of the lake’s surface

After an exhilarating hike, visitors can relax and savor the stunning vistas, taking in the majesty of this glacier-fed lake nestled high in the Andes.

The tranquil setting and remarkable scenery make Humantay Lake a truly unforgettable highlight of the trek.

Since You Asked

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Trek?

The trek is considered moderately difficult, as it involves approximately 1.5 hours of hiking uphill at high altitude. However, the trail is well-marked, and the views of Humantay Lake make the effort worthwhile.

Can I Rent Equipment for the Hike?

The trek doesn’t offer equipment rentals, but hikers should come prepared with warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain jackets. The tour company provides transportation, meals, and a guide – allowing you to focus on the hike.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, though it’s recommended that children be at least 8 years old to comfortably complete the hike to Humantay Lake.

Can I Combine This Trek With Other Activities in Cusco?

Yes, you can combine this trek with other activities in Cusco. The flexible tour schedule allows you to fit it into your overall itinerary and explore the historical city’s other attractions before or after the hike.

Is There an Option to Hire a Private Guide?

Yes, there’s an option to hire a private guide for the Humantay Lake trek. This provides a more personalized experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace with a guide dedicated solely to your group.

The Sum Up

The trek to Humantay Lake from Cusco offers an exceptional day-trip adventure. Travelers can expect stunning natural beauty, a moderate hike, and immersive Peruvian cultural experiences. With high-quality guide service and transportation, this excursion is well-suited for both couples and solo adventurers seeking an invigorating and memorable journey in the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: