Overview
Join us for an unforgettable Humantay Lake Tour. A highly recommended day trip to one of Peru’s stunning natural wonders. We will start early in the morning, ensuring you make the most of this full-day adventure. The journey will take you through scenic valleys, passing picturesque Andean villages along the way.
We will hike to Humantay Lake, located at an impressive 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 feet). The trail, part of the famous Salkantay Trek, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Prepare for potential altitude sickness, as we will experience high-altitude hiking.
We will reach the lake by midday, when the sunlight reveals the mesmerizing turquoise waters. This spot provides a spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings. You will have time to relax, take photos, and enjoy a peaceful moment by the water.
Why Choose the Humantay Lake Tour?
We will guide you with high-quality service, ensuring your comfort throughout the Humantay Lake day trip. We suggest packing layers, as temperatures will change during the hike. Our team will remain available 24 hours before the tour to answer any questions. Make this journey part of your Peru adventure.
- Total Tour Duration: Approximately 14 hours
- Total Distance Covered (Hike + Drive): Around 270 kilometers (167.8 miles)
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
ITINERARY
Full-Day Humantay Lake Tour
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. The early start will allow us to make the most of the day. We will drive for about 2.5 hours through the scenic Andes to Mollepata, at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level.
Here, we will stop for a delicious breakfast, which will give you energy for the day’s hike. You will have time to stretch and acclimatize before continuing.
We will continue driving to Soraypampa, situated at 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level. The hike will start from this base point, following a well-marked trail. We will ascend gradually, passing through stunning landscapes of green fields, rugged mountains, and snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay range.
The hike to the lake covers about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) and will take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Depending on the pace of the group. You will feel the effects of high altitude as we climb toward 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level. We will encourage breaks and offer support to manage altitude sickness.
Arrival at Humantay Lake and Exploration
We will reach Humantay Lake by late morning. Towering mountains and snowy peaks will frame the turquoise water of the lake. You will have ample time to relax, take photos, and admire the clear waters.
We will explain the significance of this sacred lake to the local Quechua communities. You can also make a short optional climb to a higher viewpoint for a more panoramic perspective.
Afternoon Descent and Lunch
After enjoying the serene beauty of Humantay Lake, we will start our descent back to Soraypampa. The return hike will take about 1.5 hours, following the same scenic trail. Once at Soraypampa, we will drive to Mollepata for a hearty local lunch. We will savor traditional Peruvian cuisine, which will offer a satisfying end to the hiking adventure.
Return to Cusco
We will leave Mollepata and drive back to Cusco in the afternoon. The drive will take approximately 2.5 hours. You can rest on the ride back while enjoying views of the stunning Andes. We will drop you off at your hotel between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm.
- Total Hiking Distance: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) round trip
- Highest Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level
- Lowest Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level
- Estimated Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, including breaks
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
IT INCLUDES
- Round-trip Transportation: Comfortable and private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa and back.
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: Convenient pickup and drop-off service from your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional Bilingual Guide: Experienced guide fluent in English and Spanish to provide insights throughout the tour.
- Breakfast in Mollepata: Traditional Peruvian breakfast to start your day with energy.
- Lunch in Mollepata: Delicious Peruvian lunch featuring local dishes after the hike.
- First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies for altitude sickness and minor injuries.
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases, souvenirs, or additional snacks during the tour.
- Travel Insurance: Not included; we recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance in advance.
- Tips for Guide and Driver: Tips for tour guide are optional and not included in the tour price.
- Hiking Equipment: We do not provide personal hiking gear such as boots, jackets, hats, and gloves.
- Meals Not Mentioned: Dinner in Cusco or any other meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Horse Rental: Optional horse rental for part of the hike, available at an additional cost.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MAJESTIC JOURNEY
- Warm Clothing: Thermal layers, fleece jackets, gloves, and a hat for cold temperatures at high altitudes.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Essential during the rainy season (November to March) or for sudden weather changes.
- Comfortable Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots for stability and support during the hike.
- Daypack: Small backpack (20-30 liters) to carry personal items, snacks, and water.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against strong UV rays.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Minimum 2 liters, preferably insulated, to stay hydrated during the hike.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate for an energy boost on the trail.
- Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability during steep or uneven sections of the trail.
- Camera: To capture the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
- Cash: Small bills in Peruvian soles for optional horse rental, souvenirs, or tips.
- Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: For quick hand cleaning or refreshing during the hike.
FAQS
1. What is the highest altitude reached during the tour?
The highest altitude is 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level at Humantay Lake.
2. Is there an option to rent a horse during the hike?
Yes, you can rent a horse at an additional cost for part of the hike. You will make arrangements directly with local providers on the day of the tour.
3. What is the best time of year to visit Humantay Lake?
The dry season (April to October) is ideal for clear views and more stable weather. The rainy season (November to March) has more rain, but the landscape is lush and green.
4. What should we pack for the tour?
Carry warm layers, a rain jacket, hiking boots, sun protection, water, and snacks.
5. Are meals provided on the tour?
We include breakfast and lunch in Mollepata. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
6. What time will we return to Cusco?
We usually return to Cusco around 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, depending on weather and road conditions.
7. Do we need travel insurance for the tour?
Yes, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers high-altitude activities before the tour.