Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour Review

The Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the stunning Peruvian Andes. Travelers can expect breathtaking vistas, knowledgeable guides, and an exhilarating ascent to over 14,000 feet. While the tour boasts a perfect rating, it’s essential to take into account the strenuous nature of the hike and guarantee proper preparation. With the right gear and physical fitness, adventurers can enjoy the serene beauty of Humantay Lake. However, there are some ethical concerns that warrant further investigation.

Good To Know

• The Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour is a highly rated (5.0/5.0) guided excursion from Cusco, Peru, priced at $43 per person.
• The tour includes private transportation, meals, professional guide, walking sticks, and entrance fees, with pricing decreasing for larger group sizes.
• The trek to Humantay Lake at an elevation of 14,000 feet requires a high level of physical fitness and proper altitude acclimatization.
• Customers have praised the tour guide, Hayme, but expressed concerns about the accuracy of the tour description and the challenging nature of the hike.
• Ethical concerns have been raised regarding the treatment of horses used for transporting some hikers during the tour.

Tour Overview

This Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour is located in Cusco, Peru and has earned a stellar 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews.

Priced from $43 per person, the tour includes private transportation, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, walking sticks, and entrance fees.

Pickup options are either directly at the hotel in Cusco or at Plaza de Armas. The tour ends at Jugueria Peru Juice in Cusco.

Booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour includes private transportation, breakfast, lunch, a professional tour guide, walking sticks, and entrance tickets priced at 20 soles (approximately $5 USD) per person.

The price varies depending on the group size, with the per-person cost decreasing as the group size increases.

Pickup options are available directly from the hotel in Cusco or the Plaza de Armas.

The tour concludes at the Jugueria Peru Juice in Cusco.

Travelers can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility in planning.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Pickup options for the Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour include getting directly picked up from the hotel in Cusco or at the Plaza de Armas de Cusco.

Regardless of the pickup location, the tour ends at Jugueria Peru Juice in Cusco 08002, Peru.

Booking confirmation is received immediately upon booking the tour.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.

With this information, tour participants can plan their day and guarantee a smooth start and end to the Humantay Lake adventure.

Health and Safety Considerations

Travelers should be aware of the health and safety considerations for the Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour.

The trek isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnancy, heart issues, or serious medical conditions. A strong physical fitness level is required, as the tour involves a full ascent to an elevation of 14,000 feet.

Proper hiking gear, including sturdy boots, sun protection, and ample water, is essential.

Altitude acclimatization is vital, as many other hikers have been observed to be inadequately prepared for the challenging mountain terrain.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

What did customers have to say about their experiences on the Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour? Reviewers highlighted both positive and negative aspects. They praised the tour guide, Hayme, but expressed concerns about the tour description.

Several noted the long travel time of nearly 4 hours each way on challenging mountain roads. Customers emphasized the trekking difficulty, describing it as a full ascent to 14,000 feet, and stressed the importance of proper altitude acclimatization.

Recommendations included wearing suitable hiking gear and being prepared for the strenuous nature of the hike. Some also observed inadequate preparation among fellow hikers.

Concerns About Tour Description

A considerable concern raised by reviewers was the tour description not accurately reflecting the true difficulty of the Humantay Lake trek. Several hikers noted the trek to be considerably more challenging than anticipated, with a full ascent to 14,000 feet and long travel times of nearly 4 hours each way on mountain roads. This mismatch between expectations and reality led to issues, with some hikers unprepared for the physical exertion required. The tour provider should consider updating their description to set clearer expectations and emphasize the importance of proper gear and acclimation to the high altitude.

Expectation	Reality
Moderate difficulty trek	Challenging full ascent to 14,000 feet
Reasonable travel time	Long 4-hour journey each way
Generic hiking gear	Proper boots, sun protection, water recommended
Adequate preparation	Inadequate preparation observed in some hikers
Accessible for most	Not recommended for those with health issues

Preparation and Gear Recommendations

Proper preparation and hiking gear are essential for the Humantay Lake trek. The trek involves a challenging ascent to an elevation of 14,000 feet, requiring a strong physical fitness level.

Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good traction are a must to navigate the rocky terrain. Sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is important given the high altitude and intense UV exposure.

Hikers should also bring plenty of water and snacks to fuel the long journey. Proper acclimatization to the altitude is critical to avoid altitude sickness.

Failure to prepare adequately can lead to a difficult and potentially dangerous experience.

Ethical Considerations for Animal Transport

One concerning aspect of the Humantay Lake tour that emerged from customer reviews is the treatment of horses used for transporting some hikers on the trek.

While the tour includes a strenuous hike up to an elevation of 14,000 feet, the use of horses raises ethical questions.

Travelers noted instances of the horses appearing overworked and potentially mistreated.

Tour operators should guarantee the ethical and humane treatment of any animals used to support the tour experience.

Addressing this issue would demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and the well-being of both human and animal participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Should I Allot for the Entire Tour?

The tour takes approximately 8 hours to complete, including 4 hours of travel time each way. Travelers should budget a full day for the experience, as the trek itself is quite challenging and takes several hours to reach the lake.

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike to Humantay Lake is quite challenging, requiring a strong fitness level. It’s a full ascent to 14,000 feet, with trekking described as difficult. Proper preparation, equipment, and acclimatization are essential to handle the strenuous climb and high altitude.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has strict fitness requirements – it’s not recommended for travelers with health issues or limited mobility. A strong physical fitness level is required to handle the challenging 14,000-foot mountain trek. Age restrictions may apply based on fitness level.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Snacks During the Trek?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase additional food and snacks during the trek. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, but hikers can buy extra provisions like energy bars, fruits, or drinks at the starting point or along the route.

How Can I Best Prepare for the High-Altitude Conditions?

To prepare for high-altitude conditions, travelers should acclimate gradually, stay hydrated, eat light meals, dress in layers, and pack medications like ibuprofen. It’s also important to listen to one’s body and take breaks as needed during the trek.

The Sum Up

The Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour offers an unparalleled adventure in the Peruvian Andes, but it’s crucial to approach it with thorough preparation and consideration for health and ethical concerns. While the stunning views and knowledgeable guides make it a tempting choice, travelers must guarantee they have the necessary fitness and gear to tackle the challenging ascent. Carefully weighing the pros and cons can help guarantee a safe and memorable experience.