Humantay Lake Cusco 1 Day

Humantay Lake in Cusco, Peru, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. This one-day excursion provides an immersive experience amidst the breathtaking Andes mountains. Travelers can embark on a scenic hike or opt for a leisurely horseback ride to reach the lake’s turquoise waters. With a small group and a knowledgeable guide, visitors can connect with the cultural significance of this remarkable site. The journey begins with an early morning pickup, ensuring ample time to explore and appreciate the natural wonder. What awaits beyond the trail, however, is a sight that will truly captivate the senses.

Good To Know

• Humantay Lake is a stunning turquoise lake located in the Andes mountains, accessible on a day trip from Cusco, Peru.
• The day trip includes transportation, a professional guide, and meals, providing a hassle-free and personalized hiking experience.
• The hike to Humantay Lake features lush forests, rolling hills, and dramatic Andean landscapes, including the snow-capped Salkantay mountain range.
• Horseback riding is an optional activity that allows travelers to enjoy the scenery at a more relaxed pace.
• The day trip is not recommended for travelers with medical conditions or limited mobility due to the moderate difficulty of the hike and high altitude.

Tour Overview

This day trip to Humantay Lake from Cusco, Peru, allows visitors to admire stunning landscapes and mountain scenery.

The small group size, limited to 15 travelers, ensures a relaxed hiking experience. During the tour, guests will be provided with pickup from their Airbnb, hostel, or hotel in Cusco, as well as a professional tour guide to accompany them throughout the trip.

Breakfast and lunch are included, and there’s an option to rent a horse for the journey at an additional cost of USD 30.00.

However, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions or physical limitations.

Inclusions

Pickup from the traveler’s Airbnb, hostel, or hotel in Cusco is provided as part of the tour.

The tour also includes 1 breakfast and 1 lunch. A professional guide will accompany the group throughout the trip.

Transportation and entrance tickets to Humantay Lake are covered.

Travelers have the option to rent a horse for the hike, which costs an additional $30.

The tour group is limited to a maximum of 15 people, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed hiking experience.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour provides pickup options from hotels or designated meeting points in Cusco.

The day trip begins at 5:00 AM, so an early start is required. Travelers will be picked up from their accommodations and transported to the starting point.

At the end of the tour, the group will return to the original meeting location. This convenient pickup service ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing participants to focus on the stunning natural landscapes they’ll encounter throughout the day.

With a small group size, the tour promises a more personalized and relaxed hiking experience at Humantay Lake.

Health and Safety

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

A moderate physical fitness level is required for this hiking experience. Potential participants should consider the following:

• The hiking trail involves steep inclines and uneven terrain, which may be challenging for those with physical limitations.

• The high altitude of the Humantay Lake (approximately 4,200 meters or 13,800 feet) can cause altitude sickness, particularly for those unaccustomed to such elevations.

• Proper gear, such as hiking boots, warm clothing, and sun protection, is essential to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

• Travelers should consult with their healthcare provider before embarking on this tour if they’ve any concerns about their physical abilities or medical conditions.

Reviews and Ratings

The Humantay Lake tour has received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars across 8 reviews. While there are no 5-star ratings recorded, the feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor reviewers suggests a generally positive experience. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, and a lowest price guarantee with a reserve now, pay later option.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	0
4 stars	6
3 stars	2

The reviews highlight the stunning landscapes, professional guides, and well-organized logistics of the tour, making it an enjoyable day trip for most travelers to Cusco.

Exploring Humantay Lake

Typically, the journey to Humantay Lake from Cusco begins with an early morning pickup, allowing travelers to make the most of the day.

The trek takes hikers through stunning landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills, and towering mountains. Upon reaching the lake, visitors are greeted by its vibrant turquoise waters and the majestic Humantay glacier looming overhead.

The lake offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience:

• Capturing the serene beauty of the glacial lake and its surrounding peaks
• Appreciating the geological and ecological significance of this high-altitude ecosystem
• Experiencing a sense of tranquility and connection with the natural world
• Reflecting on the cultural and spiritual significance of the lake for the local Andean communities

Landscape and Scenery

Frequently, the hike to Humantay Lake treats travelers to a visual feast of Andean landscapes. The trail winds through rolling hills, past babbling streams, and alongside towering mountains.

Along the way, stunning vistas of the Salkantay mountain range come into view, with the iconic Apu Ausangate standing tall in the distance. As the path ascends, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with rugged cliffs and glaciers coming into focus.

The crowning glory is Humantay Lake itself, a brilliant turquoise body of water reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. This natural wonder is a true highlight of the experience, offering a chance to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes.

Horseback Riding Option

For those seeking a more leisurely option, the tour offers participants the chance to rent a horse for the trek to Humantay Lake. The cost is $30 USD, and it can provide a much-needed respite for those looking to conserve their energy during the hike.

Some key benefits of the horseback riding option include:

• Reduced fatigue and strain on the legs and feet
• Ability to enjoy the stunning scenery at a more relaxed pace
• Better accessibility for travelers with limited mobility
• Unique and memorable experience of riding a horse in the Andes mountains

The horse rental is an optional add-on, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their personal preferences and physical capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, breakfast and lunch are already provided as part of the tour package, so additional snacks and beverages are optional.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The tour has a small group size limit of 15 travelers, but there’s no minimum group requirement. This allows for a relaxed hiking experience without overcrowding on the trail to Humantay Lake.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The tour price includes all necessary fees and taxes. There are no additional charges or hidden costs. The only optional extra is the cost to rent a horse, which is USD 30.00 per person.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Make Changes to the Tour?

The tour generally has a set itinerary, but you can check with the tour provider if there’s flexibility to customize the experience or make changes to suit your preferences. They’ll do their best to accommodate reasonable requests.

What Type of Clothing and Gear Should I Bring for the Hike?

For this hike, travelers should wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress in lightweight, breathable layers, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. It’s also recommended to pack snacks, water, and any necessary medications.

The Sum Up

Humantay Lake is a must-visit destination near Cusco, offering a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Whether you choose to hike or ride, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Andes and the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the lake. With a knowledgeable guide and a small group, you’ll have an immersive and unforgettable experience exploring this remarkable natural wonder.