Humantay Lake Tour
Humantay Lake Tour
5.0 (29 Reviews)
Experience Humantay Lake Tour With a Private Local Guide
Soak up awe-inspiring views of Humantay Lake located in the trail of Salkantay to Machu Picchu, on our day tour from Cusco for unforgettable memories with a private guide at your side.
Enjoy one of Cusco’s most magnificent natural wonders–the turquoise Humantay Lake, nestled at the foot of the Humantay glacier with great Andean mountains and breathtaking views of the snow-capped Mountains. This Humantay Lake Tour 1 Day hike from Cusco is a must-do activity for all nature enthusiasts, mountain lovers, and those seeking an exhilarating day hike without the need for camping.
Our journey begins in Cusco City where we will set off in a private vehicle in accompany of a knowledgeable and friendly local English-speaking guide. Along the way, we will traverse through quaint villages such as Iscuchaca, Limatambo, Mollepata, and will enjoy amazing views of the mountains and valleys before arriving at Soraypampa (3900m/12,795ft), the starting point of the Humantay Lake Tour.
Don’t miss out on the chance to embark on this thrilling day hike from Cusco, join us!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS IN BRIEF:
Trip Summary
Humantay Lake Tour Summary
- Pre-trip briefing: A day before the tour at 5:00 PM at the client’s hotel
- Tour start point: Cusco – Hotel pick-up at 4:00 AM
- Tour end point: Cusco – Hotel drop-off around 4:00 PM
- Pick-up & Drop-off: Cusco city or airport.
- Guides: Knowledgeable, Funny, and Friendly (unique character of Beyond Andes Guides).
- Service Type: Private and Semi-private service.
- Departure: Daily departures, available for booking on any date, we require 2 people to open a new departure.
- Group Size: Up to 10 participants
- Humantay Tickets: Included in the tour cost.
- Dietary Options: Breakfast and lunch included (we provide Vegetarian/Vegan food upon request at no extra charge)
- Best time to hike: From May through October.
- Day temperature: Very cold when is overcast and warm when is sunny. Around the Humantay Lake is usually windy and cold, make sure to bring winter-type clothing.
Itinerary
1Hiking the Humantay Lake from Cusco
Join us for a thrilling adventure as we embark on an unforgettable one-day hike to Humantay Lake, departing from the heart of Cusco. We’ll start our journey before sunrise, picking you up from your hotel at 4:00 am, to ensure we reach the stunning lake before the crowds arrive.
Our private spacious and comfortable van/SUV will transport us through the picturesque towns and villages of Izcuchaca, Limatambo, and Mollepata, where we’ll stop for a delicious breakfast and stock up on provisions for the day ahead.
Continuing on a bumpy yet scenic dirt road, we’ll reach Soraypampa, located at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level (12,795 ft.) and boasting breathtaking views of the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft.) and the towering Humantay mountain.
With our experienced guide, we’ll begin our ascent to Humantay Lake, which will take us approximately an hour and a half to two hours. While trekking through verdant fields and natural landscapes, we’ll witness a diverse array of flora and fauna and breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
As we approach the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, the trail gets steeper, but the effort is well worth it. Here, you’ll have ample time to soak in the serene and surreal atmosphere and capture stunning photos of the emerald jewel amidst the rocky landscape.
After indulging in the awe-inspiring beauty of the lake and enjoying some free time, we’ll make our way back down to Soraypampa, where we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch before heading back to Cusco. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, around 6:00 pm in the evening.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of Humantay Lake and the Andes Mountains on this fully supported day hike.
Food
Breakfast and lunch included
Physical Level
Moderate
Walking Distance
4 miles
Hiking Time
4 hours
Starting Altitude
3,800 m/ 12,467 ft
Highest Altitude
4,350 m/ 14,272 ft
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
Note on Itinerary
Although we strive to strictly adhere to the itinerary outlined above, please be advised that it is subject to change due to a variety of factors beyond our control. These factors may include incidents in the location where the trip will be operated, strikes, political disputes, entry or border difficulties, extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Please note that & Beyond Andes Travel is not responsible for any changes or amendments resulting from such circumstances.
In the event that we must deviate from the original schedule, we will make every effort to provide the best alternative options available to ensure a fantastic experience. However, any additional expenses that may be incurred will be the sole responsibility of the client and not of & Beyond Andes Travel.
Included
- Humantay/Salkantay park entrance tickets
- Round trip private Van or SUV
- Professional Beyond Andes Travel Guide
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco city and drop off at the same place.
- Oxygen tank
- Breakfast and lunch (packed breakfast and packed lunch if restaurants aren’t available).
Not Included
- Hotels
- Travel insurance
- PayPal fees
- Horse if needed (easy to find along the trail if need one, its cost is $40/ PEN130).
What to bring
- Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
- Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and traction, especially if traveling in the wet season from November to April.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Small daypack or backpack (approximately 25L)
- Down jacket
- Hat and gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Sun hat or cap
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water (at least 1L)
- Personal medication
- Muscle relaxers
- Painkillers or anti-inflammatories
- Band-Aids (especially those made for blisters)
- Toilet paper
- Camera
- Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian Nuevos soles or $).
Recommendations
Please, allow yourself 2 days at least to get acclimated for this hike.
Pricing List
Private Service
Tour Payment Schedule
- At time of reservation: 50% of the total balance.
- 60 days prior to departure: Balance should be paid fully, or once upon your arrival in Cusco the other 50% of final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee: $30 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 Persons | $ USD 340.00 | Inquire Now |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 175.00 | Inquire Now |
| 3 Persons | $ USD 155.00 | Inquire Now |
| 4 Persons | $ USD 135.00 | Inquire Now |
| 5 Persons | $ USD 115.00 | Inquire Now |
Faqs Humantay Lake Tour
The hike to Humantay lake depends on your speed and level of physical fitness. On average, this hike takes 3 – 4 hours.
The best time to go to Humantay lake is during the dry season, from May through August. These months are actually winter in the Andes and you will have blue skies, amazing views, and the sunshine makes it the best comfortable hiking conditions. However, the trek is available year-round and can offer various benefits throughout the year.
We recommend shoulder-seasons just before and after the rains that is late April, May, and September, October, and early November. During those months the weather is still dry, temperatures are pleasant, and the trail is less crowded.
December through March is the rainy season in the Andes and hiking to the Humantay Lake is not recommended. Sustained, heavy rains can make the trail unsafe. Rain quite often means snow at higher elevations, too, which is not only unpleasant to hike through, but could dramatically affect your views of the striped mountains!
Trekking during the shoulder season (April, September, October) is weather-dependent. We are willing to book Humantay Lake1 day trek during this time, but if conditions are poor we reserve the right to cancel or modify your trip.
This may just be a day trip to Humantay Lake, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, Humantay Lake is considered a moderately difficult hike.
Humantay Lake 1 day trek starts at an altitude of 3,800 m/ 12,467 ft and it has a hiking duration of .3 – 4 hours, the highest point you will actually reach on this hike is 4,350 m/ 14,272 ft. That’s enough to take your breath away – literally!
While the hike is only for few hours, it is a steep, uphill climb on some sections, with an elevation gain of nearly 400m (1,312 ft). This can be very strenuous for most people. Of course, others will find the return trip down even harder!
Nevertheless, traveling by horse is a good option for tourists who can’t, or don’t, want to handle hiking in the altitude.
Therefore, we suggest booking activities such as Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley prior to trekking the Humantay Lake or Horseback Riding to the lake. This will allow for proper acclimatization, and prevent altitude sickness.
The weather in Humantay Lake is very unpredictable, changing frequently and quickly. There are two seasons in the Cusco Region of Peru, where Humantay Lake is located—Wet Season (December to April) and Dry Season (May to November).
You might see warm weather and sunny skies one minute and then cloudy skies and snowfall the next. The best idea is to make sure you’re prepared for all weather by dressing in layers. The weather during the dry season is usually sunny with little chance of rain. During the wet season, there are significant amounts of rain and snow.
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