The Humantay Lake Trek and Machu Picchu adventure from Cusco promises a captivating journey through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes. This carefully curated 2-day, 1-night experience offers early morning pickups, scenic hikes, and a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu. Hikers will enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guidance throughout the trek, seeing the natural beauty and rich culture of the region. With a small group size, adventurers can expect an unforgettable experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime. But the real question is, are you ready to embark on this thrilling expedition?
Key Points
- A 2-day, 1-night adventure from Cusco that includes a hike to Humantay Lake and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- The tour package is priced between €403.49 and €448.32 per person and is limited to 10 participants.
- The first day involves an early morning pickup from Cusco, a hike to Humantay Lake, and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
- On the second day, you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu followed by free time for independent exploration.
- The package includes transportation, guides, accommodations, meals, and entry tickets to Machu Picchu, but excludes personal luggage and Huayna Picchu tickets.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Trek
- Itinerary Details
- Day 1: Humantay Lake Hike
- Day 2: Machu Picchu Exploration
- Included in the Package
- Excluded From the Package
- Important Considerations
- Customer Feedback and Ratings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Best Time of Year to Do This Trek?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?
- Is It Possible to Upgrade the Hotel Accommodation?
- Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes After the Trek?
- Is It Possible to Add Additional Activities or Tours to the Package?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Cusco
- More Evening Experiences in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
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Overview of the Trek
The Humantay Lake Trek & Machu Picchu experience is a 2-day, 1-night adventure that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Peru.
Priced from €403.49 to €448.32 per person, the trek features a small group size limited to 10 participants.
Conducted in English and Spanish, the trek includes transportation, guides, accommodations, meals, and entry tickets to Machu Picchu.
Hikers will trek to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, then travel to the iconic Machu Picchu for a guided tour.
With a non-refundable cancellation policy, this trek is suitable for those seeking an immersive experience in Peru’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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Itinerary Details
Spanning two captivating days, the Humantay Lake Trek & Machu Picchu experience commences with an early pickup from hotels in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM.
The journey begins with a 2-hour drive to Mollepata village, where participants enjoy a hearty breakfast. Next, they embark on a 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake.
After lunch in Mollepata, the group travels to Ollantaytambo to catch a train to Aguas Calientes, where they’ll spend the night in a 3-star hotel.
On the second day, an early breakfast precedes a bus ride to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour, followed by free time to explore the site, including an optional climb to Huayna Picchu.
Lastly, they take the train back to Ollantaytambo and a bus to Cusco.
Day 1: Humantay Lake Hike
Beginning with an early morning pickup from hotels in Cusco, the trek starts with a 2-hour drive to Mollepata village.
After a hearty breakfast, participants embark on the 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake. The path winds through lush vegetation and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Reaching the glacial lake, trekkers are rewarded with its turquoise waters and the majestic Humantay peak towering above.
Following the lake visit, the group returns to Mollepata for lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo, where they’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes and check into their hotel for the night.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Exploration
Early birds awake to a hearty breakfast before catching the first buses that ferry them from Aguas Calientes to the iconic Machu Picchu. The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing a rundown of the Inca citadel’s history and significance. Afterward, visitors are free to explore the site independently, with the option to climb Huayna Picchu if they’ve secured the necessary tickets in advance.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bus to Machu Picchu | 30 minutes |
| Guided Tour | 2 hours |
| Free Time | Flexible |
| Climb Huayna Picchu | 1-2 hours |
| Lunch in Aguas Calientes | 1 hour |
Following the exploration, the group takes the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfers to Cusco, completing the 2-day Humantay Lake Trek and Machu Picchu experience.
More Great Tours NearbyIncluded in the Package
The package includes a range of essential services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Pickup from your Cusco hotel, English or Spanish-speaking guides, and transportation with cozy polar blankets are all included.
The Humantay Lake tour provides hiking sticks, and meals on the first day and lunch on the second day are covered.
The package also includes private transport to Ollantaytambo, round-trip expedition train, hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes, bus service to and from Machu Picchu, entry tickets, and a guided tour of the iconic citadel.
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Excluded From the Package
There are a few items that are not included in the package. Travelers will need to bring their own luggage or large bags, as these are not provided. Plus, drones are not permitted, and the use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited during the trek.
| Exclusions | |
|---|---|
| Luggage/Bags | Drones |
| Alcohol | Drugs |
This allows the tour company to maintain a safe and focused environment for all participants. Guests should also note that Huayna Picchu tickets must be arranged separately at an additional cost of $25 per person, and must be booked at least a month in advance.
Important Considerations
When planning this trek, it’s important to consider a few key factors.
First, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or those with heart problems.
Plus, a valid passport is required, and Huayna Picchu tickets must be arranged at least a month in advance for an additional $25 per person.
Finally, guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes, water, raincoat, sunblock, and a small backpack, as larger bags or luggage aren’t permitted.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Based on the 4.4/5 overall rating from 5 customer reviews, travelers generally have positive experiences with this Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu tour.
Reviewers praise the tour’s organization and the support provided by the guides, as well as the breathtaking views encountered along the way.
However, some criticism exists regarding time management and visibility conditions at Machu Picchu.
The trek is also noted to be physically demanding due to the altitude and difficulty of the hike, so proper preparation is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Do This Trek?
The best time of year to do this trek is during the dry season, typically from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and the trails are more accessible. Travelers can expect favorable conditions for the hike and sightseeing.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?
Participants are allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the trek. This can help supplement the meals provided and ensure you have enough sustenance during the hike. However, excessive personal items may not be permitted.
Is It Possible to Upgrade the Hotel Accommodation?
Yes, it’s possible to upgrade the hotel accommodation. Customers can inquire about optional upgrades to higher-rated hotels in Aguas Calientes for an additional cost when booking the trek.
Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes After the Trek?
Travelers can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes after the trek, though it’s not included in the package. They’ll need to book additional nights at a hotel and coordinate transportation independently.
Is It Possible to Add Additional Activities or Tours to the Package?
Yes, it’s possible to add additional activities or tours to the package. Travellers can customize their experience by arranging extra excursions or extending their stay in Aguas Calientes, subject to availability and additional costs.
From Cusco: 2-Day 1-Night Humantay Lake Trek & Machu Picchu
Recap
This 2-day, 1-night Humantay Lake Trek and Machu Picchu adventure from Cusco provides an exceptional opportunity to take in Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guidance, travelers can create unforgettable memories while exploring the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the iconic Machu Picchu site. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, making this trek a must-do for those seeking an extraordinary journey in the heart of the Andes.
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