Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region. One such opportunity is the full-day Humantay Lake tour, designed to whisk you away from the city’s bustling streets to the serene, glacial-fed lake nestled high in the Andes. Accessible only via a challenging hike, this breathtaking destination rewards those who make the journey with awe-inspiring vistas and a chance to connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or seeking a new adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of Cusco’s enchanting wonders.
Key Points

- Full-day tour to Humantay Lake near Cusco, Peru, with transportation, entrance fees, meals, and a bilingual guide.
- 2-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake at an elevation of 4,200 meters, with opportunities to explore and participate in an ancient ceremony.
- Small group tour limited to 8 participants, providing a personalized and collaborative experience.
- Recommended items include comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and essential sun protection for the high-altitude hike.
- Flexible cancellation policy and "reserve now & pay later" option available for added convenience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Experience
- Inclusions
- Group Size and Language
- Preparation and Restrictions
- Cancellation and Payment Policy
- Departure Details
- Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
- Is There an Age Limit for Participants?
- What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
- Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
- Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour takes travelers on an adventure to the stunning Humantay Lake, located in the heart of the Andes Mountains near Cusco, Peru.
Priced from $120 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, meals, and a highly trained guide.
The tour duration is 1 day, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour is limited to small groups of 8 participants, with live guides available in English and Spanish.
Proper preparation and certain restrictions apply to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
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Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins around 4:30 AM with pickup from the traveler’s hotel.
After an approximate 2-hour drive, the group arrives at Soraypampa around 8:00 AM for a breakfast with views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
The next phase is a 2-hour uphill hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,200 meters.
Travelers can explore the lake’s surroundings or relax by the water’s edge.
Before descending, the guide performs an ancient ceremony.
The 1.5-hour downhill trek leads back to Soraypampa for a buffet lunch.
Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation in a modern van to and from the starting point. Plus, the package includes an entrance ticket to Humantay Lake, a buffet breakfast and lunch, and a highly trained mountain tour guide.
The key inclusions are:
- Emergency mule/horse in case of any issues during the hike.
- Walking sticks and blankets provided for added comfort and support.
- Gratuities, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for the participants.
These comprehensive inclusions make the Cusco: Full-Day Humantay Lake With Picnic tour a well-rounded and convenient experience for visitors.
Group Size and Language

A small-group tour setting with a maximum of 8 participants ensures an intimate and personalized experience for visitors on the Cusco: Full-Day Humantay Lake With Picnic excursion. The tour guide is highly trained and available in both English and Spanish, catering to the diverse language needs of the group. This allows for clear communication and a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural wonders encountered throughout the day.
| Tour Language | Number of Participants |
|---|---|
| English | Up to 8 |
| Spanish | Up to 8 |
The small group size fosters a collaborative and interactive atmosphere, enabling guests to engage with the guide and fellow travelers, creating lasting memories of their Humantay Lake adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyPreparation and Restrictions

Travelers embarking on the Cusco: Full-Day Humantay Lake With Picnic excursion should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and essential sun protection items like sunglasses and a sun hat.
The tour operator advises bringing the following:
- Water to stay hydrated during the hike.
- Biodegradable sunscreen to protect against the high-altitude sun.
- Rain gear in case of unexpected weather changes.
It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments.
Plus, the tour doesn’t allow large bags or luggage, so travelers should pack light.
Following these preparations and restrictions will ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure at Humantay Lake.
Cancellation and Payment Policy

According to the tour information, customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy by cancelling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers who may need to change their plans last-minute.
Plus, the tour operator offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing customers to secure their spot without paying upfront. This can be beneficial for those who want to lock in their tour but need more time to finalize payment.
The cancellation and payment policy ensures a hassle-free booking experience for customers, giving them peace of mind when planning their Humantay Lake adventure.
Departure Details

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel around 4:30 AM.
You’ll then drive to Soraypampa, arriving around 8:00 AM. Here, you’ll enjoy a breakfast with stunning views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
Next, you’ll embark on a 2-hour uphill hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,200 meters.
Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Explore the serene surroundings of the lake.
- Relax and take in the stunning natural beauty.
- Witness a sacred ceremony performed by your knowledgeable guide before descending.
After your lake exploration, you’ll trek back down to Soraypampa for a delicious buffet lunch, before returning to Cusco by around 5:00 PM.
Additional Information

This tour’s small group size, capped at 8 participants, ensures a more personalized and intimate experience.
The live English and Spanish-speaking guides are highly trained, providing valuable insights and cultural information throughout the day.
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and sun protection are essential, as the hike to Humantay Lake takes place at high altitudes.
Pregnant women and those with mobility issues are advised not to participate, and large bags or luggage aren’t permitted.
An emergency mule or horse is available if needed during the trek.
With free cancellation and a pay-later option, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable adventure amid Cusco’s stunning natural landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour provider’s policies indicate that only the participants are permitted, and bringing animals is restricted for safety and logistical reasons. Passengers must leave their pets at home or with a caretaker.
Is There an Age Limit for Participants?
The tour does not have a strict age limit, but it’s not recommended for young children. Participants must be able to hike for several hours and navigate steep terrain. The guide can advise on suitability for families.
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The average group size for this tour is small, limited to only 8 participants. The small group size ensures a more personalized and intimate experience for each traveler.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
The tour offers small group sizes limited to 8 participants, but there doesn’t appear to be an option for a private tour. Travelers interested in a more exclusive experience may want to inquire about customized tour options.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
While the tour operator offers a standard itinerary, they may be able to accommodate minor customizations to meet the traveler’s preferences. It’s best to inquire about customization options when booking the tour.
Cusco: Full-Day Humantay Lake With Picnic
Recap
The Humantay Lake tour from Cusco offers a truly breathtaking and immersive experience. Visitors can witness the stunning natural beauty of the lake, participate in a cultural ceremony, and enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch. With a small group size and a knowledgeable guide, this adventure is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable day in the Peruvian highlands.
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