Nestled amidst the majestic Andes, the Humantay Lagoon tour from Cusco promises an unforgettable adventure. Embarking on an early morning journey, adventurers will traverse picturesque landscapes, culminating in a challenging ascent to the stunning turquoise waters at 4200 meters. With transportation, meals, and a knowledgeable guide included, this experience caters to nature enthusiasts seeking breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment. But what secrets does the Humantay Lagoon hold, and what unexpected delights might await those willing to make the trek?
Key Points
- Humantay Lagoon tour from Cusco is priced at $34.00 per person and takes approximately 1 day with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, transportation, breakfast, lunch, and entrance fee to the Humantay Lagoon site.
- The tour involves a 2-hour uphill trek to reach the stunning turquoise-colored Humantay Lagoon at an altitude of 4200 meters.
- Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and have cash for optional horse rental.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, individuals with respiratory issues, or babies under 1 year.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Participant Requirements
- Booking Information
- Humantay Lagoon Experience
- Transportation and Meals
- Destination Highlights
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Difficult Is the Trek to Humantay Lagoon?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
- Can I Extend My Stay at the Lagoon?
- Is There Any Mobile Network Coverage During the Trek?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
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Tour Overview
The Humantay Lagoon tour offers a captivating day-long excursion from Cusco, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Priced from $34.00 per person, the tour lasts approximately 1 day and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Pickup from hotels in Cusco is included, with the journey beginning at 4:00 am.
The tour is led by a live guide fluent in both English and Spanish.
Highlights include trekking through the Salkantay route, reaching an altitude of 4200 m to admire the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, and enjoying a provided breakfast and lunch.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a vehicle journey through Izcuchaca and Limatambo to reach the Salkantay route.
The first stop is in Mollepata for breakfast. Travelers then drive for an hour to Soraypamapa, where they begin a 2-hour uphill trek to the Humantay Lagoon at an altitude of 4,200 meters.
At the lagoon, they can enjoy the stunning views and take pictures. After the visit, they descend and have lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco, usually around 6:30 pm.
- The trek to the lagoon takes 2 hours uphill.
- Travelers can enjoy the views and take pictures at the lagoon.
- The average return time to Cusco is 6:30 pm.
Inclusions
Included in the tour are hotel pickup, a professional guide, transportation, breakfast and lunch, an oxygen bottle, and a wood stick. The tour also includes the entrance fee, and horse rental is available for an additional 80 soles one way.
| Inclusions | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Oxygen bottle | To assist with breathing at high altitudes |
| Wood stick | To aid in trekking and provide stability |
| Breakfast and lunch | To sustain energy during the hike |
| Entrance fee | To access the Humantay Lagoon site |
The inclusions cater to the needs of the tour participants, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience during the trek to the Humantay Lagoon.
Participant Requirements
Not all participants are suitable for this tour. The Humantay Lagoon trek isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, or babies under 1 year.
Potential participants should keep a few key requirements in mind:
- Comfortable shoes are a must, as the trek involves 2 hours of uphill hiking at high altitude.
- Bringing a camera is encouraged to capture the stunning views.
- Carrying cash is advised, as horse rental is available for an additional cost.
Plus, the tour prohibits the use of alcohol, drugs, and electronic devices during the excursion.
Considering these participant requirements ensures a safe and enjoyable experience at the Humantay Lagoon.
More Great Tours NearbyBooking Information
To start your Humantay Lagoon tour, check availability for the desired starting times.
The tour offers flexible booking, allowing you to reserve your spot without upfront payment. This means you can secure your place and keep your travel plans flexible, with the option to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Whether you’re an early bird or prefer a later start, the tour provides multiple departure times to fit your schedule.
With this convenient booking process, you can easily plan your Humantay Lagoon adventure and make the most of your time in Cusco.
Humantay Lagoon Experience
Travelers embark on a scenic journey through the Andean landscapes, winding their way to the trailhead of the Humantay Lagoon.
The 2-hour uphill trek leads them to the stunning, turquoise-hued lagoon nestled at an altitude of 4,200 meters. Upon arrival, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views and ample opportunities to capture the natural beauty on camera.
The Humantay Lagoon experience offers:
- A chance to take in the serene, high-altitude environment
- The option to rent a horse for the ascent, making the trek more accessible
- The guidance of a professional local guide, ensuring a safe and informative journey
Descending back to Mollepata, travelers enjoy a well-deserved lunch before the return journey to Cusco, completing a remarkable day in the Andes.
Transportation and Meals
The tour begins with transportation from the traveler’s hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am.
The group travels by vehicle through Izcuchaca and Limatambo to reach the Salkantay route. The first stop is in Mollepata, where they enjoy breakfast before continuing the drive for one hour to Soraypamapa.
From there, the group treks uphill for two hours to reach the Humantay Lagoon at an altitude of 4,200 meters. After enjoying the views and taking pictures, they descend and have lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco, which takes an average of 6:30 pm.
Destination Highlights
Humantay Lagoon’s stunning turquoise waters and the dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains make it a breathtaking destination.
Visitors can expect to be awestruck by the natural beauty of this high-altitude lake, situated at an impressive 4,200 meters above sea level.
The trek to the lagoon offers:
- Panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers
- The chance to spot native wildlife like Andean geese and vizcachas
- A sense of accomplishment from conquering the uphill hike
After taking in the serene splendor of Humantay Lagoon, travelers can refuel with a well-earned lunch before beginning their descent and return to Cusco.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Difficult Is the Trek to Humantay Lagoon?
The trek to Humantay Lagoon is moderately challenging, involving a 2-hour uphill hike with an elevation gain of 1,200 meters. Visitors should be prepared for strenuous physical activity and high altitude conditions, but the stunning views make the effort worthwhile.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the Humantay Lagoon tour, but the tour includes breakfast and lunch. Bringing snacks and water is recommended, as there are no food options along the 2-hour uphill trek to the lagoon.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
This tour has age restrictions – it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year old. However, there’s no minimum age requirement, so older children are welcome to join if they can handle the trek.
Can I Extend My Stay at the Lagoon?
Customers cannot extend their stay at the Humantay Lagoon. The tour has a fixed itinerary, and visitors must return to Cusco at the scheduled time. However, they can spend more time enjoying the views and taking photos during the visit to the lagoon.
Is There Any Mobile Network Coverage During the Trek?
The tour does not provide any information about mobile network coverage during the trek to Humantay Lagoon. As the trek takes place in a remote mountainous area, coverage may be limited or unreliable.
From Cusco: Humantay Lagoon
Recap
The Humantay Lagoon tour from Cusco offers a captivating Andean adventure. Travelers will embark on a guided journey through picturesque landscapes, culminating in a challenging trek to the stunning turquoise lagoon. With transportation, meals, and a bilingual guide included, this experience caters to nature enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment, all while immersing in the vibrant local culture.
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