The excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco is a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts visiting the region. Starting at the crack of dawn, travelers embark on a scenic two-hour hike to witness the stunning turquoise waters of this iconic destination, surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains. At just $23 per person, the tour offers an affordable opportunity to take in the natural beauty of this hidden gem, with the guidance of a bilingual expert. While the early start and moderate hike may not be suitable for all, the breathtaking views and memorable experience are sure to leave a lasting impression on those who dare to venture forth.
Key Points
- A one-day tour from Cusco to Humantay Lake, priced from $23 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, breakfast, a 2-hour hike to the lake, a buffet lunch, and return to Cusco by 6 pm.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with certain medical conditions due to the strenuous activity and high elevation.
- Recommended items to bring include passport/ID, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and prohibited items like large bags and alcohol.
- Humantay Lake offers stunning turquoise waters set against the backdrop of the Andes mountains, making it a popular and breathtaking destination.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Experience
- Inclusions and Additional Costs
- Not Suitable for Certain Groups
- What to Bring and Not Allowed
- Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Stunning Scenery of Humantay Lake
- Getting to the Trailhead
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Humantay Lake?
- Can I Bring My Pet on the Excursion?
- Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Hike?
- Is the Trail Suitable for Beginner Hikers?
- Can I Purchase Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tours 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
The Excursion to Humantay Lake is a one-day tour from Cusco, priced from $23.00 per person.
The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.
The 1-day excursion starts with pickup from the Cusco hotel at 4:00 a.m., followed by a breakfast stop before the approximately 2-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake.
After time to explore and take photos, the group returns to Mollepata for a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco around 6:00 p.m.
The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and necessary gear, with optional add-ons like horse rental and travel insurance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary and Experience
The excursion begins with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historical center.
The first stop is in Mollepata for breakfast, before the hike starts at the Challacancha parking lot.
The hike to Humantay Lake takes approximately 2 hours. Visitors have time to take photos and explore the lake.
The return hike then leads back to Challacancha, followed by a buffet lunch in Mollepata.
The tour finally arrives back in Cusco around 6:00 p.m.
Inclusions and Additional Costs
The tour includes pickup from the hotel, tourist transportation, a bilingual guide, meals such as breakfast and lunch, walking sticks, a first aid kit, and an oxygen bottle.
Entrance to Humantay Lake is also covered, with a cost of 10 soles for Peruvian nationals and 20 soles for foreign visitors. However, horse rental is an additional 60 soles.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, those with vertigo, respiratory issues, altitude sickness, recent surgeries, motion sickness, or people over 70 years old.
Travelers are advised to bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and other essential items, while large bags and prohibited items like alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.
Not Suitable for Certain Groups
As mentioned, this excursion to Humantay Lake isn’t suitable for certain groups of travelers. This includes:
-
Pregnant women, due to the strenuous physical activity.
-
Wheelchair users, as the hike involves uneven terrain.
-
People with vertigo, respiratory issues, or altitude sickness, as the high elevation can be challenging.
-
Those who’ve recently undergone surgery or suffer from motion sickness, as the hike and transportation may exacerbate their conditions.
It’s crucial for potential participants to carefully consider their physical abilities and any medical conditions before booking this tour.
The organizers want to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment throughout the excursion.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Bring and Not Allowed
Equipped with essential items, travelers on the Excursion to Humantay Lake are advised to bring their passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, and a daypack. However, large bags and luggage are not permitted on the tour. Plus, smoking, alcohol, drugs, explosive substances, and alcoholic drinks are strictly forbidden inside the vehicle. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the following items are not allowed:
| Item | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Passport/ID | Yes |
| Luggage | No |
| Smoking | No |
| Alcohol | No |
| Drugs | No |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customers have shared their thoughts and experiences with the Excursion to Humantay Lake, providing valuable insights.
The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 66 reviews.
Highlights from travelers include:
-
Nicolle from the United States praised the transportation, food, and guide, while noting the altitude challenges but enjoying the overall experience.
-
Jelena from Serbia found the trip well-organized and worth the hike.
-
Jay from the United States commended the guide’s care and quality of meals, highly recommending the tour.
-
Customers have consistently praised the organization, meals, and the guide’s attentiveness, making the Excursion to Humantay Lake a popular choice.
Stunning Scenery of Humantay Lake
The stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake lie nestled amidst the towering Andes mountains, captivating visitors with its serene beauty.
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake reflects the majestic landscape, creating a breathtaking sight. Hikers who make the trek to this natural wonder are rewarded with the opportunity to stroll along the shoreline, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and snapping countless photos to cherish the memory.
The crystal-clear waters and the rugged, yet picturesque, setting make Humantay Lake a true highlight of any visit to the Cusco region, offering a chance to take in the awe-inspiring natural splendor of the Andes.
Getting to the Trailhead
After marveling at the stunning scenery of Humantay Lake, the next step is getting to the trailhead. The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in the historical center of Cusco at 4:00 a.m.
The first stop is in Mollepata for breakfast, before heading to the Challacancha parking lot, the starting point of the hike.
The approximately 2-hour hike to Humantay Lake includes:
- Scenic views of the surrounding mountains
- Opportunities to rest and take in the landscape
- Assistance from the bilingual guide
- Use of walking sticks and access to first aid if needed
Once at the lake, you’ll have time to explore and capture the breathtaking vistas before beginning the return hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Humantay Lake?
The best time to visit Humantay Lake is during the dry season from May to September when the weather is mild and skies are clear, providing optimal conditions for enjoying the stunning alpine lake and surrounding landscape.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Excursion?
No, pets are not allowed on the excursion to Humantay Lake. The tour operator doesn’t permit any animals due to the hiking involved and the sensitive natural environment at the lake.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Hike?
There are no restroom facilities along the 2-hour hike to Humantay Lake. Guests should plan accordingly and use the restrooms at the starting point and after returning from the lake.
Is the Trail Suitable for Beginner Hikers?
The trail to Humantay Lake is generally suitable for beginner hikers, though the high altitude can make it challenging. With proper preparation and guidance, most reasonably fit individuals should be able to complete the 2-hour hike to the lake.
Can I Purchase Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?
The tour does not provide opportunities to purchase snacks or drinks during the hike. Travelers should bring their own food and beverages to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day-long excursion.
From Cusco: Excursion to Humantay Lake From Cusco
“Excellent value for the money we paid. Beto was a great guide, very patient with us, kept us well informed, and made sure no one was left behind. I…”
Recap
The excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco offers an unforgettable one-day adventure, providing travelers with stunning views, memorable experiences, and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of this iconic Andean destination. With a reasonable price tag and all necessary inclusions, this tour is an excellent option for those seeking an adventurous day trip from Cusco.
You can check availability for your dates here:
