Embarking on a captivating 1-day tour from Cusco, travelers can enjoy the stunning natural wonder of Humantay Lagoon. This guided hike through the scenic Andes promises an unforgettable experience, with a delicious breakfast and lunch included to fuel the adventure. Prepare to be mesmerized by the turquoise waters of the lagoon, complemented by a traditional ceremony that adds to the cultural richness of the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking a breathtaking day in the mountains, this tour offers an opportunity to connect with the captivating beauty of the Andes.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Cusco includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a guided hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon at an altitude of 4200 meters.
- The tour provides a traditional ceremony at the lagoon, as well as information on the local flora and fauna from a knowledgeable bilingual guide.
- Breakfast and a lunch buffet are included, along with equipment such as walking sticks and a first aid kit to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
- The tour is operated by a reputable local company that is licensed, insured, and committed to sustainable tourism practices.
- Customers have generally provided positive feedback, with highlights including the guide’s attentiveness and the quality of the transportation, though some areas for improvement have been noted.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Experience
- Highlights of the Tour
- Inclusions and Additional Services
- Customer Reviews and Feedback
- Transportation and Pickup
- Hiking and Trail Conditions
- Tour Operator and Certification
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
- How Strenuous Is the Hike to the Lagoon?
- Are There Restrooms Available During the Tour?
- Can I Rent Equipment on the Day of the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
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- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour offers an intriguing adventure for travelers interested in exploring one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders.
Priced from £18.36 per person, this tour provides a full day of exploration, including hotel pickup in Cusco, round-trip transportation, and a guided hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon.
The tour lasts approximately one day and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning.
Visitors can enjoy the convenience of a reserve now, pay later option, ensuring a stress-free booking experience.
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Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, followed by a 2.5-hour car ride to Mollepata for a breakfast stop. From there, the journey continues for 1.5 hours to Soraypampa, where the hike to Humantay Lagoon begins. The 2 km uphill trek leads to the stunning turquoise lagoon at an altitude of 4200 meters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. At the lagoon, a ceremony is held, and a guided tour provides interesting information about the sacred wilderness and its diverse flora and fauna.
| Itinerary | Duration |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup in Cusco | 4:00 – 5:00 AM |
| Travel to Mollepata | 2.5 hours |
| Travel to Soraypampa | 1.5 hours |
| Hike to Humantay Lagoon | 2 km uphill |
Highlights of the Tour
Undoubtedly, the Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour offers a captivating exploration of one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Travelers will have the chance to discover the stunning turquoise lagoon, fed by the nearby glaciers. The hike to the lagoon, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain, is a sacred experience for the Inca people.
Visitors can witness a traditional ceremony at the lagoon and learn about the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region from the knowledgeable bilingual guide.
With diverse flora and fauna along the way, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into Peru’s stunning wilderness.
Inclusions and Additional Services
The Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour includes a comprehensive package of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers. This includes hotel pickup from Cusco’s historic center, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide who can provide information in Aymara, English, and Spanish.
A breakfast and lunch buffet are also provided, along with walking sticks, a first aid kit, and oxygen for the hike. The tour also covers the entry fee to Humantay Lagoon, which is 10 soles for Peruvian nationals and 20 soles for foreign visitors.
Plus, travelers have the option to rent a horse for 60 soles. Travel insurance is also included in the package.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Feedback
Based on the reviews gathered, the overall rating for the Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour stands at 3.6 out of 5 stars, reflecting a mixed response from travelers.
Positive feedback focused on the guide’s attentiveness, the quality of transportation, and the lunch buffet.
However, some areas for improvement were noted, such as the limited food options and the time spent at the mountain.
Specific experiences mentioned by travelers included issues with seating arrangements and the management of horseback riding.
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Transportation and Pickup
The tour includes hotel pickup from Cusco’s historic center, providing a convenient start to the day.
Travelers are collected between 4:00 and 5:00 AM for the 2.5-hour drive to Mollepata, where a breakfast stop is made. From there, the journey continues for an additional 1.5 hours to Soraypampa, the starting point for the hike:
- Scenic drive through the Andes mountains
- Comfortable transportation in a private vehicle
- Breakfast stop in Mollepata to fuel up for the hike
- Smooth transfer to the trailhead at Soraypampa
Hiking and Trail Conditions
From Soraypampa, hikers embark on a 2-kilometer uphill trek to reach the stunning Humantay Lagoon. The trail winds through rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The hike, which typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, is considered moderate in difficulty, with some steep sections that require careful footing.
| Trail Conditions | Difficulty Level | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven, rocky path | Moderate | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Gradual incline | Moderate | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Occasional steep sections | Moderate | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Exposure to high altitude | Moderate | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Scenic mountain views | Moderate | 1.5 – 2 hours |
Hikers are advised to pack proper hiking gear, stay hydrated, and acclimatize to the high altitude before attempting the trek.
Tour Operator and Certification
The Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour is operated by a reputable local tour company based in Cusco. This tour operator is licensed, insured, and certified by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism, ensuring the safety and quality of the experience.
The company employs experienced, multilingual guides who are knowledgeable about the local culture and environment. They use well-maintained vehicles and equipment, and provide necessary gear like walking sticks and oxygen.
On top of that, the tour operator is committed to sustainable tourism practices, minimizing the environmental impact of their operations. Travelers can trust that they’re in good hands with this trusted local provider.
- Licensed and certified by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism
- Employs experienced, multilingual guides
- Uses well-maintained vehicles and equipment
- Committed to sustainable tourism practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed on the Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour. However, a buffet-style breakfast and lunch are already included in the tour package, so bringing additional items may not be necessary.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
No, there is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. The tour can accommodate solo travelers, as well as groups of any size, with transportation and guided services tailored to the number of participants.
How Strenuous Is the Hike to the Lagoon?
The hike to the Humantay Lagoon is moderately strenuous, covering 2 km uphill with an elevation gain of 400 meters. Though challenging, the stunning scenery and turquoise waters make the trek worthwhile for most fit travelers.
Are There Restrooms Available During the Tour?
There are restrooms available at the starting point in Mollepata and at the Humantay Lagoon itself. However, there may not be any facilities during the 2-hour hike to the lagoon.
Can I Rent Equipment on the Day of the Tour?
Yes, participants can rent equipment like walking sticks and horses on the day of the tour. The tour includes these rental options, and travelers can pay the additional fees directly to the provider during the excursion.
From Cusco: Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour | Breakfast + Lunch |
““The experience of visiting Laguna Humantay was, without exaggeration, one of the most memorable moments of my entire trip through Peru. From ver…”
Recap
The Humantay Lagoon tour from Cusco offers a breathtaking one-day adventure through the scenic Andes. Guests can look forward to a guided hike, a traditional ceremony, and mesmerizing views of the turquoise waters. With breakfast, lunch, and an expert bilingual guide included, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Convenient hotel pickup and a focus on customer satisfaction ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.
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