The Beat the Crowds Humantay Lake Day Tour offers a chance to explore one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders without the typical crowds. Departing under the cover of darkness, this intimate small-group trek allows adventurers to witness the stunning glacial lake and its snow-capped peaks in relative solitude. With knowledgeable guides, delicious meals, and essential safety equipment, the tour ensures a memorable Andean adventure. But what makes this experience truly special is the opportunity to connect with the beauty of the Andes in a way that’s often lost amidst the bustling tourist scene.
Key Points
- Depart at 3:00 am to reach Humantay Lake before the crowds and enjoy its serene beauty.
- Trek through scenic Andes landscape for a moderate 5-kilometer hike with an 800-meter ascent to the lake.
- Benefit from the early arrival by exploring the mirror-like surface of the glacial lake and capturing stunning photos.
- Avoid the crowds by joining a small-group tour limited to 8 participants for an intimate experience.
- Acclimate in Cusco for at least 24 hours before the trek to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Experience
- Inclusions and Amenities
- Health and Safety Guidelines
- Tour Reviews and Feedback
- Booking and Cancellation Policy
- Getting to Humantay Lake
- Highlights of the Trek
- Preparing for the Adventure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Humantay Lake?
- Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?
- Are There Opportunities to Purchase Local Handicrafts?
- Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children?
- Can I Extend the Tour to Include Other Nearby Sites?
- 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 Experience
The small-group tour, with a maximum of 8 participants, ensures an intimate experience for travelers.
Departing at 3:00 am allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of Humantay Lake.
The trekking to the lake is strenuous but rewarding, offering stunning views along the way.
It’s recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 24 hours before embarking on this tour to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Inclusions and Amenities
This tour includes pickup and drop-off from Cusco hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs. A breakfast and lunch at a restaurant with a view are also provided.
Participants can make use of trekking poles, a first-aid kit, mountain radios, an oximeter, and an oxygen bottle during the trek. Plus, the tour utilizes comfortable vans with modified seats for better comfort during transportation.
However, the entrance fee for the trek (S/ 20) and any beverages aren’t included.
The tour’s amenities are designed to enhance the overall experience. From the thoughtful transportation to the essential hiking gear, the tour organizers have ensured that participants can focus on enjoying the stunning Humantay Lake without worrying about the logistical details.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Participants should note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and the minimum age is 12 years.
Guests are advised to bring appropriate gear, such as rain jackets, warm layers, gloves, hats, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks. This challenging trek to Humantay Lake can be strenuous, but the stunning views make it a rewarding experience.
Tour operators closely monitor participants’ well-being and provide safety equipment, including trekking poles, a first-aid kit, mountain radios, an oximeter, and oxygen bottles, to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Tour Reviews and Feedback
Guests have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this Humantay Lake day tour, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 137 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, delicious meals, and comfortable transportation provided during the experience.
Many guests appreciated the early arrival at the lake, which allowed them to enjoy the serene beauty with fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
The feedback highlights that the tour delivers on its promises, providing an intimate, rewarding trekking experience with stunning views of the glacial lake.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
The tour’s pricing starts from $139 per person, with variation based on group size. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience.
Participants must communicate their reservation confirmation and pickup location via Tripadvisor messenger after booking, and a minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to operate. This ensures a smooth and organized tour experience for all guests.
The tour provider understands that plans can change, which is why they offer the flexible cancellation policy. Booking early is recommended, as the tour’s popularity means spots can fill up quickly.
Getting to Humantay Lake
The tour begins with an early departure from Cusco at 3:00 am, allowing visitors to reach Humantay Lake before the crowds arrive and enjoy its serene beauty.
The drive to the trailhead takes approximately 2 hours, winding through the scenic Andes mountains.
Once at the starting point, participants embark on a moderately strenuous 5-kilometer trek that gradually ascends 800 meters to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
Along the way, the guide provides insights into the local flora, fauna, and cultural significance of this sacred site.
The early arrival ensures fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed views and ample time to explore the breathtaking landscape before beginning the descent back to Cusco.
Highlights of the Trek
Trekkers marvel at the gradual ascent through the serene Andes landscape, with each step revealing more of Humantay Lake’s stunning turquoise waters against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
The trail winding through lush meadows and rocky terrain challenges adventurers, but the payoff is worth it. As they reach the lake’s edge, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panorama framed by towering mountains.
It’s a photographer’s dream, with the still, mirror-like surface reflecting the majestic scenery. Explorers can take their time admiring the natural wonder, snapping photos, and breathing in the crisp, thin air.
The early start ensures fewer crowds, allowing guests to fully enjoy the serene beauty of this hidden Andean gem.
Preparing for the Adventure
Proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful and enjoyable Humantay Lake adventure.
Participants should heed the tour’s recommendations to acclimatize for at least 24 hours in Cusco before the trek, allowing their bodies to adjust to the high altitude.
Bringing the right gear, like warm layers, rain protection, and proper hiking shoes, is crucial.
Travelers must also be in moderate physical shape to handle the strenuous trek.
While the tour provides essential equipment like trekking poles and first-aid, it’s wise to pack personal snacks and hydration.
Following the guide’s instructions and staying hydrated will help ensure a safe and memorable experience at the stunning Humantay Lake.
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, typically from May to September. This period offers clear skies, fewer crowds, and ideal trekking conditions, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the lake.
Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?
No, dogs are not allowed on the Humantay Lake tour. The tour operator’s policy prohibits bringing pets due to the strenuous nature of the trek and the need to maintain a safe, comfortable experience for all participants.
Are There Opportunities to Purchase Local Handicrafts?
The tour does not include opportunities to purchase local handicrafts. The focus is on the Humantay Lake trekking experience and providing a comfortable, informative tour for participants. Guests can explore local markets on their own before or after the tour.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children?
The minimum age requirement for the tour is 12 years. Children younger than 12 are not permitted to participate due to the strenuous nature of the trekking activity and safety considerations.
Can I Extend the Tour to Include Other Nearby Sites?
Participants can extend the tour to include other nearby sites, but this must be arranged and approved with the tour company in advance. Additional costs may apply for extended itineraries or customized tours.
Beat the Crowds Humantay Lake Day Tour
“This was an amazing experience and worth every single penny, and the early start! Our guide Maik was wonderful and gave us a really tailored experi…”
Recap
The Beat the Crowds Humantay Lake Day Tour provides an exceptional opportunity for nature enthusiasts to experience the breathtaking beauty of Humantay Lake in a small-group setting.
With knowledgeable guides, delicious meals, and essential safety equipment, the challenging 5-kilometer ascent rewards hikers with stunning views of the glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
This ensures a memorable adventure in the Andes.
