Cusco: Hiking Day Trip to Humantay Lake – Breakfast & Lunch

Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Cusco offers an enthralling day trip to Humantay Lake. This breathtaking excursion begins with an early morning pickup, followed by a hearty breakfast in Mollepata. The real adventure starts with a 2-hour hike to the stunning turquoise lagoon, perched at an impressive 4,200 meters. Visitors are granted ample time to explore the serene beauty of the lake before indulging in a delicious buffet lunch on the return journey. This unforgettable experience in the Andean landscape promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Cusco.

Key Points

• A 14-hour day trip from Cusco to the turquoise Humantay Lake, priced at $23 per person and including transportation, guide, meals, and entry fees.
• The itinerary includes an early morning pickup, breakfast in Mollepata, a 2-hour hike to the 4,200-meter altitude lagoon, and a buffet lunch on the return.
• Hikers can explore the serene beauty of the lagoon, enjoy the contrast of the turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks, and learn about the lagoon’s formation and ecology.
• The trip provides opportunities to spot local wildlife like alpacas and llamas during the scenic Andean countryside drive and hike.
• Optional activities include horse rental and travel insurance, while essential provisions like walking sticks and first aid are included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

This day trip offers a hiking adventure to the stunning Humantay Lake in the Cusco region. Priced from $23 per person, the 14-hour excursion includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and entry fees.

The trip starts with an early morning pickup from your Cusco accommodation followed by breakfast in Mollepata. You’ll then hike for around 2 hours to reach the turquoise-colored Humantay Lagoon at an altitude of 4,200 meters.

After exploring the scenic spot, you’ll return to Mollepata for a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 6 pm. With beautiful landscapes and the highlight of Humantay Lake, this day trip is a great way to experience the Andes.

Itinerary Highlights

Commencing the journey from Cusco, travelers are whisked away in the early morning hours, headed towards the quaint town of Mollepata.

There, they’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing on to the Challacancha parking lot, the starting point for the hike.

The trail to Humantay Lagoon climbs steadily for around 2 hours, eventually reaching the stunning turquoise waters nestled at an altitude of 4,200 meters.

Visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas and ample time to explore the serene surroundings.

The return journey follows the same route, concluding with a delectable buffet lunch in Mollepata before the drive back to Cusco.

Pickup and Breakfast

Travelers are picked up from their accommodations in the historic center of Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, embarking on their day trip adventure.

The journey begins with a drive to the town of Mollepata, where they’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the hike ahead.

The scenic drive through the Andean countryside sets the stage for the stunning natural beauty that awaits.

With their bellies full and spirits high, the group will continue towards the starting point of the hike, eager to explore the breathtaking Humantay Lake.

Hike to Humantay Lagoon

The group departs Mollepata and heads to the parking lot at Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. From here, the approximately 2-hour hike to the Humantay Lagoon begins, ascending to an altitude of 4200 meters.

Along the way, hikers are treated to:

• Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
• Opportunities to spot local wildlife like alpacas and llamas
• The turquoise waters of the stunning Humantay Lagoon itself

Once at the lagoon, hikers have time to take in the serene beauty and snap photos before beginning the return journey back to Challacancha and then on to Mollepata for a well-earned lunch.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Time at the Lagoon

Once at the lagoon, visitors have ample time to take in the serene beauty and snap breathtaking photos of the turquoise waters contrasting the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

The stunning Humantay Lake sits nestled at an altitude of 4,200 meters, offering a truly unique and picturesque setting.

Travelers can explore the area, admire the vibrant colors, and even dip their toes in the chilly waters if they’re feeling adventurous.

The guide is on hand to provide information about the lagoon’s formation and the local ecology.

After spending time soaking in the captivating landscape, it’s time to begin the hike back down to Challacancha and continue the day’s journey.

Return Journey and Lunch

After exploring the serene Humantay Lake, hikers make their way back down to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike.

The return journey takes roughly an hour, allowing travelers to soak in the stunning landscapes once again.

Upon reaching Challacancha, the group boards the transportation to Mollepata, where they’re treated to a delicious buffet lunch in a picturesque restaurant.

The meal includes a variety of local Peruvian dishes, providing a satisfying end to the day’s adventure.

From Mollepata, the group then departs for the approximately 2-hour drive back to the historic center of Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 6:00 p.m.

• Buffet lunch in Mollepata
• Scenic drive back to Cusco
• Estimated arrival time of 6:00 p.m.

Arrival in Cusco

Travelers arrive back in the historic center of Cusco around 6:00 p.m., completing their day trip to the stunning Humantay Lake.

After the approximately 2-hour hike back from the lagoon, they’ve had a chance to rest and refuel with a hearty buffet lunch in Mollepata.

The group was picked up from their Cusco accommodations early in the morning and had a scenic drive to the trailhead.

Now, they can reflect on the beautiful scenery, turquoise lake, and unforgettable experience as they return to their lodgings, ready to explore more of the Cusco region.

Inclusions and Additional Information

The day trip includes several key elements. The pickup from the hotel in historic Cusco, round-trip transportation, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide are all included.

The trip also provides breakfast and a buffet lunch at a picturesque restaurant. Plus, the package offers:

• Walking sticks, a first aid kit, and oxygen for the hike.
• Entrance fees to Humantay Lagoon.
• Optional horse rental.
• Travel insurance.

The hike itself is about 2 hours one way to reach the stunning turquoise lake at an altitude of 4200 meters.

The total duration of the day trip is approximately 14 hours, with an expected return to Cusco around 6:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Hike?

There’s no minimum age requirement specified for this hike. It’s suitable for all ages, but hikers should be physically fit and able to handle the high altitude and steep terrain. Families with children are welcome to join.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Participants can bring their own food and snacks for the hike. The tour package includes breakfast and lunch, but hikers are welcome to supplement with their own provisions if desired.

Is There Any Difficulty Level for the Hike?

The hike to Humantay Lake is considered moderate in difficulty, as it involves a 2-hour ascent to an altitude of 4,200 meters. Travelers should be prepared for the high elevation and uneven terrain, but the stunning views are worth the effort.

Are There Any Restrooms Along the Hike?

There are limited restroom facilities along the hike to Humantay Lake. Hikers should plan accordingly and may need to use the natural surroundings. The hike can be strenuous, so it’s important to be prepared.

Can I Leave My Luggage With the Tour Company?

Yes, you can leave your luggage with the tour company. They will store it securely while you hike to Humantay Lake. This allows you to enjoy the trek without the burden of carrying additional items.

Recap

This day trip from Cusco to Humantay Lake is an unforgettable adventure. The scenic hike, stunning turquoise lagoon, and delicious meals make it a must-do experience in the Andean landscape. With an early pickup, hearty breakfast, and ample time to explore, this excursion offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and culinary delight.

You can check if your dates are available here: