Cusco: Humantay Lake Day Trip With Breakfast and Lunch

Tucked away in the Andes, Humantay Lake is a natural wonder that captivates all who witness its breathtaking beauty. This day trip from Cusco presents an opportunity to take in the region’s stunning landscapes and connect with its vibrant culture. Beginning with an early morning hotel pickup, the adventure unfolds through a scenic drive, a hearty breakfast, and a trek to the iconic turquoise lagoon. Hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas, while a delectable buffet lunch follows the excursion. From start to finish, this comprehensive tour showcases the best of what Cusco and the Humantay Lake have to offer.

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

Key Points

• The Humantay Lake Day Trip from Cusco is priced from $26.50 per person and includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and hiking gear.
• The full-day tour features a 2.5-hour car ride to Mollepata for breakfast, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the trailhead at Soraypampa.
• The 2 km hike to Humantay Lagoon takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and offers scenic views of Salkantay mountain and diverse flora and fauna.
• Humantay Lagoon is known for its striking turquoise color and is considered a sacred site for honoring Pachamama, with opportunities to participate in gratitude ceremonies.
• The tour includes a return journey to Cusco, with a 1.5-hour drive back to Mollepata and a 2.5-hour ride to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Humantay Lake Day Trip offers a captivating one-day adventure, priced from $26.50 per person.

Guests can expect a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and the convenience of a reserve now, pay later option.

The tour duration is a full day, allowing ample time to explore the stunning Humantay Lagoon.

Travelers can also look forward to complimentary round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast and lunch, and essential hiking gear such as walking sticks and first aid.

With these inclusions, the Humantay Lake Day Trip provides an exceptional value for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes.

Itinerary and Experience

Early in the morning, guests are picked up from their Cusco hotels between 4:00 and 5:00 AM for the start of the Humantay Lake Day Trip.

The journey begins with a 2.5-hour car ride to Mollepata, where a hearty breakfast is served.

Next, guests embark on a 1.5-hour drive along a dirt road to Soraypampa, situated at an altitude of 3900 meters.

From there, a 2 km hike, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, leads to the stunning Humantay Lagoon at an elevation of 4200 meters.

Along the way, guests are treated to breathtaking views of the Salkantay mountain and the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

Humantay Lagoon Highlights

Humantay Lagoon features a stunning turquoise color due to the presence of minerals in the water. The reflections of the sky are clearly visible in the still, placid surface.

Fed by a nearby glacier, the lagoon is considered a natural wonder and a sacred site for honoring Pachamama, or Mother Earth. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in a gratitude ceremony, placing stones as offerings.

The lagoon’s serene beauty and its high-altitude setting, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Andes, make it a truly unforgettable experience for those exploring the region around Cusco.

Round-trip Transportation

For this Humantay Lake Day Trip, round-trip transportation from Cusco is provided.

The tour includes an early morning hotel pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. From Cusco, it’s a 2.5-hour car ride to Mollepata, where guests enjoy breakfast.

Then, it’s a 1.5-hour drive on a dirt road to Soraypampa, located at an altitude of 3,900 meters. After the hike to Humantay Lagoon, the return journey follows the same route, ending in Cusco around 6:30 PM.

The transportation is comfortable, and the bilingual guides ensure a smooth and informative experience throughout the day.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Breakfast and Lunch Buffet

The Humantay Lake Day Trip includes a breakfast and lunch buffet for participants.

The breakfast is served at a restaurant in Mollepata, approximately 2.5 hours from Cusco. It features a variety of Peruvian and international items, ensuring that everyone can find something to their liking.

After the hike to Humantay Lagoon, the group gathers for a hearty Andean-inspired lunch, also served in a buffet style. The menu includes typical Peruvian dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Both meals are designed to provide the necessary energy and nourishment for the day’s activities. The inclusion of the breakfast and lunch buffet is a convenient and enjoyable aspect of the Humantay Lake Day Trip.

Activity Amenities and Inclusions

The Humantay Lake Day Trip includes a variety of amenities and inclusions to enhance the overall experience. Participants will receive round-trip transportation and a bilingual guide fluent in English and Spanish. Breakfast and lunch buffets are provided, along with essential gear like walking sticks, a first aid kit, and oxygen. The entry fee to Humantay Lagoon is also covered, with different rates for Peruvian nationals and foreigners. Plus, horse rental is available for those who prefer a more relaxed hike, though this incurs an extra cost.

Included Amenities	Rates
Round-trip Transportation	Nationals: 10 Soles
Bilingual Guide	Foreigners: 20 Soles
Breakfast and Lunch Buffet	Horse Rental: 60 Soles

Horse Rental Option

For those who prefer a more leisurely approach, the Humantay Lake Day Trip offers a horse rental option.

Guests can hire a horse for the 2 km hike to the stunning turquoise lagoon, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The horse rental costs 60.00 soles, providing a comfortable alternative to the trek.

Riders will be accompanied by an experienced local horseman, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. This option is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience or who may have difficulty with the high-altitude hike.

The stunning scenery and serene waters of Humantay Lake remain accessible even for those who opt for the horseback experience.

Return Journey to Cusco

After the visit to the stunning Humantay Lagoon, the tour group embarks on the return journey to Cusco.

The descent from the high-altitude lagoon takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon reaching Soraypampa, the group enjoys a delicious Andean lunch buffet.

The return drive to Cusco then begins, covering the same route through the picturesque countryside. The journey includes:

1. A 1.5-hour drive on the dirt road back to Mollepata.
2. A 2.5-hour car ride from Mollepata to Cusco.

Arrival in Cusco around 6:30 PM, marking the end of the day’s adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?

The tour’s group size is typically small, with an average of 8 to 12 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and ensures each traveler receives attentive guidance from the bilingual guide throughout the day’s activities.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Hike?

The tour provides walking sticks, first aid kits, and oxygen. While not required, hikers may wish to bring their own hiking poles, proper hiking boots, and warm layers to ensure comfort and safety during the 2km trek to Humantay Lagoon.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Requirements?

There are no specific age or fitness level requirements for the Humantay Lake hike. However, it’s a 4-kilometer roundtrip trek at high altitude, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. Children and older adults can participate with proper preparation.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but a buffet breakfast and lunch are already included in the price. Bringing additional snacks and beverages is allowed and can provide extra sustenance during the hike.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

While the standard Humantay Lake day trip doesn’t offer extensions, some tour providers may allow travelers to add optional activities like visiting nearby villages or hiking to additional viewpoints for an additional fee. Travelers should inquire about customization options when booking.

Recap

The Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco offers an unforgettable opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes. The tour provides round-trip transportation, a scenic drive, a hearty breakfast and lunch, experienced bilingual guides, and the option to rent horses, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Visitors can connect with the local culture while taking in the stunning turquoise lagoon surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks.

You can check if your dates are available here: