Discovering Laguna Humantay 1 Day: Andean Glacier

Nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes lies Laguna Humantay, a mesmerizing glacial lake that beckons adventurous travelers. This one-day tour promises an unforgettable experience, taking hikers on a 2-hour journey through the breathtaking landscape to witness the lagoon’s stunning turquoise waters and the majestic Apu Salkantay and Nevado Humantay mountains. Along the way, you will enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region, savoring a traditional Andean lunch and exploring the charming town of Mollepata. With a price tag of just $70, this tour offers an exceptional value for those seeking to discover the natural wonders of Peru’s highlands.

Key Points

• Explore the stunning Humantay Lagoon, a glacial lake nestled in the Andes, on a guided day tour from Cusco with round-trip transportation, breakfast, and lunch included.

• Experience a 2-hour hike to reach the picturesque Humantay Lagoon, offering breathtaking views of the Apu Salkantay and Nevado Humantay Mountains.

• Enjoy a culture during the tour, with opportunities to interact with the local community and savor authentic Andean cuisine.

• Customize your experience with options to rent wooden canes or horses for accessibility, ensuring a comfortable and accessible adventure.

• Prepare for the physical activity and high altitude, as the tour is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with health issues.

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Overview and Details

The Laguna Humantay 1 Day tour offers adventurous travelers the chance to discover the stunning Andean glacier of Humantay Lake.

Priced from $70 per person, this 1-day excursion departs from Cusco and provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Led by English and Spanish-speaking guides, the tour includes round-trip transportation, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.

Hikers will trek for 2 hours to reach the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, where they’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Apu Salkantay and Nevado Humantay mountains.

Private group options are available, and travelers can opt to rent a horse for a portion of the hike.

Itinerary and Schedule

The Laguna Humantay 1 Day tour kicks off with a 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM pick-up from participants’ accommodations in Cusco. The group then embarks on a 3.5-hour bus ride to Mollepata, where they’ll enjoy a breakfast stop before continuing on to Soraypampa. From there, it’s a 2-hour hike up to the stunning Humantay Lagoon, offering breathtaking views of the Apu Salkantay and Nevado Humantay Mountains. After exploring the lake, the group will descend back to Soraypampa in 1 hour and enjoy a buffet lunch in Mollepata before the estimated return to Cusco between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Departure	Transportation	Stops
4:00 AM – 4:30 AM	Bus/coach (3.5 hours)	Mollepata (breakfast), Soraypampa
Hike Duration	Descent	Lunch
2 hours (up)	1 hour (down)	Mollepata

Highlights and Experience

At the heart of the Laguna Humantay 1 Day tour lies the captivating Humantay Lagoon Trek, where participants can witness the awe-inspiring views of the Apu Salkantay and Nevado Humantay Mountains.

The guided tour of the Humantay Lake, lasting 2.5 hours, provides a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the local traditions of the region.

Plus, the tour includes a delectable buffet lunch in Mollepata, offering a glimpse into the culinary delights of the Andes.

With the option to rent a wooden cane or a horse, the tour caters to the needs of various fitness levels, ensuring an enjoyable and accessible experience for all.

Inclusions and Options

As part of the Laguna Humantay 1 Day tour, the package includes a hotel pick-up service, comfortable and safe transportation, and a bilingual tour guide to ensure a seamless experience.

Breakfast and lunch are also provided, with the option to rent a wooden cane for the hike. For emergencies, the tour includes a first aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Participants can also choose to ride a horse one-way to the lagoon for an additional 80 soles.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with vertigo or respiratory issues.

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Important Information

Suitable only for those in good health, the Laguna Humantay 1 Day tour is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or individuals with vertigo or respiratory issues. Participants should come prepared with their passport, camera, snacks, hiking shoes, water, and cash. It’s essential to provide the tour operator with the hotel location and participant information to ensure a smooth experience. The meeting point is at the Plaza Mayor de Cusco.

What to Bring	Recommendations
Passport	Wear Hiking Shoes
Camera	Bring Snacks/Water
Cash	Share Hotel Details

Meeting and Pick-up

The meeting point for the Laguna Humantay 1 Day tour is Plaza Mayor de Cusco. This is where the guide will pick up participants for the day’s adventure.

The tour operator recommends arriving at the Plaza 10-15 minutes before the scheduled 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM pickup time to ensure a prompt departure.

From there, you’ll be transported by bus or coach for the 3.5-hour journey to the starting point in Soraypampa. The tour guide will be there to greet you and provide any necessary instructions before the hike to Humantay Lagoon begins.

Be sure to have your passport and other essentials ready for a seamless start to the day’s activities.

Transportation and Logistics

From the Plaza Mayor in Cusco, you’ll be transported by a comfortable and safe bus or coach for the 3.5-hour journey to the starting point in Soraypampa. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a breakfast stop in the town of Mollepata to fuel up before the hike. Once at Soraypampa, it’s a 2-hour trek up to the stunning Humantay Lagoon. After exploring the lake, you’ll descend back to Soraypampa in about 1 hour. Lunch will then be served in Mollepata before the return trip to Cusco, expected to arrive between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Starting Location	Cusco
Transportation	Bus/Coach
Travel Time to Soraypampa	3.5 hours
Breakfast Stop	Mollepata

Cultural Immersion and Lunch

A highlight of the Laguna Humantay 1 Day tour is the culture and lunch experience in the town of Mollepata.

After the hike to Humantay Lagoon, the group stops for a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch. This provides an opportunity to:

1. Savor authentic Andean cuisine, including local specialties.
2. Interact with the local community and learn about their way of life.
3. Appreciate the picturesque mountain setting of Mollepata.
4. Recharge with a satisfying meal before the journey back to Cusco.

This cultural component adds depth and richness to the overall Laguna Humantay experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the local culture and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Additional Equipment or Gear at the Site?

Visitors can’t purchase additional equipment or gear at the site. However, the tour operator provides hiking canes as an optional choice. Visitors are advised to bring appropriate gear and equipment to ensure a comfortable and safe trek experience.

What Should I Do if I Experience Altitude Sickness During the Hike?

If you experience altitude sickness during the hike, inform your guide immediately. They’ll provide oxygen and can arrange for you to descend the mountain safely. Don’t hesitate to let them know – your health is the priority.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Trek?

There’s no option to extend the duration of the trek. The tour is a 1-day package, and the itinerary is fixed. Participants must complete the hike to Humantay Lake and return to Cusco within the scheduled timeframe.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the Laguna Humantay 1 Day tour. The tour is designed for human participants only, and bringing pets could disrupt the experience and pose safety concerns for both the animals and the other guests.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participation in This Activity?

This activity is not suitable for children under 12 years old, pregnant women, individuals with vertigo, or those with respiratory issues. Participants must be able to hike for 2-3 hours on steep terrain.

Recap

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Laguna Humantay on this one-day excursion. Witness the majestic Apu Salkantay and Nevado Humantay mountains, learn about local culture, and savor a traditional Peruvian lunch. With an affordable price tag of just $70, this unforgettable adventure is an opportunity not to be missed. Set out on a journey that will leave you with lasting memories of this natural wonder in the heart of the Andes.

You can check if your dates are available here: