Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, serves as the gateway to Peru’s breathtaking Andean landscapes. One such natural wonder is the captivating Humantay Lake, nestled at an altitude of 4,200 meters. A full-day private tour from Cusco offers adventurous travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s stunning beauty and cultural traditions. With an early hotel pickup, a hearty breakfast, and a scenic hike to the lake, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But the journey doesn’t end there – prepare to witness a sacred offering demonstration and savor a delicious buffet lunch, all while exploring the Andean splendor under the guidance of a knowledgeable bilingual guide.
Key Points

- A 12-hour private tour from Cusco to the scenic Humantay Lake located at an altitude of 4,200 meters.
- Includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch, but excludes entrance fees and cold drinks.
- Suitable for participants aged 18-70 who are physically fit, with restrictions for pregnant women, heart conditions, and recent surgeries.
- Requires proper hiking gear, such as comfortable shoes, sun protection, and hydration, due to the high-altitude environment.
- Offers a free cancellation policy for a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Experience
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Participant Restrictions
- Preparation and Requirements
- Hotel Pickup and Transport
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Entrance Fees and Purchases
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
- Can I Request a Customized Itinerary or Additional Activities?
- Are There Any Age Limits or Restrictions for Children?
- Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Vehicle for the Transportation?
- Recap
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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Humantay Lake Private Tour is a 12-hour excursion priced from $110.00 per person. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Alternatively, they can reserve now and pay later. The tour includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and lunch. Entrance fees and cold drinks are excluded.
The tour starts at 4:30 a.m. with a pickup from the hotel, followed by a journey to Challabamba and a 2-hour walk to the stunning Humantay Lake at an altitude of 4,200 meters.
Participants will have time to appreciate the lake and witness a sacred offering demonstration before returning to Cusco around 6:00 p.m.
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Itinerary and Experience

Starting at 4:30 a.m., the tour begins with hotel pickup, whisking guests away to Mollepata for a hearty breakfast.
After fueling up, the journey continues to Challabamba, where a 2-hour walk leads to the stunning Humantay Lake nestled at an altitude of 4,200 meters.
There, participants can admire the serene turquoise waters and take part in a sacred offering demonstration.
Following this tranquil experience, the group returns to Mollepata for a buffet lunch featuring delectable Andean cuisine.
The approximate return to Cusco is around 6:00 p.m., completing a day filled with breathtaking scenery and culture.
Inclusions and Exclusions

The Humantay Lake Private Tour includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, a bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish), breakfast, and a buffet lunch with Andean products.
Walking sticks are also provided. However, the tour excludes entrance fees, which are 10 soles for nationals and 20 soles for foreigners. Plus, cold drinks aren’t included in the package.
It’s important to note that pets, alcohol, drugs, explosive substances, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle aren’t allowed on the tour.
Participants must bring their passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and water.
Participant Restrictions

Not everyone can participate in the Humantay Lake Private Tour. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, vertigo, epilepsy, or recent surgeries.
Plus, people over 70 years of age are restricted from joining. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
The high altitude of the lake, reaching 4,200 meters, can be challenging for those with certain medical conditions. Travelers should carefully consider their physical abilities before booking the tour.
The tour operator takes precautions to protect guests, but some health risks may still exist at high elevations. Participants must be prepared for the demands of the hike and environmental conditions.
More Great Tours NearbyPreparation and Requirements
Travelers must bring their passport or ID card, as well as comfortable, hiking-appropriate shoes.
Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are also recommended to protect from the sun’s glare.
Hikers should dress in layers with comfortable clothing, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
It’s important to bring plenty of water, as the high altitude can be dehydrating.
Pets, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances aren’t allowed on the tour.
Entrance fees to Humantay Lake can be purchased on-site.
Participants should wear appropriate clothing for the hike and be prepared for the challenging terrain and high altitude.
Hotel Pickup and Transport
For the Humantay Lake Private Tour, hotel pickup is provided, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventure.
Guests will be collected from their Cusco accommodations at 4:30 a.m. and transported in a comfortable tourist vehicle. The journey to the trailhead in Challabamba takes approximately 2 hours, during which time travelers can relax and take in the stunning Andean scenery.
Throughout the tour, the bilingual guide will provide informative commentary and assistance, helping ensure a memorable and safe experience.
The return to Cusco is expected around 6:00 p.m., completing a full day of exploration and discovery at the breathtaking Humantay Lake.
Breakfast and Lunch
The tour includes a breakfast stop in the town of Mollepata, where guests can enjoy a hearty meal to fuel their trek to Humantay Lake.
After the hike, a buffet lunch featuring Andean products is served back in Mollepata. The lunch provides a chance to refuel and recharge before the return journey to Cusco.
The tour inclusions cover:
- Breakfast in Mollepata
- Buffet lunch with Andean products
- Ample time to appreciate the stunning Humantay Lake
- Return to Cusco around 6:00 p.m.
Entrance Fees and Purchases
Visitors to Humantay Lake must pay an entrance fee, which varies depending on their nationality. Nationals are required to pay 10 soles, while foreigners pay 20 soles. This fee can be paid on-site upon arrival.
| Item | Nationals | Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | 10 soles | 20 soles |
| Cold Drinks | Not Included | Not Included |
| Alcoholic Drinks | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Pets | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Explosive Substances | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
Visitors should also be prepared to purchase any additional items they may need, such as water, snacks, or souvenirs, as these are not included in the tour price.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?
Passengers can bring their own snacks and food on the tour. However, a full breakfast and buffet lunch are already included in the tour price, so additional food may not be necessary.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, the tour operator may offer an option to extend the duration of the Humantay Lake Private Tour. Travelers should inquire about any available extended tour options when booking or prior to the tour.
Can I Request a Customized Itinerary or Additional Activities?
Yes, you can request a customized itinerary or additional activities. The tour operator is flexible and willing to accommodate special requests, such as extending the duration or including additional sights, within reason and based on availability.
Are There Any Age Limits or Restrictions for Children?
The tour is not suitable for children under a certain age. Participants must be at least 12 years old to join the Humantay Lake Private Tour. There are no upper age limits, but special considerations apply for older travelers.
Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Vehicle for the Transportation?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a private vehicle for transportation. This provides a more personalized and comfortable experience during the tour. Additional fees may apply for the private vehicle upgrade.
From Cusco: Humantay Lake Private Tour Full Day.
Recap
This private tour from Cusco to Humantay Lake offers a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking Andean scenery. With an early hotel pickup, a hearty breakfast, a scenic hike, and a delicious buffet lunch, the tour provides a comprehensive experience. Participants can enjoy a sacred offering demonstration at the lake while adhering to safety and health precautions, making it an adventure not to be missed.
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