The Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco promises an exhilarating one-day adventure for the intrepid traveler. Priced at €44.00 per person, this tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, and delectable meals. Setting out at the crack of dawn, adventurers will embark on a 1.8-mile trek to the stunning glacial lake, situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters. Along the way, they’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. While the trek is moderately difficult, the focus on safety and comfort ensures a memorable experience for those prepared to challenge themselves. What else might this journey have in store?
Key Points
- The Humantay Lake Trek is a one-day excursion from Cusco, priced at €44.00 per person, and includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, meals, and entry to the lake.
- The trek covers approximately 1.8 miles (3 km) and reaches an elevation of 4,200 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
- The itinerary includes a 2-hour drive to Mollepata for breakfast, followed by a 2-hour trek to Humantay Lake and a 1.5-hour return trek to Soraypampa for lunch.
- The trek is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or those with low fitness levels, and participants should be prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Customer reviews indicate mixed experiences, with concerns about pickup delays, overcrowding at the lake during peak season, and limited facilities along the trail.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Experience
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Requirements and Recommendations
- Weather and Facilities
- Customer Feedback
- Pickup and Transportation
- Difficulty and Accessibility
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Trek?
- Can the Trek Be Done as a Private Tour?
- Is It Possible to Modify the Itinerary or Duration?
- Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Food?
- What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Private Drivers in Cusco
- More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
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Overview and Pricing
The Humantay Lake Trek is an activity-based tour that takes visitors on a one-day excursion to the stunning Humantay Lake.
Priced from €44.00 per person, the trek includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, meals, and entrance to the lake.
The tour operates in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The trek covers a distance of approximately 1.8 miles (3 km) and reaches an elevation of 4,200 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
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Itinerary and Experience
The Humantay Lake Trek starts with hotel pickup from downtown Cusco at 4:30 AM, excluding private residences.
After a 2-hour drive to Mollepata, guests prepare for the trek with breakfast and snacks.
From Soraypampa, the trek to Humantay Lake (4200 m.a.s.l.) takes approximately 2 hours, offering views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
An optional climb provides panoramic vistas.
The return trek to Soraypampa for lunch takes 1.5 hours before the journey back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch (with a vegetarian option), a first aid kit and oxygen bottle for emergencies, tourist transport to and from the trailhead, and entry to the Humantay Lagoon. However, the following items are not included: horse rental (80 soles one way), gratuities, and any additional entrance fees or expenses payable in local currency.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup and drop-off | Horse rental (80 soles one way) |
| Professional guide | Gratuities |
| Breakfast and lunch (vegetarian option) | Entrance fees and extra expenses |
| First aid kit and oxygen bottle | |
| Tourist transport | |
| Entrance to Humantay Lagoon | |
| 1 bottle of water per person |
Requirements and Recommendations
This trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, individuals with vertigo, respiratory issues, or those with low fitness levels.
Participants should ensure they’re in reasonable physical shape for the 1.8-mile (3 km) trek.
It’s recommended to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear, and plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person).
Weather conditions can change suddenly, so it’s advisable to check for updates.
Bathrooms are only available at the hike’s starting point.
Proper preparation and caution are essential for a safe and enjoyable Humantay Lake experience.
More Great Tours NearbyWeather and Facilities
According to the provided information, weather conditions at the Humantay Lake trek can change suddenly, so it’s advisable for participants to check for weather updates prior to the hike.
The tour includes limited facilities, with only bathrooms available at the starting point of the trek.
Hikers should come prepared for varying weather conditions, as the trek takes place at high altitudes where the climate can be unpredictable.
Proper attire, including warm clothing and rain gear, is recommended to ensure a comfortable and safe experience on the Humantay Lake trek.
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Customer Feedback
Customers have provided mixed reviews for the Humantay Lake trek. While the trek itself showcases stunning mountain views, some participants have expressed concerns.
The trek has a rating of 3.5/5 based on 2 reviews. Key feedback highlights include:
- Pickup delays, with some customers reporting long waits for transportation.
- Overcrowding at the lake, especially during peak season, which can detract from the experience.
- Lack of facilities along the trail, with only bathrooms available at the starting point.
- Challenges for those with lower fitness levels or mobility issues, as the trek is rated as moderately difficult.
Pickup and Transportation
The tour begins with hotel pickup from downtown Cusco, starting at 4:30 AM. This early start is necessary to reach the trailhead at Soraypampa, which is a 2-hour drive from the city.
Along the way, the group will stop for a quick breakfast and snack preparation. The transportation provided is tourist transport, ensuring a comfortable journey to and from the Humantay Lake trailhead.
Once at the starting point, the real adventure begins with the trek up to the stunning glacial lake, set against the backdrop of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
After the hike, the return trip to Cusco is expected around 6:00 PM.
Difficulty and Accessibility
The Humantay Lake Trek’s difficulty level poses certain accessibility challenges. This hike isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, vertigo, respiratory problems, or low fitness levels.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors should:
- Have a reasonable level of physical fitness to handle the 1.8-mile (3 km) trek.
- Prepare by bringing warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and ample water (at least 2 liters).
- Be aware that sudden weather changes can occur, so checking forecasts beforehand is advised.
- Note that facilities are limited, with only bathrooms available at the hike’s starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Trek?
There are no age restrictions for the Humantay Lake Trek. However, the trek may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or those with low fitness levels, as mentioned in the requirements and recommendations.
Can the Trek Be Done as a Private Tour?
The trek can be done as a private tour, but this is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. Customers would need to inquire with the tour operator about the availability and pricing of a private Humantay Lake trek.
Is It Possible to Modify the Itinerary or Duration?
It’s possible to modify the itinerary or duration, but this would likely require booking a private tour. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss any desired changes to the standard Humantay Lake Trek package.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Food?
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and food. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, but travelers are welcome to pack additional snacks and water as needed for the hike. This allows for more customization of the experience.
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour group size is not specified in the details provided. However, it indicates that overcrowding at the lake has been an issue according to customer feedback, suggesting the group size may be larger.
From Cusco: Humantay Lake Trek With Meals and Transfer
Recap
The Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco offers an exhilarating one-day adventure at €44.00 per person. The trek covers 1.8 miles to a stunning glacial lake, showcasing breathtaking mountain views. While the moderately difficult trek requires reasonable fitness, the focus on safety and comfort ensures an enjoyable experience. With a professional guide, meals, and transportation included, this trek is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Cusco.
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