The Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of one of Peru’s most captivating destinations. Nestled at the base of the majestic Salkantay mountain, this turquoise-hued lagoon beckons visitors with its serene charm and awe-inspiring vistas. Though the ascent to the lake at an elevation of 4,200 meters presents a challenging hike, the reward of gazing upon this natural wonder makes the journey well worth the effort. For those seeking to enjoy the untamed splendor of the Andes, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Key Points
- A 1-day tour to the turquoise Humantay Lake, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters below the Salkantay mountain.
- Tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, professional guide, meals, and entrance fee, starting from $24 per person.
- Suitable for adults, with restrictions for children under 10, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions.
- Offers a 2-hour ascent to the lake, with 30-40 minutes to explore and capture the scenic views.
- Cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tour Overview
The Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour offers an opportunity for visitors to explore the stunning turquoise waters of Laguna Humantay, set against the backdrop of the majestic Salkantay mountain.
Priced from $24 per person, this one-day excursion takes travelers 4,200 meters above sea level to connect with nature and witness the panoramic views.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transport, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.
Hikers will embark on a 2-hour ascent to the lagoon, where they’ll have 30-40 minutes to take in the breathtaking scenery before heading back.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions.
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Booking Information
Customers can reserve the Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour without upfront payment, as the tour offers a "reserve now & pay later" option. This means no deposit is required when booking.
Plus, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.
Hotel pickup from the historic center of Cusco is included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
With these convenient booking options and included transportation, customers can easily secure their spot on the Humantay Lake adventure.
Itinerary
The tour kicks off with an early 4:00 am pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center.
After a 2.5-hour drive, there’s a 30-minute breakfast stop in Mollepata.
The group then begins a 2-hour ascent to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon, starting at 9:00 am.
Travelers enjoy 30 to 40 minutes at the lagoon with their guide, capturing photos of the stunning panoramic views.
The return trek follows the same route back to the parking area, where a buffet lunch in Mollepata awaits.
The tour concludes with an arrival back in Cusco around 6:00 pm.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes hotel pickup, round trip tourist transport, a professional guide (in English and Spanish), breakfast and a buffet lunch, a first aid kit, oxygen, trekking poles, and the entrance ticket to Humantay Lake, which costs 20.00 soles.
However, the tour excludes optional horse rental and any extra expenses, for which travelers should bring cash.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 70 years.
Travelers should bring their passport/ID, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, rain gear, cash, a scarf, and hiking pants.
Prohibited items include drones, smoking in the vehicle, alcohol/drugs, baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, scooters, and alcoholic drinks.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, wheelchair users, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 70 years of age.
Travelers should bring the following items:
- Passport/ID
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water
Plus, the tour prohibits the use of drones, smoking in the vehicle, alcohol/drugs, baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, and scooters.
All alcoholic drinks are also prohibited inside the vehicle. These guidelines ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants during the Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour.
Customer Feedback
Based on the 1 review available, the Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour has an overall rating of 3 out of 5.
The reviewer noted issues with the pickup timing and the guide’s attitude during the hike.
While the tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transport, a professional guide, meals, and necessary equipment, the reviewer’s experience seems to have fallen short of expectations.
Travelers should be aware that this tour may not be suitable for certain groups, including children under 10, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions.
What to Expect
Embarking on the Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour involves an early start, with pickup around 4:00 am from hotels in Cusco’s historic center.
After a 2.5-hour drive, travelers will enjoy a 30-minute breakfast stop in Mollepata before beginning the 2-hour ascent to Humantay Lagoon, situated at an impressive 4,200 meters above sea level.
Once at the lagoon, visitors can expect:
- Mesmerizing turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks
- Panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay mountain range
- A profound connection with nature and the serene alpine environment
- Approximately 30-40 minutes to explore the area with the guide for photos and soaking in the views.
Tour Highlights
At the heart of the Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour lies a mesmerizing natural wonder – the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon. Nestled at an impressive elevation of 4,200 meters above sea level, this glacial lake offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic Salkantay mountain.
Towering peaks and verdant meadows surround the lagoon, creating a profound connection with the natural world. Visitors can expect to spend 30-40 minutes exploring the serene landscape, snapping photos, and seeing the beauty of this remote Andean gem.
The tour also includes a breakfast stop in Mollepata and a buffet lunch, ensuring a well-rounded experience for participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Optimal Fitness Level Required for This Tour?
This tour requires a moderate fitness level. Participants should be able to hike for 2 hours up a steep incline at high altitude. Those with heart conditions or mobility issues may struggle to complete the hike to the lake.
Can I Book the Tour for a Group of 6 or More People?
Yes, the tour can accommodate larger groups of 6 or more people. The tour provider offers group rates and the ability to reserve the tour for private parties, which allows for more flexibility in scheduling and group size.
Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary for My Specific Needs?
The tour provider generally allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary to meet the specific needs of larger groups. Customers can discuss their preferences with the provider and see what accommodations might be possible for the group’s requirements.
How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided for This Tour?
The transportation for this tour is generally reliable, with round-trip tourist transport included. Pickup from the hotel in the historic center of Cusco is provided, though some travelers have noted issues with pickup timing in the past.
What Should I Do if I Encounter Altitude Sickness During the Hike?
If experiencing altitude sickness symptoms during the hike, one should notify the guide immediately. The guide can provide oxygen and slow the pace to allow for proper acclimatization. Descending to lower altitudes may be necessary if symptoms persist.
Recap
The Humantay Lake 1 Day Tour offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Participants can witness the stunning turquoise waters nestled at the base of the Salkantay mountain after a challenging 2-hour hike. With 30-40 minutes to explore the breathtaking views, this tour combines natural beauty and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Cusco region.
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