Humantay Lake Day Hike (Small Group or Private)

Explore the captivating Humantay Lake on a day hike that promises an unforgettable adventure. This small-group or private tour whisks you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, where you’ll ascend to the shimmering turquoise waters of the lake, surrounded by towering peaks. Experienced guides lead the way, sharing their expertise in English and Spanish, while ensuring your safety and comfort every step of the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking a new challenge, this exceptional excursion offers a chance to learn about the natural wonder of this remarkable destination. But the true highlight may lie in what awaits beyond the trail’s end.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Cusco.

Key Points

• The Humantay Lake Day Hike is a 2-mile ascent with a 1,200-foot elevation gain, offering breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains in Peru.
• The hike is guided by English and Spanish-speaking experts and includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, transportation, and entrance fees.
• The tour offers a small group size of up to 8 guests for personalized attention, with an option for a private tour to accommodate specific needs.
• The hike is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions, and proper preparation for high altitude effects is advised.
• The tour has a firm cancellation policy, with no refunds or rescheduling options, making travel insurance a recommended consideration.

Overview of the Hike

The Humantay Lake Day Hike offers a captivating full-day adventure from Cusco, Peru. This highly rated tour boasts a 100% traveler recommendation, with 30 reviews attesting to its excellence.

The hike takes you on a portion of the iconic Salkantay trek, leading you to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. Accompanied by a professional English and Spanish-speaking guide, you’ll embark on a 2-mile ascent, gaining 1,200 feet in elevation along the scenic "Camino Real" path.

Catering to small groups of up to 8 guests, this intimate experience ensures personalized attention and a memorable journey into Peru’s breathtaking natural landscapes.

Tour Inclusions

This hike includes an impressive array of amenities to enhance your experience. An expert English and Spanish-speaking guide will lead the way, ensuring you make the most of your adventure.

You’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant before the trek, as well as a nourishing lunch and snacks along the way. The cost of all transportation, meals, and entrance fees are covered, so you can focus on soaking in the stunning scenery.

A first-aid kit is provided for your safety, and gratuities aren’t included, allowing you to customize your tip. This comprehensive package leaves nothing to chance, providing everything you need for an unforgettable day at Humantay Lake.

Detailed Itinerary

What sets this Humantay Lake day hike apart is its carefully curated itinerary.

You’ll start with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a 3-hour private van transfer to the trailhead.

After a hearty breakfast in Mollepata, the trek begins, ascending 1,200 feet over 2 miles along the scenic "Camino Real."

Along the way, you’ll be treated to:

1. Breathtaking views of the Andes mountain range.
2. A chance to spot native wildlife like Andean condors.
3. The opportunity to explore the ancient Inca trail system.
4. The grand finale – the turquoise-hued, glacially-fed Humantay Lake.

Hotel Pickup and Dropoff

A key part of the Humantay Lake day hike experience is the hotel pickup and dropoff service provided by the tour operator. Guests can request pickup from their designated hotels in Cusco, which must be arranged at least 72 hours in advance.

Alternatively, travelers have the option to meet the group directly at a specified location in Cusco. The day hike concludes with a return to the original meeting point.

This convenient transportation service ensures a seamless start and end to the excursion, allowing guests to focus on the stunning natural scenery and hiking experience without the hassle of navigating to the trailhead on their own.

Medical Considerations

The Humantay Lake day hike is generally not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions or back problems.

The high-altitude trek involves ascending 1,200 feet over 2 miles, which can be strenuous for those with health concerns.

To ensure your safety and enjoyment, consider the following:

1. Consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical issues.
2. Disclose any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking to accommodate your needs.
3. Bring any necessary medications and be prepared for the effects of high altitude.
4. Opt for a private tour if you have specific health requirements that need extra attention.

The safety and comfort of all participants are the top priority on this Humantay Lake adventure.

Dietary Requirements

When booking the Humantay Lake day hike, it’s important to advise the tour operator of any dietary requirements.

The tour includes meals, so the guide needs to accommodate any special needs. Whether it’s a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal diet, the team will ensure the meals align with your preferences.

This allows you to fully enjoy the trekking experience without worrying about your food. Simply let the operator know of any dietary restrictions when making the reservation, and they’ll take care of the rest.

This small group tour give you a seamless and comfortable experience for all participants.

Cancellation Policy

This Humantay Lake day hike is a non-refundable tour. Cancellations won’t receive a refund, regardless of the reason. While we understand unexpected circumstances may arise, our policies are firm to ensure the tour operates as scheduled.

Consider the following:

1. No refunds are provided for cancellations made at any time.
2. Rescheduling isn’t permitted; the tour can’t be changed to another date.
3. Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect against unforeseen events.
4. In the unlikely event the tour is cancelled by the operator, a full refund will be issued.

Tour Duration

The Humantay Lake Day Hike takes approximately 14 hours to complete from start to finish. The expedition begins with an early morning pickup between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM from designated hotels in Cusco. After a 3-hour private van trip, the group enjoys breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata before beginning the trek. The hike itself involves ascending 1,200 feet over 2 miles along the scenic "Camino Real" path.

Activity	Duration
Van transfer	3 hours
Breakfast	1 hour
Hiking	4-5 hours
Return transfer	3 hours

The full-day experience concludes with the return to the original meeting location in Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Typically Like During the Hike?

The weather during the hike can be variable, with sunny skies and mild temperatures giving way to sudden rain or snow showers at higher elevations. Proper cold-weather gear is essential to remain comfortable throughout the trek.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Gear Allowed?

The tour allows hikers to bring any gear they need for the trek, though heavy or bulky items may not be suitable. Travellers should pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and supplies like water, snacks, and sun protection.

Can the Hike Be Done in Reverse Order?

The hike can be done in reverse order, starting at the Humantay Lake and descending to the trailhead. However, this is not the standard itinerary and may require additional planning and coordination with the tour operator.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available Along the Trail?

Restroom facilities are available along the trail, though they may be limited. Hikers should plan accordingly and be prepared to use basic toilet facilities or natural areas when needed during the trek to Humantay Lake.

Can the Group Size Be Increased Beyond the Maximum of 8 Guests?

The maximum group size for this hike is limited to 8 guests. While the group size cannot be increased beyond this limit, the tour operator ensures a personalized and intimate experience for all participants on the Humantay Lake Day Hike.

Recap

The Humantay Lake Day Hike offers an unforgettable adventure, taking hikers on a stunning 2-mile ascent to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. With expert guides, personalized attention, and seamless logistics, this tour immerses nature enthusiasts in the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes while providing opportunities to encounter native wildlife. It’s an experience not to be missed for those seeking an exceptional outdoor excursion.