Humantay Lake Day Trip With Breakfast and Lunch

The Humantay Lake Day Trip offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Travelers embark on a guided trek to the serene, turquoise-colored lake, surrounded by majestic mountains. Along the way, they’ll learn about indigenous traditions and medicinal plants, seeing the local culture. With a delicious breakfast and lunch included, and a maximum group size of 10, this personalized adventure promises an unforgettable experience. However, there are a few important health considerations to keep in mind before setting out on this high-altitude journey.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Cusco.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion to explore the stunning Humantay Lake in the Peruvian Andes, with round-trip transportation, breakfast, and lunch included.
• Guided trek led by a professional guide, offering cultural insights and the option to ride a horse or motorbike.
• Panoramic views of the Andes, including the iconic Rainbow Mountain, and access to the natural wonder of Humantay Lake.
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, with first-aid and oxygen available to assist with altitude-related issues.
• Priced at $85 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and a maximum group size of 10 travelers.

Tour Overview

The Humantay Lake Day Trip offers a full-day excursion to explore the stunning Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) in the Peruvian Andes, with round-trip transportation provided from central Cusco.

The tour promises panoramic views over the breathtaking Andes as travelers embark on a guided hike led by a professional guide.

Breakfast and lunch are included, ensuring a well-fueled adventure.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 10 travelers, providing a more intimate and personalized experience.

With an early 4 AM pickup, adventurers can make the most of the day and enjoy the rich local culture and customs along the way.

This comprehensive tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of Peru’s natural wonders.

Itinerary and Highlights

An early 4:00 AM hotel pickup ushers adventurers into the day’s journey, commencing with a local breakfast stop before the hike.

The guided trek is led by a professional guide, providing insights into the local culture and customs along the way.

Travelers have the option to take a horse or motorbike for a portion of the hike, allowing them to conserve energy for the scenic final stretch.

The hike offers panoramic views of the stunning Peruvian Andes, culminating in the breathtaking sight of Humantay Lake.

Throughout the experience, hikers are encouraged to take their time and acclimatize to the altitude, with coca leaves provided to help manage any altitude-related symptoms.

Health Considerations

Given the strenuous nature of the hike, the tour operator cautions that the trip may not be suitable for certain individuals. Those over 65, pregnant travelers, and those with serious medical conditions are advised to reconsider, as the trek requires a moderate level of physical fitness. To help guests cope with the high altitude, the tour provides oxygen and a first-aid kit, as well as coca leaves. Travelers may experience altitude-related symptoms, so it’s important to take the hike slowly and allow time for proper acclimatization.

Recommended	Not Recommended
Moderate physical fitness	Individuals over 65
Able to handle high altitude	Pregnant travelers
No serious medical conditions	Those with serious medical conditions

Included in the Tour

Comprehensive tour inclusions encompass professional guidance, transportation, and entrance fees, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers.

A round-trip journey from Cusco’s historic center is provided, along with an early morning pickup. Travelers will enjoy a local breakfast before embarking on the guided hike, led by an expert guide who’ll share insights into the region’s culture and customs.

The tour also includes the entrance fee to Humantay Lake, providing access to this stunning natural wonder. Bottled water is available throughout the hike, and optional horse or motorbike rides are offered for a portion of the trek.

With these all-inclusive offerings, travelers can focus on seeing the breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian Andes.

Pricing and Cancellation

The tour is priced from $85.00 per person, which includes the professional guide, transportation, and entrance fee to Humantay Lake.

Plus, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.

This pricing offers a convenient and affordable way to explore the stunning Rainbow Mountain, with the added convenience of round-trip travel from central Cusco.

The tour is designed for a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

While tips for staff aren’t included in the price, the tour’s overall value proposition makes it an attractive option for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Peruvian Andes.

Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have left a total of 55 reviews for the Humantay Lake day trip, awarding it an overall 4.5 rating. The feedback is largely positive, with visitors praising the trip’s organization, the breathtaking views of the Andes, and the cultural insights provided by the knowledgeable guides.

However, some reviewers have mentioned the difficulty of the hike and the challenges posed by the high altitude. To better enjoy the experience, it’s recommended to bring warm clothing and wear comfortable shoes.

Guests are also encouraged to take their time during the hike to acclimatize properly and fully appreciate the stunning scenery along the way.

Preparing for the Hike

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful and enjoyable Humantay Lake hike.

Travelers should pack warm, layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and sun protection to ensure they’re equipped for the varying weather conditions and terrain.

It’s also essential to stay hydrated, so bringing plenty of water is recommended.

Acclimatization is key, so visitors are advised to arrive in Cusco a few days early to allow their bodies to adjust to the high altitude.

During the hike, travelers should take their time, go at their own pace, and listen to their bodies.

While the trek can be challenging, proper preparation can help make it an unforgettable and rewarding experience.

Cultural Insights

While the physical challenge of the hike is certainly noteworthy, the Humantay Lake tour also provides an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Cusco region. Travelers can expect to learn about the local traditions, beliefs, and way of life from the knowledgeable tour guides, who are eager to share their cultural expertise.

Cultural Insights	Description
Indigenous Traditions	Explore the Andean culture, including ancient rituals, traditional dress, and the significance of sacred sites.
Quechua Language	Learn basic Quechua phrases and understand the importance of this indigenous language in the region.
Coca Leaf Ceremony	Participate in a traditional coca leaf ceremony, which holds deep spiritual meaning for the local people.
Herbal Medicine	Discover the use of medicinal plants and the role they play in the local healing practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Hike?

There are basic restroom facilities available at the start and end of the hike. However, there are no restrooms along the hiking trail itself. Travelers should plan accordingly and be prepared to use the natural surroundings if needed during the trek.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Snacks?

Yes, travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the hike. However, a full breakfast and lunch are already included in the tour, so bringing extra provisions may not be necessary.

Is There Phone/Internet Reception During the Tour?

There may be limited phone and internet reception during the tour due to the remote location in the Andes mountains. Travelers should check with their service providers and be prepared for potential connectivity challenges throughout the excursion.

Can We Extend the Trip to Visit Other Nearby Sites?

The tour can be extended to visit other nearby sites, but this would require additional time and cost. Travelers should discuss options with the tour operator to customize the itinerary based on their interests and available time.

How Difficult Is the Hike Compared to Similar Treks in the Area?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is moderately challenging, requiring a moderate fitness level. While less difficult than some nearby treks, it still involves significant elevation gain and can present altitude-related symptoms for some travelers.

Recap

The Humantay Lake Day Trip offers an unforgettable Andean adventure. Travelers can enjoy a guided hike to a stunning turquoise lake, savor delicious meals, and learn about indigenous culture.

With a small group size, the tour provides a personalized experience amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. Health considerations and preparation tips ensure participants are well-equipped for the moderately challenging hike.

This day trip is a comprehensive and practical option for exploring Peru’s natural and cultural wonders.