A breathtaking one-day tour to Humantay Lake from Cusco is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The day begins early with a scenic drive through the Andes to the starting point of the hike. Journey to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, nestled beneath the majestic snowcapped peaks if the Vilcabamba mountain range. Enjoy panoramic views and the crisp mountain air of the Peruvian Andes. At the lake relax, take photos and the serenity before heading back to Cusco. And unforgettable day with the perfect blend of adventure and exquisite natural beauty.
Itinerary
Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon
We begin our exciting one-day adventure to Humantay Lake from Cusco. Pick up from your hotel will be at the early hour of 4:00 am, the reason is to avoid the crowds.
Take the time to relax in our private, warm and comfy van as we start driving for 2.5 hours Mollepata. On the way we pass through small towns and communities like Izcuchaca, Limatambo, before arriving at Mollepata, where we will enjoy a hot tasty breakfast. Stock up on last minute provisions, all while enjoying views of the mountains against the early morning light.
After breakfast, continue our journey for one more hour on a dirt track to Soraypampa, the town is located in the lush valley of the Apurimac River and at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level (12,795 ft.), here we will begin our trek to Humantay Lake.
From Soraypampa observe the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6270 m / 20,571 ft.), the second highest mountain in Cusco. From the trailhead see the impressive snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay glaciers.
After some brief instructions from your guide, start the short hike to this beautiful lake. The first 45 minutes are moderate, but then the trail gets steeper as we approach Humantay Lake.
On arrival the lake sparkles like an emerald jewel. Humantay is located at an altitude of (4230m / 13,878 ft), Here, have plenty of time to enjoy this natural marvel in all its splendor. Enjoy the views in quiet contemplation or capture those perfect photos.
On our Humantay lake tour, we also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area, hiking uphill for about 15 minutes to reach another viewpoint for even more spectacular views of the lake and the majestic Apu Humantay mountain (5480m / 17,979 ft). You will understand why the area is so sacred in the Andean culture.
Hike back down to Soraypampa and travel to Mollepata for lunch. In the afternoon, our private transport will take us back to the city of Cusco, ending our 1 day hike to Humantay lagoon, arriving at approximately 5:30 in the late afternoon.
- Quick Tip:
BE AWARE: In order to avoid the effects of altitude sickness and make your one-day hike to Humantay Lake more enjoyable be sure to spend at least 2 days acclimatizing prior to going on the tour.
What does the tour include?
Included
- Experienced Guides: Our guides have a proven track record in Cusco and Peru; they will provide with information about the lake.
- First Aid Kit: Our guides always carry a first aid kit to handle any emergencies during your Humantay Lake tour. This kit has treatments for altitude sickness, diarrhea and cuts, ensuring quick care if any health problems.
- Oxygen Tank: Our guides carry a metal oxygen tank during the trek.
- Breakfast and Lunch: Let us know if you have any food restrictions: Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and lactose intolerance.
- Private Transportation: Our vans are new, fully registered for tourist use, and equipped with important safety features, including a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: We will pick you up from your hotel for the Humantay Lake tour. After the trip, we will drop you back off at your hotel.
- 24/7 Customer Service: We have a phone line available 24 hours.
- Entrance Fee.
NOT INCLUDED
-
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew. (optional)
- Travel insurance.
- Trekking Poles $10
- Horse – You can hire one on the spot. and costs around $100 Soles or $30 USD
- Water
PRICES:
Group prices
| # OF PERSONS | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $159 pp |
| 3 – 4 persons | $125 pp |
| 5 – 7 persons | $95 pp |
| 8+ persons | $79 pp |
Please read the following information.
Booking
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. On the other hand, the classic Inca Trial has varying degrees of elevations, lowest is your starting point (thrailhead:km82) at 2 729m/8 923 and gets as high as 4 200m/13 779ft (Dead Women´s Pass). So, altitudes sickness is to be expected when hiking the classic Inca Trail. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air, it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your hike, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Briefing.
For 1 day tours there is no briefing needed, but we will be in touch with you and set the briefing over the phone.
Luggage.
We can store your luggage at our office at no cost.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa but you have to pay 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
What to bring on your Full Day Humantay Lake Trek
- Original passport.
University Student Card. * valid for children under 25 years of age. - Mountain boots.
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- A warm jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- Comfortable walking poles.
- Comfortable pants
- Sun hat.
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher).
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication
- Camera .
- Flashlight with spare batteries.
- Snacks
