Start Point
from Cusco
Service
Private Service
Type
Duration
12 hours
Full Day Tour Humantay Lake
Discover the adventure of the Humantay Lake Tour has for you.
Experience an extraordinary full-day adventure on the Humantay Lake Tour. This walk has become one of the main attractions for visitors to Cusco, thanks to the wonderful contrast of the views of the imposing Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped mountains surrounding the lake that blends beautiful emeralds and turquoise colours.
The excursion begins in the city of Cusco and ascends to 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). A perfect opportunity to get in touch with nature and enjoy this unique experience.
As part of the private tour, you will have the opportunity to add additional services; you can adapt the schedule to avoid large groups of tourists and take a more intimate tour with your private group led by our professional guide.
Explore this wonderful attraction and get ready for a day of many adventures!
Itinerary
Route
Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary:
04:00 – 8:00: Pick up from hotel – Transport to Mollepata – Breakfast
The adventure starts with a member of Guru Explorers picking you up at the lodge between 4:00 to 8:00 to begin the route of approximately 2 hours by car, in which you will observe beautiful natural scenery until you reach the small town Mollepata (2,803 m / 9,186ft). In this place you will enjoy a delicious breakfast to recharge your batteries and commence the walk.
08:30 – 11:30: Mollepata - Soraypampa - Hike to Humantay
After breakfast, the transfer is made for an hour to the local community of Soraypampa (3,800m / 12,467). You will receive a brief briefing at this camp, the hike begins at the Humantay Lake, located in the Vilcabamba mountain range (4,200 m / 13,780). A tour of 1:30 hrs through impressive landscapes and the possibility, if the sky is clear enough, to observe the “Apus” or spirits of the mountains, the snowy Salkantay and Humantay mountains in all their esplendor. The journey, with low to moderate difficulty, offers the most rewarding arrival at the hypnotizing Humantay Lake, where there is enough time to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. It is possible to rent a horse to ease the way and diversify this adventure.
11:30 – 16:30: Return to Soraypampa – Lunch – Cusco
After the ecstasy of contemplating the beautiful landscape and a rest in the middle of the emerald nature of the Humantay Lake, the descent towards Soraypampa begins, for approximately 1:30 hrs. From there, the transfer to Mollepata, to delight the palate with the well-deserved lunch. This day of emotions and adventures closes with the return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m.
A full day in which the cold of the snowy peaks, exciting experiences of connection with nature and the emerald warmth of the Humantay Lake are contrasted.
* The private professional chef service is optional and at an additional cost *. The itinerary will be adapted if it is reserved, and the diet preferences of the tourists will be taken into account. Likewise, a camp is set up to enjoy the mountains while feeding and receiving information from our guide.
** It is recommended to keep this itinerary in order to avoid other group services and to be able to enjoy the landscape with fewer tourists around.
Additional Information
Includes
Price of the Humantay Lake Trek includes:
- Departure from the lodging in the historic center of Cusco.
- Return to Plaza "Regocijo" (One block away from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco) (Historic Center of the city).
- Professional guide in English and Spanish (ask for availability for these or other languages).
- Buffet breakfast and Lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available upon request).
- Trekking or hiking poles (on request).
- First Aid and oxygen.
- Entrance tickets to Humantay Lake
Not included
Price of the Humantay Lake Trek excludes:
- Transfer from hotels outside the city of Cusco (for private tours, ask for extra costs to pick up from the Sacred Valley or other places).
- Tips for the guide.
- Beverages.
- Food not specified in the itinerary.
What to Bring
What to bring to the Humantay Lake Hike?
- Comfortable and optimal footwear for the humantay Lake hike, warm jacket, caps or hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, bottles of water, clothing or rain poncho (especially between November - April).
- Passport or DNI.
- Travel insurance.
- Devices for audiovisual recording (cell phone, camera, camcorders)
- Cash (Local currency / Soles (S/.)
Considerations
What considerations you should have when taking Humantay Lake Trek:
- The streets of the city are narrow, an aspect that limits vehicular access to certain places; in this case the guide will suggest a nearby point to pass looking for you and enjoy the tour.
- You must be in reasonable physical condition to do the tour.
- It is important that you enjoy at least two days in Cusco before doing the Tour “Humantay Lake”. Only then will your body be adapted to the height of the region.
- This tour is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Adults over 60 years of age should bear in mind that this activity requires being in very good physical condition.
- Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the travel itinerary may vary. If so, it will be notified promptly.
- “Guru Explorers” values your time and strives to respect the tour schedule; however, they may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.
Not allowed:
- Pets
- Smoking.
- Large suitcases or bags.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation Policies:
- More than 7 days, 90% is refunded.
- Between 4 and 7 days of notification, 70% is refunded.
- Within 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.
Date changes:
- Rates applied for change of date in private tours:
- There will be no extra charge if you notify more than 5 days in advance.
- If notified between 3 and 5 days in advance, an additional charge of 20% will apply.
- If you notify within 2 days or less in advance, it will not be possible to make the change and it will not be subject to a refund.
- There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.
Why choose us
The experience that makes you live the beauty of this mountain of colors is inexplicable, it is really a personal encounter between you and nature.
We want to be part of that experience that you will live in the Humantay Lake Tour.
If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:
QUALITY:
When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.
EXPERIENCE:
To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!
TRANSPARENCY:
We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.
SECURITY:
You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.
FLEXIBILITY:
Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.
PASSION:
Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.
Do you want a different trip to the Humantay Lake? We won't keep you waiting!
FAQ
How difficult is the Hike to the Humantay Lake?
At Guru Explorers, we rate this hike as moderate. However, due to the height and the breathing, it could be more difficult. It is recommended to carry walking poles and be acclimatized to the altitude with at least 2 days in Cusco.
Can horse service be hired at the Humantay Lake tour?
Yes, at the base camp you will find several residents offering the services of their horses, they will accompany you as muleteers on the way. In high season it is difficult to find horses available due to the high demand. The approximate price to hire this service up and down the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is approximately 100 Peruvian soles. (~ 30 USD) (payment is in cash and in soles)
How's the weather during the Humantay Lake trek?
It should be taken in consideration that the coldest period is between May and October, and the rainiest months are between November and April. However, the weather and altitude can be unpredictable, ranging from sunny, windy, coldy and even rainy from one moment to the next. We suggest you always be prepared with the equipment for all weather conditions. The sun is usually intense during the morning and part of the afternoon and the temperature can range from -5 to 18 ° C.
What luggage should I bring?
As it is a full day trip, you are not allowed to carry large suitcases or bags. However, you can carry a backpack with basic items such as water, camera, cap or hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, among others needed items.
What is the difference between group service and private service?
The main difference between Group and Private service is the type of experience provided. In the first one you share the experience with a small group of passengers, all departing from Cusco and being picked up at their respective lodgings. In the second one the service is personalized and you have the option of leaving earlier, to avoid other groups of tourists. Also, in private, the tour will be done at your own pace and you can customize the experience on special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, family trips, among others.
Need help planning that long-awaited trip?
WE DESIGN YOUR EXPERIENCE IN PERU TOGETHER
guru explorers