Full Day Tour Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary:

04:00 – 8:00: Pick up from hotel – Transport to Mollepata – Breakfast

At 4.30 am, a member of Guru Explorers will pick you up from your accommodation to begin a 2-hour car ride, during which you'll enjoy beautiful natural landscapes, until reaching the small town of Mollepata (2,803 m / 9,186 ft). There, you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast at a restaurant managed by the local community, to recharge your energy and begin the hike. As it is a rural area, the restaurant standards will be more basic compared to those in the city of Cusco or the Sacred Valley area.

08:30 – 11:30 : Mollepata - Soraypampa - Hike to Humantay

After breakfast, the journey continues with a one-hour drive to the local community of Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). After a brief orientation, the hike to the Humantay Lagoon begins, located in the Vilcabamba mountain range (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). This 1.5-hour hike takes you through breathtaking landscapes, and if the sky is clear enough, you’ll be able to see the "Apus" or mountain spirits — the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay peaks. The trail, which ranges from easy to moderate difficulty, rewards you with the mesmerizing Humantay Lagoon, where you'll have enough time to take photos and enjoy the view. You also have the option to rent a horse to assist with the ascent and add variety to your adventure.

11:30 – 16:30 : Return to Soraypampa – Lunch – Cusco

After the awe of contemplating the stunning landscape and a well-deserved rest amidst the emerald nature of the Humantay Lagoon, the descent to Soraypampa begins, taking approximately 1.5 hours. From there, you’ll head back to Mollepata to enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant. This emotional and adventurous day ends with your return to the city of Cusco, arriving around 4:30 pm.

A full day where the cold of the glaciers, thrilling experiences in nature, and the emerald warmth of the Humantay Lagoon all come together.

* It is recommended to follow this itinerary to reach the lagoon early, as the weather tends to be colder and windier in the afternoon.

Price of the Humantay Lake Trek includes: 

• Departure from the lodging in the historic center of Cusco.
• Return to your hotel (Historic Center of the city).
• Professional guide in English and Spanish (ask for availability for these or other languages).
• Buffet-style breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant in the area. Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request.
• Trekking or hiking poles (on request).
• Entrance tickets to Humantay Lake.

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 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 (Peruvian soles). Horse rental (optional) is paid in cash and in local currency directly to the locals.

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.
• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

Not allowed: 

• Pets
• Smoking.
• Large suitcases or bags.

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.

Force Majeure Policy

• Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.

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!

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 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.