Trek
Exploring Humantay Lake: The Ultimate Experience
Undeniably, the Humantay Lake Private Tour from Cusco ranks among the top one-day hiking adventures in Peru and it is a must do in Cusco, after or before your trip to Machu Picchu. It is locally known as Humantay lagoon, or Laguna Humantay in spanish, its vibrant turquoise color comes because of the minerals suspended in the ice-melted water lake, the Humantay lagoon is nestled up at the foothills of the Humantay Mountain snow-capped mountains in the Andes at 4,200 meters above sea level.
Many travelers make the tour not only for the beautiful turquoise lagoon but also for the stunning landscape surrounding it, such as mountains with high Andean vegetation, high steep peaks, the already well-known glacier mountain of Salkantay that rises to 6,271 m (20,574 ft) considered sacred by the Andean culture. In ancient times the mountains and lagoons were places of water worship; even today, some Andean shamans climb up to the lagoon to leave offerings to the water, and Pachamama (Mother Earth) they built Apachetas (a process of stacking stones on top of each other) as a sign of gratitude.
If you are a nature lover then the Humantay Lake Private Tour is your exclusive invitation to this captivating wonder in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. This journey is not just a tour; it is a promise of amazing moments and memories to last a lifetime. We invite you to embark with us on a Private Tour to the amazing Humantay Lake, where crystal clear waters nestle at the base of towering snow-capped mountains, and exotic flora and fauna flourish nearby.
Trip Details
Highlights
- The picturesque towns along the way to Soraypampa
- Enjoy the scenic views along the valleys
- Hike uphill at the foothill of Humantay mountain
- The stunning views from Humantay Lake
- Perform an Andean ceremony building an Apacheta
- Private guided tour during the tour
Route Map
Explore Peru’s high alpine scenery and Humantay Lake on one day trip
Humantay Lake tour adventure will take you to the Peruvian highland, exploring remote villages, local farmlands, astounding landscapes, and snow-capped mountains. Hear the stories of the Incan culture and enjoy the beauty of nature. Don't miss the chance to explore and live a life time experience with Kuntur Peru Travel.
Trip Overview
Venture on a fascinating journey along the northwest of Cusco City through small and picturesque towns; a trip in private transport, accompanied by one of our experienced tour guides, enter through Limatambo valley and enter Mollepata town up in the mountains to the end of the road at Soraypamapa, which is where begins the two-hour hike to explore the Humantay Lake.
The trail takes us uphill on the mountainside, and then a steep ascend to reach the moraine (mass of debris formed by glaciers), from where we will get access to the lagoon. You will be delighted by the astounding view of Humantay Mountain and the Lagoon at the foothill.
A glimpse of our Itinerary
Humantay Lake, The Sacred Turquoise-blue Lagoon.
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am on board our private transport, a three hours ride approx to the trailhead, hike about two hours to Humantay Lake, then explore the sides of the moraine formed rocks and debris from the mountain, return on our private transport back to your hotel in Cusco City.
What to expect
- We will pick you up from your hotel or place of stay;
- We offer door-to-door services on all our excursions.
- Private transportation SUV or minivan, experienced drivers guarantee safe travel.
- All meals included during the tour Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks.
- Entrance tickets for Humantay Lake
- Oxygen bottle to use in case of emergency.
- Private and customizable service on all our tours.
Degree of difficulty
Humantay Lake one-day tour is rated as a Moderate to demanding hiking activity, as it takes place in the high-altitude zone. it is suggested to hike taking your own pace since it will help you acclimate to the altitude, we advise avoiding hiking on de wet and heavy rainfall days (in December, January, and February) winter season or dry season (May to November) is ideal to experience Humantay Lake.
Why you should go with us
- Kuntur Peru Travel is a fully locally owned tour operator and certified travel company with all licenses to operate Inca trail tours and alternative treks.
- Experience is the key! Long tracking record tour guides, graduated from the university and recognized institutes of Cusco city.
- We deliver our tour services with safety standards, ethics, and responsibility; we rely on the opinion of our travelers.
- Book and travel! Your trip is confirmed once booking the tour service; we don’t transfer the service to other tour groups. So that you book with us, you go with us.
- Quality of services is our personal motto, so we provide both as small groups, no more than 8 pp., and private tour services.
- No hidden charges! You pay the cost of your trip with all services included as mentioned in the itineraries.
- Tailor-made tours and customizable experiences to the needs of our travelers.
- Our guides are natives of Cusco city, fluent English speaking, friendly and great storytellers.
- Our management center is located in Cusco city. Therefore, we have everything in control nearby.
Itinerary
The following itinerary below has been designed according to technical criteria based on the experiences of expert trekking guides who have hiked the 5 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for years; the timings are average to a regular trekker under favorable conditions. However, this may vary depending on physical preparation, health, age, weather conditions during the hike, and the number of participants in the group. In addition, lunch spots and campsites may change consequently to adapt to the circumstances and needs of the group.
Day 1 Cusco City – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Our adventure starts from Cusco City; we will pick you up at your accommodation at 04:30 am on our private transportation; it will take us about 3 hours drive toward the trailhead at Soraypampa (3850 m / 12,631ft.) along the way, we will pass through small Andean towns and Villache such as Izcuchaca, Marcahuasy, Limatambo, Mollepata and finally to Soraypampa which is base camp for Salkantay trek hikers, either Mollepata or Soraypampa we will have a delicious breakfast before embarking on our trek. The trail leads on crossing a small stream to get the camping zone of Soraypampa, from where the trail goes uphill for about two hours to Humantay Lake at 4200 m (13,779), witnessing the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and snow-capped peaks, if the sky is clear enough, we can see the impressive snow-capped Mountain of Salkantay.
After a great effort, you will be captivated by the vibrant turquoise blue color of the Humantay Lagoon hidden in the rock and debris piles produced by an avalanche; your guide will give you a brief explanation about the mountains followed by an Andean ceremony performance of the Incan culture using the coca leaves, then you will have free time to explore around the lagoon. After all this, we will return downhill to Soraypampa for lunch and get back to Cusco City on board our private transport. We will drop you off at your hotel or place of preference.
- Meals
Breakfast & Lunch - Difficulty
Demanding - Max Altitude
4200 m. / 13,779 ft. - Circuit
3hrs drive, 2hrs hike - Transportation
Private transport. - Tour Style
Hiking, Adventure
- Accommodation
Cusco
Including
Humantay Lake tour Includes
- All private transportation SUV or Minivan.
- Personal tour Guide: we work with experienced local guides.
- Entrance fees to the Salkantay natural reserve.
- Entrance fees to the Humantay Lake.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks.
- First aid kit for emergency
- Oxygen bottle to use in case of emergency
What to take
- Small Day pack for a day hike, no more than 25L recommended.
- Warm clothes. The weather in the mountains is cold and windy.
- Rain jacket. Always recommended to bring.
- Sun hat
- Charged Phone and Camera
- Power bank in case the batteries runs out
- Sunscreen 35+ fps protection recommended
- Water bottle. Hard plastic or metal material
- Peruvian Soles in cash
- Toiletries
- Extra snacks.
What does not include
- Hiking poles (For rent: USD 10.00)
- Gratuities
- Any personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
Pricing
The pricing below is subject to a new Peruvian law governing the employment of porters on the Inca Trail. These changes are expected to substantially raise the cost of operating the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu for all accredited tour companies. Please, contact us for further details.
$ 150.00 per person Price per person 2pp
- Price for 2 trekkers: 150.00 USD per person
- Price for 3-4 trekkers: 140.00 USD per person
- Price for 5-6 trekkers: 120.00 USD per person
- Price for 7-8 trekkers: 110.00 USD per person
Discounts
Students from University have benefits traveling in Peru! Museums, tourist tickets, archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and more. Get discounts by presenting your International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Students under 17 years old and children do not need the ISIC to apply for a discount. Please, email us with a copy of the ISIC and passport at the time of booking for a trek or tour to info@kunturperu.com. We will be glad to help you.
- Student discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$15.00
- Students from 12 to 17 years. US$ 15.00 Discount
Groups booking
GO ON GROUP SERVICE:
From USD 100.00 per person for 8+ up to 12 participants in the group. Please note booking in advance is required.
We reward your preference! More details will be available if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, such as free walking tours in Cusco City, discounts on Cusco City tours, Sacred Valley tours, or items for hiking activities. Contact us at info@kunturperu.com
Trip Info
Weather in Cusco City
Humantay Lake tour is a very high-altitude activity, therefore, the weather may be cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 14 F. / -10 C. And in the early mornings of the dry season, during the day, it can get quite warm if the sun is out, anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind that if the weather is rainy or cloudy, it will be windy and colder, and it may change instantaneously, particularly when going up at the high-altitude passes; as with any high-altitude hike, you should bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
Tour departure
It is highly recommended to spend at least two days before any trekking activity acclimating to the altitude in the Andes; drinking enough water and avoiding heavy meals also help you to adapt quickly to the environment. Cusco is an Andean city located at 3,399 m. / 11,151 ft. We suggest doing short day tours in and around the city.
It is imperative to attend the pre-trek briefing a day before the scheduled date of the trip, usually set at 17:00 hrs. See the itinerary instructions section of the tour and its details. For additional information, speak directly to your trekking guide.
Note on Itinerary
The current itinerary described accurately expresses the trekking activities we offer. However, please, notice that due to some circumstances occasionally turns beyond our control, such as natural disasters, weather conditions, strikes, and others that may force us to deviate from our original plan, in which case, we will provide you with the best alternative option available, so then you won’t miss the wonderful experience.
Trip Payment Schedule
At the time of booking, you must be paid 30% of the total cost of the tour; this will allow us to make the corresponding reservation and purchase some tickets that may be sold out rapidly. A month before the departure date, the balance must be paid or upon your arrival in Cusco city, the 70% left of the final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee (hike permit fee): $130 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost.
Gratuities for the trekking crew
One of the greatest ways to express your gratitude to your trekking crew for everything they do to help you to make your adventure trip is by tipping. This is a tradition of years since the beginning of the tourism industry in our region, a personal appreciation based on the team’s effort during your adventure experience. Giving gratuities might not be customary in your country, however, it’s of the utmost importance to those who will be taking care of you during the trip. Tipping inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature in the tourism industry on many Kuntur Peru Travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you wish, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Usually, participants in a group gather the tipping money for the guides, porters, and cooks; you can either do it individually, or your trekking guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Tipping your tour guide is more personal and should be decided based on your relationship, quality, and length of service with them and is done separately from the group or could be done individually, this generally happens once you end the tour at Machu Picchu Citadel or Machu Picchu town.
Porters: Each porter $20 – $40 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all the group or participants)
Trekking Chef: $35 – $70 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all groups or participants)
Trekking guide: The amount is an entirely more personal preference, however, as a guideline, $40 -80 USD per person can be used.
Faqs
Why horses are not allowed on Inca Trail?
Can we do the Inca trail without a trekking crew?
How many porters we will have to hike on the Inca trail?
What does the Inca trail look like?
What’s the difference between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mt.
Is it possible to trek the Inca trail in a shorter time?
Is it possible to do The Inca trail without a tour guide?
Is hiking the Inca trail worth it?
Booking
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Payment methods
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WHY HIKING TO HUMANTAY LAKE
- Humantay Lake is by far one of the best destinations in Cusco and the favorite for adventure seekers.
- Experience a fascinating walk along the foothill of the mountain
- Enjoy breathtaking Andean landscape, and snow-capped mountains surrounded by rugged mountain peaks.
- Explore and discover much more about the Andean culture through the stories told by our trekking guides.
- The Humantay Lake is a must-do destination if you are planning to travel to Peru and explore the mountains in Cusco region.
- Immerse yourself in the Andean Culture and enjoy the astounding views around a blue-turquoise glacier lagoon.
- Be part of an exceptional experience traveling with Kuntur Peru and our experienced tour guides.
- Come across and feel safe exploring part of the Vilcanota mountain range with us, a licensed local tour operator.
- Come with us and discover more through private, customized, and small-group tour services, with no more than 8 explorers.
REMARKS
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE CITY TOUR
- Pick up from your hotel
- Meet our experienced local guides, English and Spanish speaking
- Private transportation to all sites in and out of the Cusco city center.
- Detailed guided tour in Qoricancha (the sun temple), about an hour of exploration.
- Explore Sacsayhuaman, the megalithic constructions site
- Guided tour at Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay.
- 4 to 5 hours total tour, during which you’ll learn about the Origin and history of Incan culture.
- Take advantage of taking photos at Inca sites, guides are also skillful at taking photos.
- Door-to-door transportation service, unless you request drop-off at a specific point in the city.
RECOMMENDED TO BRING
- Passport
- Warm clothes. Cusco’s weather is cold and windy at evenings
- Day pack / Tote bag
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Peruvian Soles in cash