Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip

Humantay Lake Day Trip

Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip

Humantay Lake Day Trip

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Trip Length
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Activity Type
Physical Level
Easy
Humantay Lake Day Trip

This tour begins with an early morning departure from Cusco. The route travels through the Vilcabamba valley, offering views of the changing Andean landscape as the vehicle ascends toward the mountains. The journey is a direct approach to the trailhead for one of the region’s well-known natural sites.

The first main stop is the village of Mollepata, where you will have breakfast. Following this break, a short drive continues to Soraypampa, located at an altitude of . Soraypampa serves as the official starting point for the trek. Here, you will prepare for the physical portion of the day’s activities.

The hike is a high-altitude trek toward two main points of interest. The trail first leads to Chakana, a viewpoint at with clear views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. After Chakana, the path continues to Humantay Lake, a body of water known for its turquoise color. After visiting the lake, you will hike back down to the starting point to return to Cusco.

Humantay Lake Day Trip See What each day looks like!

Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Trip

Trip Summary

  • 4:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Cusco and travel to Mollepata.
  • 6:00 AM: Breakfast in Mollepata village.
  • 7:00 AM: Drive from Mollepata to Soraypampa, the trek starting point.
  • 7:30 AM: Begin the 3-hour hike up to Chakana and then to Humantay Lake.
  • 12:00 PM: Arrive at Humantay Lake for photos and to see the views.
  • 1:30 PM: Start the 1.5-hour hike back down to Soraypampa.
  • 3:00 PM: Board the transport at Soraypampa and drive to Mollepata.
  • 4:00 PM: Lunch in Mollepata.
  • 5:00 PM: Begin the return trip to Cusco.
  • 7:00 PM: Arrival in Cusco and drop-off at your hotel.

Trip Details

  • Starting Altitude: (at Soraypampa)
  • Highest Altitude: (at Chakana)
  • Total Walking Distance: Approximately
  • Overall Difficulty: Challenging (due to high altitude and steep terrain).
  • Sites to Visit: Mollepata, Soraypampa, Chakana, Humantay Lake.
  • Acclimatization: Acclimatization is Recommended.

Highlights

  • A scenic drive through the Vilcabamba valley.
  • Views of the snow-covered Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
  • A challenging hike to the high-altitude viewpoint of Chakana.
  • The turquoise water of Humantay Lake.
  • Breakfast and lunch in the mountain village of Mollepata.

Itinerary

DAY 1CUSCO / SORAYPAMA / CUSCO

We leave Cusco very early in the morning from your Accommodation, adjust to its altitude by exploring through the Vilcabamba valley. We start 4:00 in our private vehicle driving toward Mollepata Village, the north site of Cusco, arriving then to Mollepata () after 2 hours approximately for our breakfast then a short drive till Soraypampa (), start point to hike toward Chakana (Inca sign of great value), () almost 3 hours hiking then turn to Humantay lake ().

Our guide provides you some recommendations to start the trek to Chakana (mist area) and Humantay Lake located in the Vilcabamba mountain range and close of Salkantay.

We start the hike to Chakana for approximately 3 hrs; surrounding a peaceful landscapes of Chakana area and the amazing views of Vilcabamba mountain range, Salkantay and Humantay then we reach Laguna Humantay we enjoy the beautiful turquoise lagoon. We continue 1.5 hours hiking on our way back to Mollepata our lunch spot then our convoy return us to Cusco around 7:00 p.m; We drop you at your hotel.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & SNACK

Included

  • Transfers from / to your hotel in Cusco
  • Expert Mountaineering tour guide
  • Cooker
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch & snacks
  • Private transportation round trip
  • Extra local Horses per person (in case of emergency you can continue on horses)
  • Horsemen
  • Water
  • Spoken languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese
  • First Aid kit and oxygen balloon

Not Included

  • Flights to and from Peru / Cusco, or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program.
  • Tipping staff

Pricing

Humantay Lake Tour Pricing

The price for the Humantay Lake tour is per person and depends on your meal preference:

  • $98 per person includes meals served at a local restaurant in Mollepata.
  • $180 per person includes a picnic lunch prepared by our trekking chefs.

For groups of 5 or more, please contact us at info@trexperienceperu.com for a special group rate.

To book your tour, simply click the “BOOK NOW” button, select your date and preferred tour option, and provide your details. Our team will get in touch with you right away.

We also offer a special 2-day Salkantay and Humantay Lake camping tour. Contact us to get a quote and explore more off-the-beaten-path trails and lakes.

What to bring

PERSONAL

 

  • Long sleeved shirts: Bring two or three to use for layering and sun protection.
  • Walking pants: One pair of comfortable hiking pants.
  • Polar or thermal clothing: Essential for warmth at high altitudes, as temperatures can be low.
  • Sweater and Warm jacket: A fleece or sweater plus a warmer, insulated jacket are needed for the cold.
  • Hiking boots: Wear waterproof boots with good ankle support that are already broken-in.
  • Waterproof pants and jacket: Weather is unpredictable; a rain shell for both top and bottom is necessary.
  • Cotton pants: Comfortable to wear before and after the trek.
  • Wool gloves: To protect your hands from the cold wind.
  • Scarf: Useful for protecting your neck and face from cold and wind.
  • Hat or cap for the sun: The sun is very strong at high altitude.

 

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

 

  • Memory Cards: Bring extras, as the cold can affect battery life and storage.
  • Toiletries and first aid: Include any personal medications, bandages, and pain relievers.
  • Binoculars: To get a better view of the mountains and wildlife.
  • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from high-altitude UV rays.
  • Sunscreen: Use a high SPF and apply it regularly.
  • Lip balm: With SPF to prevent chapped lips from the sun and wind.
  • Hiking poles: Highly recommended to help with balance and reduce strain on your knees.
  • Pocket knife: A small multi-tool can be useful.
  • Bottle or canteen: Carry at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water.
  • Plastic bag: To keep batteries dry and to pack out trash or separate wet clothes.
  • Small backpack: A 20-30 liter daypack is sufficient to carry your personal items.

Travel Guide

Travel Guide

 

 

Humantay Lake: A Practical Guide

 

When to Visit The best time to do this trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, you are more likely to have clear skies and less rain, although mountain weather can always be unpredictable.

Climate The climate is cold due to the altitude. Expect strong sun, cold wind, and low temperatures, often near freezing, especially in the early morning and at the highest points. Be prepared for conditions to change quickly.

How to Prepare for the Tour Physical preparation is important. Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as running or cycling, in the weeks before your trip will help. Arrive in Cusco with enough time to acclimatize properly before attempting the hike.

Acclimatization Altitude sickness is a real risk. Spend a minimum of two to three days in Cusco () or the Sacred Valley (around ) before the tour. During this time, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and drink plenty of water and coca tea.

Local People The areas around Mollepata and Soraypampa are inhabited by local Andean communities. The people are generally reserved. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.

Recommendations

  • Walk at your own pace. Do not try to keep up with faster hikers if you are not comfortable.
  • Drink water continuously throughout the hike to stay hydrated.
  • Chew coca leaves or drink coca tea, a traditional local method to help with altitude.
  • Listen to your guide’s instructions, as they are experienced in this environment.

Recommended Age This tour is physically demanding and at a very high altitude. It is best suited for people with a good level of fitness and is generally not recommended for young children (under 12) or for individuals with heart or respiratory problems.

FAQS

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake? The hike is considered challenging. The difficulty comes from the high altitude, which makes breathing and physical exertion harder, and some steep sections of the trail.

Do I need to be acclimatized before this tour? Yes. It is highly recommended to spend at least two to three days in Cusco or another high-altitude location to allow your body to adjust before taking this tour.

What is the highest altitude reached on the tour? The highest point is Chakana, at an altitude of ().

Is food included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes breakfast and lunch, which are served in the village of Mollepata. Snacks are also provided.

What happens if I cannot complete the hike? An emergency horse is included in the tour price. If you are unable to continue walking, you can use the horse to complete the route.

What is the weather like on the mountain? The weather is typical of high mountains: unpredictable and variable. It can be sunny, windy, and cold on the same day. You should dress in layers and be prepared for low temperatures.

Are there toilets available during the hike? There are basic toilet facilities in Mollepata. There are no facilities along the hiking trail itself.

Can I rent hiking poles? Yes, hiking poles are generally available for rent from tour operators. It is best to request them at the time of booking.

What exactly is Humantay Lake? Humantay Lake is a glacial lake located at the base of the Humantay mountain. It is known for its distinct turquoise color, which comes from mineral deposits.

What time will I get back to Cusco? You can expect to arrive back in Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel at approximately 7:00 PM.

WHY CHOOSE ANDES PATH PERU?

Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.

Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.

Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.

SMALL GROUPS

To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.

OUR TOUR GUIDES

We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS

Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.

We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!

OUR EQUIPMENT

The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:

  • OUR TENTS: Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person models, but we only house 2 people in each, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks to keep the interior clean.
  • OUR FOAM MATS: These are included to insulate and separate you from the cold ground.
  • AIR MATTRESSES: These can be rented for $20 USD.
  • OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent serves as a communal gathering place for meals. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and chat with your fellow trekkers.
  • OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining tent includes proper tables and chairs, and its design with two doors on opposite sides allows it to adapt to the day’s weather conditions.
  • DUFFEL BAGS: These will be provided to you during the briefing the night before the trek begins.
  • MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, souvenir t-shirts, and a biochemical portable toilet are all provided on the trek.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.

Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!

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