- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4250 meters above sea level
- TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE: Approximately 12 km
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Difficult
- BEST TIME TO VISIT: Mar-Nov
Cusco is an excellent region nestled among the Andes Mountains. Wherever you go here, you’ll always be amazed by so much history, food, music, and the breathtaking landscapes. Until recently, the Humantay Lagoon remained hidden from the outside world, but nowadays, this turquoise lagoon has become an unmissable gem for nature lovers who come to Cusco and thus to Machu Picchu. This is a travel guide to reaching the Humantay Lagoon and completing a journey filled with rewarding experiences for a lifetime.
Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 am and drive in our comfortable vans for 3 hours to Soraypampa, where you will enjoy a picnic breakfast with stunning views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by our mountain chefs, you will begin a 2-hour hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m – 13,779 feet), located at the base of a mountain of the same name. You can also rent horses from the locals.
Upon reaching the lake, you will have time to explore the surroundings and relax with fantastic views of the mountains. Enjoy the local flora, native birds, and magnificent mountain peaks.
Next, you will hike back for 1 hour to our lunch spot in Soraypampa. Our chefs will prepare a variety of Peruvian dishes in a buffet style. Later, we will take our private van back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 pm.
Included
Included:
- Transportation (round trip)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional local tour guide
- Entrance to Humantay Lagoon
- Medical kit with Oxygen on all our tours
- Breakfast and lunch prepared by a local chef
- Additional blankets are provided
Not Included
Not included:
- Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
- Horse rental (optional)
- Tips (optional)
Additional information:
- You can book this tour as a private tour with a minimum of 2 travelers.
- For larger groups, send us a request, and we will send you a special price.
- You can rent a horse to reach Humantay Lagoon.
- Horseback riding is possible only on 80% of the entire trail.
- The remaining 20% must be walked. Horses can be rented at the trailhead.
- It is not recommended to rent a horse for the downhill return.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available upon request.
Recommendations
WHAT TO BRING?
Hiking to Humantay Lagoon is like any other high-altitude trekking, so it is essential to be well-prepared. The tour starts very early in the morning, so consider packing the following items:
- A rain jacket. – It will be cold in the morning, and in case of rain, you can use a raincoat.
- A pair of gloves. – Don’t let the morning frost numb your fingers.
- A hoodie / cap and sunglasses. – To protect yourself from the morning cold and solar radiation during the day.
- A good pair of hiking shoes. – Although you can reach the lagoon with running shoes, it is better to wear hiking shoes that are resistant and have good traction.
- Rain poncho. – if you know you are going in the rainy season, you must bring a rain poncho.
- Hiking poles. – If walking with poles is more your style, then consider bringing them. It will also help you balance your body’s balance and will also make less weight fall on your knees.
- Water bottle. – Hydrating often while walking will help you with the lack of oxygen, and that is very important.
- Sunscreen. – because ultraviolet rays in the mountains are intense.
- – Bring some reinforcements for extra energy.
- Camera. – Bring extra batteries, devices could easily discharge.
- Cash. – There may be a moment when you need to rent a mule, so you will need money to be able to pay or buy some snacks too. Likewise, for the use of bathrooms.
