Humantay Lake Full Day
Humantay Lake Full Day Tour: Trekking to the Turquoise Waters
In the heart of the imposing Vilcabamba mountain range lies a mirror-like body of water that seems straight out of a fairytale. The Humantay Lake Full Day Tour invites you to disconnect from your daily routine and immerse yourself in the immensity of the Peruvian Andes. This turquoise body of water, fed by the meltwater of the majestic snow-capped peak of the same name, is considered sacred by local communities and represents one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region.
This full-day excursion combines the challenge of high-altitude trekking with the visual reward of a pristine natural environment. As you ascend the winding trail, you’ll feel the pure energy of the mountains and the icy breeze descending from the glaciers. Whether you’re seeking the perfect photograph or a moment of meditation amidst the vastness of nature, reaching the shores of the lagoon will become one of the highlights of your trip to Cusco.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
The following schedule details the timings for this demanding day in the mountains. Times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the group’s pace.
- 4:00 – 4:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center to begin our journey northwest of the city.
- 6:30 – Arrival in the town of Mollepata. We will make a strategic stop at a tourist restaurant to enjoy a nutritious Andean breakfast, essential for the hike.
- 7:30 – Continuation of the journey along a winding dirt road until we reach Soraypampa, the high-altitude plain that serves as base camp for high-altitude expeditions.
- 9:00 – Start of the ascent to the lagoon. The hike requires sustained effort for approximately one and a half to two hours, accompanied by views of snow-capped peaks.
- 10:30 – Arrival at Humantay Lagoon. Free time to rest, explore nearby viewpoints, capture spectacular photographs, and participate in a brief ceremony of gratitude to Mother Earth.
- 11:30 AM – Begin the descent to Soraypampa using the same trail. This section is faster, taking approximately forty-five minutes.
- 12:30 PM – Board our vehicle to return to the town of Mollepata.
- 1:30 PM – Enjoy a hearty buffet lunch to replenish all the energy spent on the expedition.
- 2:30 PM – We begin our direct return trip to the city of Cusco.
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Arrival in Cusco, ending a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas or near your accommodation.
INCLUDES
Includes
- Pick-up from your hotel located in downtown Cusco.
- Modern, fully equipped tourist transportation for the mountain route.
- Full board consisting of breakfast and a buffet lunch in Mollepata.
- Service of a professional trekking guide (Spanish and English).
- Wooden trekking poles to facilitate the ascent and provide stability.
- Emergency oxygen tank and first-aid kit.
Not Include
- Entrance fee to the Humantay Lagoon route (direct payment to the local community authorities).
- Horse rental for the ascent (optional service arranged directly with local muleteers).
- Bottled drinks, rehydration drinks, or snacks during the hike.
- Personal expenses and souvenir purchases in the village.
- Voluntary tips for the trekking team.
- Travel and medical assistance insurance.
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Spend at least two days in Cusco beforehand to ensure proper acclimatization before subjecting your body to the physical exertion of high altitude.
- Dress in layers. Early morning temperatures are freezing, but cardiovascular exertion and sunrise will quickly raise your body temperature.
- Wear sturdy, well-fitting hiking boots with good traction, as the trail has steep sections with loose soil and rocks.
- Protect your skin and eyes from the intense solar radiation at high altitude by applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and using a wide-brimmed hat.
- Carry cash in Peruvian Soles (small denomination bills) for the entrance fee, use of restrooms, or unexpected horse hire.
Additional
Additional Information
- Difficulty: Medium to high. The terrain has a constant and steep incline in its final section. The reduced oxygen in the air makes the hike cardiovascularly demanding.
- Climate: Cold, high-altitude climate. The glacial environment maintains low temperatures that can range between 0 and 15 degrees Celsius, usually accompanied by icy winds in the lagoon area.
- Altitude: The hike begins in Soraypampa at 3,900 meters above sea level, and the shores of the lagoon reach 4,200 meters above sea level.
- Recommended Age: Suggested for people between 12 and 60 years old who maintain an active lifestyle and do not have any heart or respiratory conditions.
- Reference Times: Starting early in the morning is a standard practice to take advantage of the clear weather window and avoid strong winds or precipitation in the afternoon.
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