Humantay Lake, Breakfast, Buffet Lunch

Hike to Humantay Lake on a guided day tour from Cusco. The 12-hour outing pairs the mountain walk with breakfast and a buffet lunch.

Overview

A 3:30 to 4:00 AM pickup from the historic center starts this twelve-hour day, and the early hour is the point: reviewers regularly say arriving before the crowds is half the reward. From Cusco you ride roughly two hours by van to Mollepata, where breakfast is served and there is a last chance to buy water and snacks for the trail.

Another hour of driving brings you to Soraypampa, a high plateau sitting in the shadow of Salkantay at 6,230 meters and Humantay at 5,250 meters. The tour itself tops out around 4,200 meters. From there it is a two-hour trek, about 3 kilometers uphill, to Humantay Lake, which reviewers repeatedly call the hardest and most worthwhile part of the day. Guides are credited with pacing the group well and letting slower walkers set their own speed.

After time at the lake, with an optional short scramble for a panoramic view, the walk back down to Soraypampa takes about an hour. The van returns you to Mollepata for a buffet lunch with a vegetarian option, then to Cusco, with drop-off near Plaza de Armas between 5:00 and 6:00 PM. The listing asks that participants be in relatively good physical condition, which matches what reviewers describe.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pre-dawn pickupPickup from your stay in Cusco's historical center between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM, depending on the option selected. Gathering the whole group can take 30 to 45 minutes.
2. Van to MollepataA 2-hour drive out of Cusco to the town of Mollepata.
3. Breakfast in MollepataA 30-minute breakfast stop, where you can also buy water and snacks for the trek.
4. Van to SoraypampaOne more hour by van to the high plateau at Soraypampa, below Salkantay and Humantay peaks.
5. Trek to Humantay LakeA 2-hour hike of roughly 3 kilometers uphill to the lake at about 4,200 meters. An optional short climb above the lake gives a panoramic view.
6. Optional horse rideHorses can be rented for 80 PEN one way, arranged locally. The activity provider is not involved in these rentals. This segment is optional and at extra cost.
7. Walk down and lunchAbout an hour downhill back to Soraypampa, then a van to Mollepata for a 30-minute buffet lunch with a vegetarian option.
8. Return to CuscoA roughly 2-hour drive back, with drop-off near Plaza de Armas between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

What To Expect From The Tour

The early start, the altitude and the uphill stretch shape this day more than anything else, so a little preparation goes a long way.

• Fitness and pace. The climb is about 3 kilometers uphill and reviewers consistently call it challenging. The listing asks that all participants be in relatively good physical condition. Several reviewers say guides let each person go at their own pace.
• Altitude gear. The first hours of the day are very cold, and the listing recommends an extra warm sweater, jacket, hat and gloves. Warm layers, plus sun protection once the sun is up, cover both ends of the day.
• Beating the crowds. Several reviewers say the pre-dawn departure puts you at the lake before it fills up, and one group reported being second to arrive, which made for great pictures. The review summary also highlights early starts that beat crowds.
• Food and water. Buy water and snacks at the Mollepata breakfast stop since the trek is long.
• Horses and extras. Horse rental costs 80 PEN one way and is handled locally, not by the operator. The entrance fee of 20 PEN per person must be paid in cash. Only local currency works for extra expenses.
• What to carry. Comfortable hiking shoes, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks and water are all on the operator's bring list. One reviewer also suggests motion sickness medication for the mountain roads.

Common issues. The pickup is very early, before dawn, and the uphill section is steep enough that reviewers describe it as hard work even when they loved the day. Weather can change fast at altitude and the operator states it is not responsible for conditions on the day, so check forecasts before choosing your departure date. Some travelers have asked for clearer information up front on the hike's difficulty and horse rental costs, and the operator does not manage horse rentals itself. Large bags and pets are not allowed, and the entrance fee is paid separately in cash.

Common Questions