Humantay Lake Day Trip: Is this Cusco Tour worth it?

Visiting Humantay Lake from Cusco is a seriously sought-after day trip, and there’s plenty of chatter about it. So, what is it actually like to spend a whole day traveling to, seeing, and then traveling back from this supposed “hidden gem” of the Peruvian Andes? It’s a lengthy day, certainly, yet is it, like, one where the stunning views compensate for the early wake-up call and the high-altitude trek? Here, I’m going to give you the lowdown, drawing from my experiences and really highlighting all the essential bits, such as, is the breakfast and lunch any good?

Booking the Tour: Finding the Right Deal

Okay, so, your adventure usually kicks off in Cusco. Like your main mission then, is to lock down a tour operator. You’ll find tons around Plaza de Armas, and they all have nearly the same package deal. Don’t be scared to shop around just a bit; the prices, still, can change somewhat. I discovered tour prices kind of depended on my negotiation talents, which aren’t much, to be honest, or the apparent eagerness of the sales person. In general, shop around!

Things to look at really closely before you sign anything are what is and isn’t included. Almost all tours say they include round-trip transport, breakfast, lunch, and entry to Humantay Lake. What’s way less clear is if stuff such as hiking poles or even something like oxygen is factored in. Those add-ons, that feel nearly essential at high altitudes, normally mean spending additional cash. It’s a thing that would be useful to get clear upfront. Is the transport spacious and modern or the smallest minibus they can get away with?

Early Start and the Drive

Brace yourself, so, the tour begins very early. Mine set off around 4 AM. Yep, really early. The drive itself is pretty lengthy, like three hours or so, prior to you reaching the trailhead. It’s often dark at the start, that does make sleeping kind of easier, and you definitely want to try. The transport quality might be hit-or-miss, however try getting a window seat. It makes it somewhat easier to doze. I have noticed drivers that don’t hang around so make sure you have all you need from your bag before leaving Cusco. This is typically more or less a small convenience and toilet stop too.

As you move further from Cusco, that scenery begins changing dramatically. The urban sprawl fades away and you see views of the Andes. This bit of the adventure alone supplies something wonderful for your memories, even though it’s seen through tired eyes. The rising sun, still, paints the mountains different colors, is something amazing.

Breakfast: Fueling Up

Around halfway into the drive, that is, about 6 or 7 AM, depending, you will pull over for breakfast. Do not be anticipating a five-star buffet, even though. Breakfast usually is a fairly basic spread at a local spot. Think bread rolls, jam, perhaps some eggs, and, obviously, coca tea. The goal of the food seems to give you energy, not impress your palette.

Coca tea can be very worth trying, too, not only because it is traditional, however because it aids with altitude. Seriously, drink a great deal of it. I generally take 2 or 3 cups. The breakfast spots, you see, tend to have toilets, which will be very helpful given the early start and cups of coca tea consumed!

The Hike to Humantay Lake: Prepare Yourself

Alright, this part will really define your day. The hike to Humantay Lake is absolutely no joke. It is actually moderately challenging, due primarily to the altitude. The trailhead, is that it sits at something close to 12,700 feet (3,870 meters), and also the lake is much higher, at 13,900 feet (4,200 meters). That final climb actually gets so hard to breathe properly.

The path, see, starts off reasonably mild. It climbs gradually in the beginning, winding through some gorgeous landscapes. You get photo opportunities along the way as well as an understanding of how the locals reside here. After the first kilometer or so, anyway, you get to the hard part. It becomes very steep, very fast. That final stretch, basically, seems endless, in part since the air is significantly thinner. Going gradually and pacing oneself is critical, yet harder than you may imagine.

Several tours will give you the option to rent a horse for that last steep part. If you are really fighting the altitude, that really may be worth it. I actually saw a couple of individuals almost give up, who ended up making it on horseback. Still, even when on a horse, be expecting some bumpiness along with a short, steep climb on foot when you dismount.

Taking rests isn’t only okay; it’s important. Bring water. Coca leaves in order to chew on will similarly really help, because they’re a local treatment for altitude. When you make it to the top, anyway, the sight will most likely make you ignore any difficulties you experienced getting there.

Humantay Lake: Is it Worth the Hype?

Humantay Lake, well, is almost unbelievably stunning. It is definitely that kind of turquoise color you always see in photographs, is almost surreal. The lake sits directly at the foot of the Humantay Glacier, really adding to its majestic appeal. You probably only have around an hour up there, simply due to tour schedules, so make it matter.

Many individuals choose to take photos with the lake, which really can get a little competitive. If you just walk to the left there are also typically fewer people. Others might really opt to only sit and immerse themselves within the view. Whichever you pick, just be sure to appreciate in the moment.

Be ready, in some respects, for it to be somewhat crowded, actually, especially throughout peak season (June-August). Humantay Lake grew very popular in recent times, so you will not have the place all to yourself. I would say you could edit a lot of individuals out from images or just appreciate the feeling of everybody being unified, is that they’re viewing some striking scenery.

The Descent and Lunch

Going back down, by the way, could seem easier, though your knees may argue differently. Be mindful on loose gravel. It’s really very easy to slip. Just take things gradual, utilize hiking poles in the event that you have them, and watch every step.

Once back at the bottom, then, your tour will often give you lunch at the same spot where breakfast was. Lunch can be a more considerable meal, usually featuring something similar to soup, rice, along with a type of meat (chicken, beef, or even occasionally alpaca). Like breakfast, still, do not be expecting gourmet fare. It’s wholesome food geared towards refuelling after that hike.

The Return Trip to Cusco

The drive back to Cusco, obviously, might feel endless after such a day. Most individuals simply doze. If you actually stay awake, anyway, consider that you now get to see the views in daylight that you missed in the morning. Based on traffic and also drop-offs, then, you can anticipate arriving back in Cusco at around 5 or 6 PM.

Is the Humantay Lake Tour worth the investment?

So, is a full day trip to Humantay Lake worthy of the time and effort? For me, the answer is absolutely yes. Regardless of the early wake-up, really challenging hike, along with hoards of tourists, that unreal attractiveness of the lake more than offsets these inconveniences. This tour is a thing you can feel delighted by and tell your family and friends at home all about.

The physical challenge may be too tough for a few. In case you have altitude concerns, very severe knee issues, or even are seriously unfit, then I will claim it’s just one thing to believe carefully about. Conversely, people who enjoy physical activities as well as appreciate awesome all natural scenery probably will discover it a memorable experience.

To quickly sum it up, actually:

Beauty: The lake is undeniably stunning.
Challenge: The altitude can really make the hike tough.
Crowds: Expect to share the view with a good few tourists.
Food: The food is practical rather than tasty.
Overall: If you’re up for an adventure and incredible scenery, it’s highly worth it.

Have a blast when visiting Humantay Lake! You might be making recollections which will last a lifetime.

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