Humantay Lagoon Day Trip: Is It Worth It? (A Detailed Review)

The shimmering, turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon are very much like a siren’s call to travelers visiting Cusco, Peru. Seeing photographs, too, it’s almost impossible not to be drawn in by the promise of such raw, high-altitude magnificence. But before you go ahead and book that day trip, it’s really good to ask: Is it actually worth all the hype, and importantly, the very physical effort it’ll demand?

What Makes Humantay Lagoon So Special?

So, you see, Humantay Lagoon isn’t just, like, a pretty lake. Situated at a whopping 4,200 meters (around 13,780 feet) above sea level, it’s a spot where the stark beauty of the Peruvian Andes really hits you, basically. The lagoon gets its insane turquoise color from the melting glacier of the Humantay mountain, which, by the way, you can, like, see looming in the background – talk about a view, you know? The local people actually regard this place as sacred, and in a way, you can really feel this, as the place has some pretty special kind of atmosphere. For many, a trip here is that something a bit more than just your average photo opportunity, actually, and can, too, offer that moment to just connect with nature on, perhaps, quite a profound level, you know.

What to Expect on the Day Trip

Now, look, the standard Humantay Lagoon day trip usually goes something, pretty much, like this. Expect a really early start. Many tours begin with pickups from your Cusco lodging between, like, 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM, okay? Basically, brace yourself for a pretty lengthy drive, usually about 3 hours, to the trailhead at a place called Soraypampa, that’s what it is, basically. Typically, that drive involves traveling through, basically, winding mountain roads, so if you’re someone who’s, maybe, prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions, you know? Maybe take travel-sickness tablets beforehand, like your standard Kwells, if you see what I mean.

From Soraypampa, well, that’s where the hike actually begins, and it is that upward climb of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, mostly, you know, depending on your, perhaps, personal fitness level and how, in particular, your body’s responding to the altitude. This trek, actually, begins gently enough but, too, it does get rather steeper towards the end. You can usually rent a horse for part of the way if you feel like you’re struggling, anyway. But really, honestly, walking lets you kind of absorb the atmosphere and properly experience the landscape in a way you simply don’t get otherwise.

Then, when you get there, after that last push, well, there you are. The lagoon is something you might have seen many pictures of, yeah, very much. But, you know, really seeing it with your very own eyes, surrounded by the huge, stark mountains, well, that is just an awesome moment, honestly. Many tours generally give you around an hour or so at the top to, perhaps, take photos, explore a bit, maybe, even participate in a little offering ceremony to the Apus (mountain spirits), if you’re, say, lucky.

Oh, yes, nearly forgot. The descent back down takes around, that’s right, 1 hour, give or take, that. Once everyone’s back at Soraypampa, there’s the travel back to Cusco, and, okay, this usually includes a stop for lunch. Expect to get back to Cusco in the early evening, and pretty, well, tired out. Really, and perhaps understandably.

Is the Altitude a Real Problem?

Let’s be really honest here: the altitude at Humantay Lagoon is absolutely no joke, okay? The climb to 4,200 meters is something your body will likely feel, most particularly if you’re arriving straight from, like, sea level. Altitude sickness can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath, well that’s not nice, now, is it? It could potentially, possibly ruin your trip. It’s also crucial to take some days in Cusco to acclimatize properly prior to even considering taking the hike. Hydrate. Stay away from alcohol and heavy meals, they don’t help either. Some folks also take altitude sickness medication, such as, well, Acetazolamide (Diamox) just to help alleviate the symptoms. Discuss any possible concerns with your doctor before your travels. Seriously, do that.

What to Pack for Your Humantay Lagoon Day Trip

What you decide to pack can either make or break your whole Humantay Lagoon experience, to be quite honest, actually. Layers are truly essential, you see, because the weather at that altitude can easily switch from really sunny to very cold, you see. A lightweight, waterproof jacket is, you know, like, kind of crucial, and maybe bring a warm fleece or sweater for when that sun disappears behind, what are they again, the mountains, oh yeah.

Sturdy hiking boots are very much advisable. Honestly, it’s more like essential than advisable. The terrain can get pretty rocky and slippery. Sunscreen and sunglasses are just as crucial, in particular when it comes to protecting yourself from that very intense high-altitude sun. A hat will, too, provide some really needed shade, basically, that. Oh yes, water? Oh, you will certainly require that, bring loads. Possibly even carry some snacks like energy bars or nuts to actually keep your energy levels up. A small backpack can be extremely handy for carrying each and every single item comfortably, basically.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

When, actually, selecting a tour operator for your Humantay Lagoon excursion, there really are many, many things to check out and consider. Check out companies with great reviews. They really do tell the honest story, as a matter of fact. Be absolutely certain they provide adequate acclimatization advice and the support, that. Question them about the gear they supply. It can easily make your mind up as to the experience itself.

Confirm if the tour guides actually are experienced in high-altitude trekking and, also, have first-aid training. What will happen if you were to fall, or simply get sick. Really, honestly check they have, you see, that emergency oxygen available, yeah? Safety is, like, something a bit more than just a buzzword, but should be, mostly, their priority. Consider the size of each tour group. Smaller groups will always offer a way more personalized kind of experience. Lastly, what are the inclusions? It is things such as meals, entrance fees, or additional services such as that of horse rentals, okay?

Alternatives to the Standard Tour

The standard Humantay Lagoon day tour might feel like a little much for some people. It may simply not suit. So, you know, you have this feeling like, ‘is there another way’? There are options. Think about a private tour? These do, actually, offer greater flexibility when it comes to pace and timing, if that makes sense, really. You might look at extending your trek with, that’s right, an overnight stay within Soraypampa, it sounds amazing, that. This simply will give you far more time to acclimatize and, obviously, take it easier.

Hiking to Humantay Lagoon as actually part of a larger trek, really? Something like the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, it can be easily combined to bring a great addition to the route, anyway. This lets you visit the lagoon as part of something truly amazing that means a lot more variety than merely just one day trip, anyway.

Humantay Lagoon: The Verdict

So, is a day trip to Humantay Lagoon actually worth it, then? For lots of folks, the raw magnificence of the lagoon coupled together with that sense of achieving, something that can feel like something pretty major. Even though the trek may also present physical challenges that must be met head-on, in short, this location provides views well, honestly, worthy of your efforts. If the idea of being at altitude freaks you a little too much, okay, it may not easily become the best fit for everybody, it will make for great efforts.

Just be quite sure you prepare correctly, then you are able to acclimatize adequately and pick that tour operator that you are more comfortable with. But the memories of, okay, seeing that bright, beautiful turquoise water beneath towering glaciers? Then these views are something a bit more special to treasure for many years to come.