Humantay Lake Day Trip: A Cusco Adventure Review

Okay, so picture this: you’re in Cusco, and you’re thinking, “I gotta see something absolutely incredible.” Well, the Humantay Lake day trip, with breakfast and lunch thrown in, is pretty much it. It’s like a shimmering turquoise dream tucked high in the Peruvian Andes, and let me tell you, it’s quite a sight to behold. We went on one of these trips recently, and I wanted to give you, like your very own sneak peek at what it’s all about, covering everything from the crazy-early start to, you know, those views that will make your jaw drop.

The Early Bird Gets the…Lake View

The day usually starts super early, I mean seriously early, somewhere around 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM. Now, that, too it’s almost a wake-up call, that’s quite literal. A pre-dawn pickup from your Cusco digs gets you right into the minivan, and the thing is, you’re off. That first stretch can be kind of a blur as you wind through dark streets and rural roads. Pro-tip? Catch a bit more shut-eye during this time – you’ll, like your body, really appreciate it. The drive gives you, too it’s almost, a little look at how people in the Peruvian countryside start their day, is that not cool? After some time driving, there is normally a stop in a smaller town, that can be, you know, Mollepata or something similar, for a quick breakfast.

That breakfast is typically very basic, and you can be pretty sure you are having some bread, maybe some eggs, and coca tea – it’s actually the perfect thing to get you set for what is about to come. The Coca tea helps with the altitude, and it kind of warms you up from the inside. Anyway, once you are done eating, and you stretched a bit, it’s pretty much back on the road for the rest of the trip up to the trailhead.

Hiking Up: It’s Worth It, Really!

Once you reach the trailhead, get set to, like, put in some work! The hike to Humantay Lake is, just a little, more challenging than, like your run-of-the-mill stroll. That trail climbs in elevation fairly quickly, and that high altitude could mean you are being a bit more winded than, maybe your average weekend hike. So, it’s not Everest or anything, yet very manageable, even if you are only reasonably fit. A moderate pace is key, I would say, and take short breaks often so that you get to appreciate what is around you. Honestly, that surrounding landscape is actually stunning! I mean, just try to pause, and breathe it all in – the views of the valley below and, really, those snow-capped peaks in the distance – these moments more or less take some of the sting out of the climb.

I would suggest bringing some water and some snacks to help get you, kind of, energized. Chocolate, or even some coca candies can, too it’s almost, do the trick! The hike generally is like around 1.5 to 2 hours, this may vary depending on, you know, how quickly you walk. Oh, and don’t be shocked if you pass horses going up and down the hill; for an extra fee, people ride those horses to the top. Walking the whole way might be tough for some, especially those who aren’t quite used to that altitude. Also, you can buy water on the way up at the little stands, however it can cost you just a bit more, that you might, could be expecting. Finally, when you get to that top? Dude, the view? It is literally totally worth it.

Humantay Lake: Turquoise Dreamin’

Humantay Lake… wow. The color! That vibrant turquoise is unlike anything else, you know. When you first see it, framed by that mighty Humantay Glacier in the background, it’s arguably, totally a “pinch-me” moment. Honestly, photos actually don’t even do it justice; it’s way more breathtaking, and awe inspiring in person.

You’ll want to give yourself, basically, some time up there to just soak it all in. Snap some pics, of course (your Instagram will seriously appreciate it!), or simply sit by the shore and just appreciate what is happening. I would say that, that atmosphere at the lake is pretty incredible – you’ll probably see people making offerings to the Apus (that mountain spirits) or just lost in, you know, their own thoughts, soaking up the pure beauty of this space. It’s super peaceful, very serene, so you might just take it all in, like, for just a second! Now, bear in mind that the altitude is for real – we’re talking over 13,000 feet (almost 4200 meters), so move gently, and don’t push yourself too hard. That cold air will, like, whip right through you, especially if it is, like, windy, and just a little bit cloudy, but you know, it is still super amazing.

Sadly, you can’t, I mean literally can not go swimming in the lake (I know, bummer, right?). The local communities, like your friends, that actually hold it to be sacred, so swimming is super not allowed to preserve it. Just take in those sights, appreciate that wonder, and go make your own memories! After a good bit of time at that lake (normally around an hour or so), that’s basically when you make your way back down the trail. Walking down is much faster, anyway it can be hard on those knees, so do tread carefully.

Lunch and the Journey Back

After your hike down, that group typically heads to, just a bit, more of a local restaurant for lunch. Lunch might be included in, I would say, your tour package, and usually, it’s some typical Peruvian fare – think soup, rice, chicken, and maybe even some potatoes (because, well, Peru, alright?). This gives you the chance to refuel after all the energy that you spent during that hike and swap that travel stories with others in that group. And then it’s back onto that minivan for that long drive back to Cusco.

I would plan on, just a bit, more of an afternoon nap as you make your way back; most people do it. All in all, that trip can have you arrive back in Cusco actually pretty tired (especially thanks to that super early start), probably somewhere about 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Then it’s off to dinner and collapse in bed; you can know that, that exhaustion? It’s so worth it. It is literally such an incredible day!

What to Bring: Humantay Lake Packing List

So, you are doing your planning? Smart! Seriously give some thought to packing some stuff. You can always be thankful for things to hand to make this day as great as, maybe, you could be dreaming, very.

Warm Layers: That weather up at Humantay Lake is, honestly, very unpredictable. Bring layers you could add or drop very easily (thermal underwear, fleece jacket, windbreaker).
Hiking Boots: Yeah, really bring your boots or, something even a bit better, strong trainers/sneakers with nice traction; you are basically going to need a stable and comfortable shoe for walking up that slope.
Water and Snacks: Keep that energy high! The hike can actually be tough, thus be packing stuff to fuel the hike is highly valuable.
Coca Leaves or Candy: Basically, these will definitely help with, could be, that altitude sickness. It is almost always helpful.
Sunscreen and Hat: That sun at this altitude actually feels extra intense! That will really save your skin for a day of burn if you don’t cover it!
Sunglasses: Bright, really bright sun reflecting off that glacial water? Just go pack some sunglasses. You will so like them for sure.
Camera: Do not just trust me; you are almost surely going to want pictures of those epic views to keep and show off your adventures with the other human homies.
Cash: Just pack very little in Peruvian currency, in case you might be wanting to buy drinks, snacks, or even want to use those restrooms.
Small Backpack: That gives you hands free, so grab the very tiny bag you might find, to carry everything comfortably.
Rain Gear: Better get ready; that mountain weather can do almost everything, but mostly randomly rain for a brief period, anyway so getting prepared will not hurt.

Is the Humantay Lake Day Trip Worth It?

Totally. It’s honestly early and kinda tough to get up, anyway once up there? The mountain looks? You would forget the misery immediately.

If one is searching for, in a way, an adventure that shows the most beautiful of things available? A super incredible spot, which seems that it jumped directly off the post cards? Just visit. As you are thinking, maybe plan on bringing your camera, so you catch it every way possible and share your travels too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What about the altitude sickness, right?

Altitude sickness happens more or less; almost anyone may experience this as you arrive up that high place. Do spend some days near Cusco to allow things level a tiny bit. Have the coca leaves on hand and candy prepared. Go pretty steadily upward the hiking path too. Do bring pain stuff such as ibuprofen available. Those symptoms? Well, this might be, shortness from air, just a bit dizziness, headache-level feelings which, most notably get away quickly.

Might those trips be done with any certain groups traveling such a spot?

Yeah you can bring whomever might grab their curiosity; children too (even with being very careful), elder people in, good way more, physically shaped kind. The tours typically may be customized somewhat given each personal need or necessity there is in sight as we do go across the adventure.

When would, almost, best moments start on taking place across that trip?

Around that time around seasons named dry around here. This starts from, as a matter of fact May up until September- time range being very sun kissed almost entirely, making travel that is the Humantay Trip much amazing; but expect some crowds there. Months close and, more or less even during- time like year. Well the views still impress.