Cusco Humantay Lake Tour Review: Day Trip with Picnic

Looking to soak up some incredible scenery in Peru? Well, the Humantay Lake day trip from Cusco, including a lovely picnic, could just be what you’re after. This tour is rather sought after because it packs unbelievable mountain sights and a really beautiful, turquoise lake into one memorable day. What’s it really like, though? Let’s have a better look.

Why Humantay Lake is Worth the Hype

Is it genuinely as stunning as all those images you’ve probably seen? So, the short response is an absolute yes! Getting up to Humantay Lake isn’t exactly a cakewalk, but seeing that bright turquoise water reflecting the snow-capped Humantay mountain, well, it’s more than worth that little effort. The sheer, grand scale of it is something else entirely. You definitely won’t stop taking pictures, it’s almost guaranteed. Then you could have the bragging rights from experiencing one of Peru’s actual wonders.

What makes this lake extra cool is that its color actually comes from minerals from the neighboring glaciers. The lake’s vibrancy changes slightly according to weather, the season and light conditions. Every angle, so too, presents a pretty special, breathtaking view, a little different than the previous one. Is that magical or what?

What a Typical Humantay Lake Tour Looks Like

Alright, what happens on the ground? Very, very early morning pick-up, basically. Many tours commence before sunrise; think about 4:00-5:00 am, this is so you can have enough time and steer clear of large afternoon groups. The drive to the trailhead is actually long, around 3 hours, but at least the seats are usually pretty comfy.

On getting to the trailhead at Soraypampa, it’s time to start making that climb! Now, the hike might be relatively short (a bit more than a mile each way), the elevation seriously hits you hard, very quickly. It starts at around 12,700 feet above sea level and goes to 13,900 feet. Pace yourself; this is really not a race! Numerous tour operators supply things such as walking sticks to provide extra support, yet consider buying some coca leaves to possibly lessen any altitude ailments.

Up top, you get roughly an hour or two just to revel in those views, that is if weather is co-operating. A few trips involve little rituals with the local shamans to thank mother nature (Pacha Mama) — this will actually add that extra cultural dimension that tourists may look for in their travels. Once the time to go descends, you’ll head back down to catch the transport returning to Cusco, and that concludes the excursion.

The Picnic Experience: More Than Just a Meal

Many Humantay Lake excursions now present what’s generally labeled as a picnic lunch. Is it worthwhile? Absolutely. As opposed to an everyday packed meal, numerous tours attempt to provide something more special: a scenic setup. It’s almost an outdoors cafe vibe! This frequently transpires closer to Soraypampa after the hike, permitting every person to chill with delicious, locally-sourced ingredients when basking in more lovely mountain backgrounds. Anyway, keep the altitude in your thoughts! Consume slowly and steadily in order to enable appropriate food digestion.

The food tends to range from quinoa soups and fresh salads, even traditional Peruvian treats. This, too, brings a lovely way of rejuvenating and reflecting prior to starting on that long ride back to Cusco. Should you’ve nutritional demands, be sure to connect with tour providers prior, for their food setups might be adapted. Often, if it suits your itinerary and they accommodate dietary specifications, tours could supply genuinely pleasant meal experiences.

Battling the Altitude: What You Must Know

Okay, let’s talk about elevation since this is important! Reaching over 13,000 feet in barely any time, the tour brings quite a challenge on those susceptible to altitude problems. That might easily include most individuals directly arriving coming from low-lying areas. Take your preventative steps actually before leaving Cusco.

Spending at the very least a day or perhaps two acclimating within Cusco is incredibly recommended prior to the actual trek. Consume coca tea, which virtually everyone tells you, or think about acquiring altitude disease tablets for a drugstore. Hydrate as frequently as possible. Furthermore, pass by a physician before touring if you’ve current health problems. At any rate, the additional safety measures will actually support guaranteeing an a lot more pleasurable time on this potentially difficult but rewarding journey.

Choosing the Proper Tour Operator

Since the Humantay Lake day trip has grown in notoriety, numerous operators supply various bundles, basically all having distinct benefits and drawbacks. Search cautiously. Look for companies with good ratings, clear security practices, skilled tour guides, and perhaps small group settings that permit a more intimate vibe.

Cost distinctions commonly reveal the kinds of solutions supplied: are actually things, for example, dishes involved? Consider customer feedback, read meticulously over the terms and conditions around canceling policies, as well as validate should oxygen canisters are really on standby if someone becomes sick out in the field. Considering those details upfront can definitely secure a safer, plus enjoyable tour expertise. See too if perhaps any organization has qualifications which encourage environmental sustainability within the regional community that is typically useful evidence these operators practice sensible traveling concepts as well.

What to Pack for the Humantay Lake Tour

Getting geared up smartly will probably seriously enhance your Humantay adventure. The weather at those altitudes may actually shift rapidly, that means layering is vital. Here is basically what to pack:

Warm Clothes: A thermal base, sweater, and also a coat since temps may go down extremely unexpectedly.
Hiking Shoes: Sturdy footwear given uneven paths.
Rain Gear: Often have something rainproof available considering that unpredictable rainfalls are generally quite typical, unfortunately.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a sunhat, and shades to take on severe ultraviolet exposure from substantial altitude.
Water and Snacks: Retain hydration levels up (the operator needs to supply plenty of drink) as well as retain calorie levels in check.
Coca Leaves or Altitude Sickness Pills: Possibly handle possible signs related to the thin air that is.
Camera: Without a doubt – considering those postcard-deserving scenes taking place just waiting!
Small Backpack: In other words, transporting all needs quickly.

Is “Cusco Full Day Humantay Lake with Picnic” Right for You?

So, is the “Cusco Full Day Humantay Lake with Picnic” an ideal travel idea when exploring the area? Those who delight over extraordinary pure landscapes, enjoy minor (or major!) physical exercise as well as seek amazing visual opportunities actually have an exceptional treat coming! That is yet more proper to energetic tourists and generally adventurous characters. That probably is not right for travelers having limited mobility or considerable health risks except if prepared specifically ahead. However, with thoughtful arranging and recognizing personal fitness guidelines in depth initially, you might quite potentially find this encounter getting the high point from a visit.

Make certain everyone analyzes and agrees upon altitude sensitivities combined with workout requirements before heading; being prepared translates seamlessly into happiness throughout such visits as spectacular because everything related near Humantay remains genuinely are. You want an amazing day here and nothing that takes you away from experiencing one of earth’s natural landscapes in Peru!