Humantay Lake 2-Day Cusco Excursion: A Deep Dive

Looking to visit Humantay Lake, that eye-popping turquoise gem sitting high in the Andes? Well, a day trip might feel rushed. So, if you’re really hoping to soak it all in, going for a 2-day excursion from Cusco could be just the ticket. Let’s have a look at what you can expect, and why this might be a great move for you. Very important thing to remember, altitude adjustments are the key.

Why Choose a 2-Day Excursion?

One-day trips to Humantay Lake are rather common, alright, yet they can be a whirlwind. The big issue? Altitude. Cusco is already sitting pretty high, so is that Humantay Lake tops even that. With that quick change, your body may, arguably, not appreciate that at all, leading to altitude sickness, and nobody wants that ruining that views. Plus, you actually might be just spending more time getting there and back, instead of just enjoying where you’re going. Two days gives that extra room to breathe and helps with getting your system more accustomed to the thin air. We need more hours to sleep so the oxygen levels can reach our brains.

The change from 11,000 to 14,000 feet can affect anyone. Maybe you are from Denver or La Paz. You will need to have your erythrocytes able to quickly increase. What helps? Hydrate well.

What to Expect on Day One

Your first day begins rather early, just like, around 4-5 AM, in Cusco. Now, most tours often start with that drive via some gorgeous scenery towards the trailhead. Many also stop in local towns where you’re likely to grab a traditional breakfast. It’s almost like a really neat peek into everyday Peruvian life! The drive’s, kind of, pretty long, maybe 3-4 hours, depending on that road conditions and your specific tour route. Now, here’s that extra perk of the 2-day deal, several operators might include visits to other viewpoints or lesser-known spots around that region. That gives that something extra other than just focusing entirely on that Humantay Lake itself. What about hot springs? Yeah!

After that first leg of our travel, you arrive to Mollepata or Soraypampa. Get your cameras ready. A bit of Coca tea helps adjust to altitude. Be ready to see farmers in traditional clothes trading goods.

The Trek to Humantay Lake: Day Two

That real hike, really, that part that takes that breath away, actually starts on the second day. After a night spent closer to the mountains, typically, you wake up much earlier, and that climb is already waiting for you. That trail to Humantay Lake can be very challenging, more or less, specifically that last stretch, that’s that super steep one. But that reward is obviously those insane views when that lake finally peeks into that view. Turquoise is the correct word here.

You get a moment to rest, enjoy that scenery, so click all that photos you want. Now, spending that night closer to the lake also just gives you this rather cool advantage. You’re already acclimated much better, and that trail can be much less crowded on the early morning than what those day-trippers deal with.

What to Pack for Your Excursion

Packing appropriately can totally influence how well you enjoy your excursion. What is important? First, you gotta bring layers. Mountain climate is what we should expect and the weather can be pretty changeable. The mornings tend to be chilly, but that sun will very heat you up quickly during that hike. Secondly, bring hiking boots for that rough terrain. You should prepare for that ankle support. Here’s a quick list:

Hiking boots: Crucial for that uneven terrain.
Warm layers: Fleece, definitely, or some down jacket.
Rain gear: The weather can change quickly.
Sunscreen and hat: That sun at altitude can be rather intense.
Water: Lots of that is needed.
Snacks: To keep that energy levels up.
Coca leaves or candies: In fact, they can help with altitude sickness.

Maybe think about bringing some hiking poles if you’re very having knee problems. In that last steep part, trekking poles helps immensely. Remember a daypack.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

That tour you pick totally makes that differences. Look, you’ll have to check on this factors:

Reviews: Peep what past travelers mention.
Inclusions: Can we find out what exactly that package includes (meals, lodging, transport)?
Guides: In fact, do the guides know what they’re doing, plus do that they speak that language?
Acclimatization plan: That operators ought to describe how that they handle altitude sickness prevention.

Picking one operator offering smaller group sizes is, actually, very awesome for, similar to your more customized and really personal experience. And yes, that reputable operator is gonna have those safety protocols way covered. In reality you want one that has oxigen tanks.

Dealing with Altitude Sickness

I feel this has to be underlined, I mean, altitude sickness could derail your great trip. Here’s that things you are able to consider:

Acclimatize before that trek: Try to get several days hanging in Cusco prior of that excursion.
Drink plenty of water: Hydration, in reality, makes a really big difference.
Avoid alcohol and smoke: Both just make that altitude effects way worse.
Eat light meals: Avoid overly heavy, that sort of digestion intensive foods.
Consider medication: Talk with one doctor regarding altitude sickness meds like, you know, Diamox.

Those signs that need to be closely monitored? Just like, headache, fatigue, dizziness, just, you name it. And so, should the symptoms are rather severe, like very severe, heading back down happens to be something vital, you see.

The Cultural Experience

The extended excursion provides very good options for really getting into that local culture. You’re very possibly gonna pass via smaller villages. Some guides might offer explanations on customs. Getting in touch is kind of just, almost respectful travel. When you show interest to get to understand where you are, just maybe more special interactions are, you see, possible. It provides an intimate glimpse of Andean life.

Is It Worth It?

Therefore, this big question. Is a 2-day excursion for you, specifically? If you can very handle those things about acclimatization really and appreciate digging into that landscape very properly, then you may find that shorter adventure. However if you enjoy culture and a hike, a tour of 2 or more days offers to much of the world we ignore. What can that day trips not just include? Experiencing Andean music in its true home. It sounds like worth it for myself.

Finally, make memories! Just always be kind and respectful with any other fellow travelers so you will make unforgettable bonds. Be careful not to slip with loose rocks.

Happy travels! Now that lake’s got to see those eyeballs, that cameras.