Humantay Lake Day Trip Review: Cusco Hiking Adventure

Visiting Humantay Lake on a day trip from Cusco is an experience you might find pretty incredible. What makes it special is the combination of a decent hike, breathtaking mountain views, and the strikingly colored lake itself. This review gives you a heads up on what to expect, starting with the early wake-up call and how the tour usually runs, right to the views that are almost too lovely to seem real. It gives some tips that might make the adventure even more enjoyable and manageable.

What You Can Expect From Your Early Start

Most Humantay Lake tours start super early, somewhere around 4:00 AM. It might seem early, too early, in fact, but that’s because of the drive from Cusco up to the mountains can be pretty long. Usually, it takes about three hours. So, what this does is give you time to get there, have breakfast on the way, and kick off your hike before things get swamped with other groups. Plus, traveling earlier means you miss out on most of the daytime traffic. Once you arrive, expect a quick bite to eat to power you up before tackling the trail. Is this breakfast gourmet dining? Not usually. A basic spread of bread, jam, and coca tea does the job. Just right, really, given what lies ahead!

Trekking to Turquoise: What the Hike Is Really Like

Okay, so getting to Humantay Lake isn’t a walk in the park, even if it could be lovely at times. You might find that the trail goes up steadily, more or less. This could take anywhere between one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours. As you’re going, remember you’re dealing with some serious altitude, about 4,200 meters (around 13,800 feet). At this height, the air is really thin, actually. Because of that, almost every step could feel like you’re working harder than usual. That said, the scenery’s fantastic; huge mountains surround you, so it’s worth stopping a bunch of times to catch your breath and have a glance around. Usually, you’ll also see horses available for rent at the beginning. Maybe this would be an idea if you are worried about the climb, or even just want to save a bit of energy. If you’re usually good with moderately tough hikes, then just go slowly, stay hydrated, and, too, just try to keep enjoying the sights as you grind uphill.

Humantay Lake: A Stunning Reward

Once you do get to Humantay Lake, you will probably find it looks incredible. Pictures are great, yet seeing the vivid turquoise waters snuggled at the foot of the Humantay Glacier in person is, you know, kind of different. Almost everybody hangs out taking loads of pictures, obviously. The backdrop is really beautiful; the snowy peak makes the bright water pop even more. Plan to use about an hour there to really soak things in. This is enough time to explore a little, maybe walk around the edge of the lake, and find a spot to, you know, just chill. Keep in mind it can get seriously cold up there pretty quickly, in a way, so pack layers so you don’t have to cut your visit short.

What About Lunch? Is It Any Good?

By the time you head back down and get ready for lunch, you will most likely be pretty hungry. Usually, the tour offers a buffet lunch at a local place on the drive back to Cusco. This is almost certainly pretty simple fare: think soups, rice, maybe chicken, and some veggies. What it lacks in fancy preparation, it surely makes up for in heartiness—exactly what you will be ready for following that hike. The restaurants they use are typically set up for tour groups, and in a way, that makes things pretty quick and convenient.

Things You Really Should Know Before You Go

Planning for a trip like this is essential if you’re after making it enjoyable. To start, altitude can impact people really differently. Take it pretty easy your first couple of days in Cusco just before the trek, as this helps your body get used to the elevation. Coca tea, something locals swear by, could also help ease altitude signs, as might altitude sickness pills, which you should discuss with a doctor. Also, so remember how changeable mountain weather tends to be. Dress in layers! Early mornings are freezing, yet when you start hiking, you’ll heat up quickly. Rain gear is something you need, too, so you are not getting soaked. Good hiking shoes will provide grip and comfort on that rough trail. By the way, don’t forget sunblock and a hat, actually; the sun at that altitude is quite intense. Plus, so bring extra water and snacks, because while meals are provided, having something on hand can easily get you between them. Is taking some cash along a good idea? Definitely; you might want to get drinks or even rent a horse.

In summary of the Cusco, Peru, Humantay Lake hiking tour, key takeaways:

• The Humantay Lake day trip involves an extremely early start (around 4:00 AM) to beat traffic.
• The hike is a constant uphill trek lasting 1.5-2.5 hours at a high altitude.
• Altitude sickness is a big worry; acclimatize in Cusco and carry coca tea or medication.
• The lake itself is amazingly beautiful with striking turquoise waters and views of Humantay Glacier.
• Layered clothes, tough hiking shoes, sun protection, and rain gear are highly encouraged.