Humantay Lake Hike: Is A Day Trip Worth It? (2024 Review)

So, you are thinking about the Humantay Lake hike, huh? It’s almost surely on every traveler’s Cusco bucket list, and for good reason. That vivid turquoise water sitting below the towering, snow-capped Humantay Glacier? It is an image that just screams “adventure.” But is the full-day trip really worth the hype and early wake-up call? Let’s get into the details based on my personal experience and everything I think you should consider before deciding. You see, it is not just about the picture-postcard views, after all; it is also about altitude, crowds, and maybe a bit of physical challenge, too.

What to Expect on the Humantay Lake Hike

Alright, what should you realistically expect on a Humantay Lake full-day adventure? Very early wake-up, just before the sun appears to kiss the sky. A winding, rather lengthy van ride through some absolutely striking Andean scenery gets you to the trailhead. Most tours usually kick off from Cusco at some ungodly hour of the morning – 4 or 5 AM perhaps. From there, get prepared for what seems like three hours or more on the road, and honestly, the views? They might be one of the best parts of the entire day, honestly.

The hike itself is a moderately challenging uphill trek. It can be quite steep at some points. It usually takes folks somewhere between one and a half to two and a half hours to reach the lake, varying quite a bit on your fitness and how well you deal with high altitude. Speaking of altitude, this trek sits at a whopping 13,900 feet (4,200 meters). You should remember that this can make breathing difficult and generally zap your energy. Pace yourself, perhaps take breaks, and of course, drink plenty of water; you should acclimate for at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before this hike.

And the crowds? You will be sharing the path with lots of people, is that something you like? Humantay Lake has skyrocketed in popularity. It’s fairly common to see groups of tourists trekking up and down the trail simultaneously. Once you finally reach the lake, prepare to be wowed, I guess. The turquoise water is truly mesmerizing, and the surrounding glaciers are majestic. The only issue may be posing for that “perfect” photo, battling other tourists to squeeze in. After absorbing the scenery and perhaps snapping some shots, it’s downhill back to the van. Then another lengthy drive back to Cusco where you’ll be exhausted. But at the end of the day, feeling rather accomplished.

Is the Altitude Sickness Risk Worth It?

One of the main concerns about the Humantay Lake trek is that real threat of altitude sickness. At 13,900 feet, the air certainly feels thinner than maybe you’re used to, maybe in your hometown. Symptoms vary so much, ranging from lightheadedness and fatigue to some headaches and nausea. Some people can stroll up the mountain without issue, while others might feel awful within the first few steps.

To decrease your odds of getting sick, spend a couple of days in Cusco (11,200 feet) or the Sacred Valley (even lower) before the hike. Drinking coca tea – which the locals swear by – will probably help you adjust, so maybe ask for it. Of course, hydration will be super key, too. And consider bringing altitude sickness pills, which you can grab over the counter in Cusco. Even with all these precautions, you might still feel the altitude’s effects. Honestly, weigh how you react to altitude normally before committing to the hike. If you know you’re susceptible, this may just not be the day trip for you; it may be in your interest to stick to lower-elevation activities.

Crowd Control: Fighting for the Perfect Photo

Yup, I might as well mention those crowds again! Humantay Lake’s sheer beauty made it super Insta-famous. Everyone wants that postcard-perfect photograph to plaster all over social media. Getting that shot is, well, it takes patience. Because you’re not the only one with this great idea. There is always, almost always, a gaggle of people milling about near the lakeshore, all attempting to frame that picture just right. The thing is that it becomes really hard to feel the serenity when you are jockeying for position.

So, here is the secret: going super early can make a bit of a difference, really. Some tour operators push that first departure to aim at avoiding some crowds, really. And that later in the afternoon, that’s another thing; it could get progressively worse when more groups arrive. And in case you are wanting a “pristine” photo without strangers in the backdrop? Oh, that’s a pro skill, for real. You’ll be getting very crafty with the angles. Be patient, too it’s all I’m saying. Remember everybody there feels like they are just trying to get the same snap that you are after all!

Tour Operator Insights

Picking your Humantay Lake tour is basically like ordering a sandwich; tons of choices exist. Many agencies in Cusco offer this very day trip, plus the costs might be very different, that’s something to watch. Some provide a more budget experience, cramming more folks in a van and providing less frills. Others might be slightly more luxurious, having smaller group sizes, having better transportation, and, honestly, maybe a box lunch that isn’t just a dry roll.

Read through the fine print, is all I can recommend. Check out customer feedback before you go. Is the guide fluent? Do they bring first aid? What’s the cancellation policy? Find out just what’s covered. I usually prefer a company that emphasizes safe practices plus provides properly trained guides. It might cost a bit more, but knowing they are focused and careful about your well-being offers priceless value and peace of mind.

Packing Smart for the Hike

Packing intelligently makes an ocean of difference to fully enjoy your Humantay Lake adventure. Since you start off pre-dawn and end well past sunset, get prepared for very wild swings in temp’s. Layers are, like, totally indispensable. Bring thermals, perhaps a fleece jacket, a waterproof coat. Don’t assume a down jacket won’t be great, it’ll keep you warm during those chilly early morning hours. Get ready to peel them off one by one as you hike and then quickly putting them back on as you arrive at the lake because it’s windy and cold.

Hiking boots are absolutely non-negotiable here, and a trekking pole assists in navigating a lot of that uneven terrain. Take sunscreen. That Andean sunlight might be brutal even on cloudy days. And those sunglasses? Those help defend against that glare from the glaciers. Also, that reusable water bottle might be important – staying properly hydrated helps greatly with adapting at altitude. Also, maybe carry snacks to help sustain your energy levels because honestly, you will be exerting lots of it.

Alternative Options: Avoiding the Crowds

Humantay Lake is striking, I might as well mention it again, but the crush of travelers does often dilute that experience. Perhaps you are keen for amazing turquoise water set within high altitude scenery minus fighting swarms of tourists, there might be other equally great options around Cusco. Palcoyo Mountain comes to mind; many folks name it the “Rainbow Mountain without the crowds”. It might boast strikingly hued geological formations as well but at a calmer, much slower pace.

Another under-explored option could be Ancascocha Lake. That trek can be more intense but delivers even grander views and remote, tranquil spots. The trick is doing a tiny amount of research and digging up other hidden jewels – believe me, Peru holds a ton of them! In doing that, you might wind up discovering some seriously magical, isolated vistas you are able to appreciate solo or with really just a couple of others in sight. That experience honestly trumps having that standard snapshot everyone and their grandmother already posts online.

So, Is the Humantay Lake Hike Worth It?

Right, we arrive at this point: so, really, is that Humantay Lake trip worth all the fuss? My conclusion comes down to this: are you willing to withstand the cons to savor something incredible? Should you cherish gorgeous scenery that you do not normally get, plus are okay getting that perfect Instagrammable moment – despite getting the crowds. It really may just deliver a worthwhile, once-in-a-lifetime type reward. If altitude concerns cause significant fear or massive packs just don’t fit what you are aiming for. Then again, then probably bypass it or start looking into those less traveled routes instead.

If you decide to go, I’m going to just tell you to do it, arm yourself. Then you are fully prepared, packed wisely, keep expectations realistic, knowing it might prove very memorable anyway. Even amidst the cons; it certainly is what transforms travel into adventure. That amazing glimpse and feel of glacial magnificence might truly stick alongside you long after you arrive back at home. But perhaps I was just fortunate to visit on a clearer, sunnier day with a much smaller crowd! Anyway, have some seriously great memories.