Humantay Lake Tour: Is the Breakfast & Lunch Option Worth It?

Visiting Humantay Lake in Cusco is very high on lots of people’s bucket lists, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. That stunning turquoise lake, backdropped by snow-capped peaks? Really something. Loads of tour operators propose trips there, and lots offer deals that include breakfast and lunch. But, is that add-on something you should consider? This review breaks down my personal experiences, and also talks about the nitty-gritty details to give you the lowdown. So, is the ‘breakfast and lunch included’ Humantay Lake tour worth every penny?

Early Start and the Promise of Breakfast

Right, so picture this: the tour begins super early. Like, 3:00 AM early. That kind of start. The motivation? To get to Humantay Lake way before the crowds arrive and completely hog the viewpoints, yet even more importantly, to see the sunrise peek over those imposing mountains. The tours that boast ‘breakfast included’ generally pick you up right from your hotel, and after that they whisk you away in a van toward the trailhead. Breakfast stops are commonly at local spots in little towns along the way.

Now, here’s something very important to know – “breakfast included” could mean so very many things. At times it will be fairly basic, and consists of bread, jam, maybe a bit of fruit, and tea or coffee. Don’t be shocked if you wind up getting crackers and instant coffee. Yet some operators actually offer a more filling option with eggs or local specialties, giving you plenty of energy for the uphill trek ahead. It is vital, very vital, to ask the tour company what “breakfast included” truly includes. In my own case, I wasn’t really prepared. I just envisioned a full-on buffet, which clearly wasn’t realistic considering how early it was, not to mention how remote the place felt.

Breakfast: What to Really Expect

Based on my past adventures and bits and pieces I have picked up from friends, expect the provided breakfast, generally speaking, to be enough. So it won’t wow you, but will, like, properly fuel you up just a little bit for that demanding hike ahead. Think of it as a beginning – it’s definitely something to help kick things off, yet certainly not the main attraction. To get the full benefit of it all, have some reasonable expectations and check the small print, OK?

The Hike and Building Up an Appetite

Here we go, time for the hike! The trek up to Humantay Lake, that has to be mentioned, is fairly strenuous. The altitude is considerable and that can affect just anyone, even those in pretty top-notch shape. The path goes uphill for the better part of about two hours, or even a little more, give or take, depending on your personal pace. You can get so tired.

You have to picture yourself getting tired; very very tired, in the crisp mountain air, all of you surrounded by just absolutely mind-blowing scenery. So, it goes without saying, you’re sure to work up quite the appetite during this climb. That promised lunch dangles at the very back of your mind – a delicious thought which helps you keep placing just one foot in front of another.

Reaching the Lake: A Breathtaking Reward

After what feels like forever and a day, the view reveals itself! Humantay Lake’s waters really sparkle with this unbelievably vivid turquoise hue, set magnificently beneath the Humantay Glacier. It’s absolutely magnificent, something worth all that sweat, even the early wake-up call. People usually will spend some time there taking pictures, and, generally speaking, they soak up all of the unbelievable surroundings.

Lunch with a View (Hopefully!)

Following soaking up every one of those gorgeous lake views, the tour is very likely to start making its way back down. That’s when ‘lunch included’ really comes into play. You’ll discover, much of the time, that lunch is generally set up at a restaurant situated not too far from the trailhead – most of the time in the little town you drove through in the morning. So depending on the tour, and also the weather, you could have some pretty breathtaking vistas as you tuck in.

Lunch: A Glimpse into Peruvian Flavors

In my case, I got an extremely delicious lunch that presented a sampling of genuinely good Peruvian cuisine. We’re speaking things like tasty quinoa soup, or maybe ‘trucha frita’ – fried trout – that actually is really a local specialty. Other tour outfits serve up other dishes. A few bring more basic fare like chicken and rice or veggie choices. The point to always keep in mind is lunch serves not only to just recharge your body, and also introduce your palette to some legit regional food, so you should get happy.

And honestly, there are other aspects to consider too. Group size may play an enormous role in your lunch experience. Bigger groups might find that food is served buffet style, possibly detracting just a tiny little bit from an authentic dining environment. Smaller groups typically will be in a position to order from a smaller menu, which definitely gives a feeling of some extra attention and also a little more personality. Now there’s also altitude. Given that the trek comes with real challenges due to thin air, taking advantage of food is very dependent on how nicely you may be adapting. Keeping hydrated and nibbling lightly helps tremendously so that, ideally, you are hungry and also able to eat a great meal.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is It Worth It?

You could save a few bucks when you arrange a Humantay Lake tour that does not include meals. However, you might wonder, is the extra cost actually justified? Okay, that’s what to consider right here: if you factor in not only the expense of sourcing out your own meals, also factor in the hassle of taking care of it, the ease that the tours provide starts appearing far more tempting.

Think about it: snagging breakfast at 3:00 AM? Super challenging, unless the place you’re staying at has unusual hours. Preparing and then bringing your lunch to the trailhead? Yes, it is workable, although that does eat into your preparation and also packing time. Opting for that breakfast and lunch add-on really streamlines things a lot, therefore it gives you far more time to savor what is around you, and really absorb every detail on your getaway without worrying where the next snack may come from.

Making the Choice: Factors to Weigh

Assess what’s actually vital to you, and then what seems more hassle than it is definitely worth. If funds happen to be genuinely tight, packing food helps to keep costs to a minimum. Though, it’s essential you consider the additional work and logistics in comparison to what those tours offer. In addition, carefully look into reviews regarding what past customers thought regarding particular tour operators. Knowing precisely how hearty and how good people believe meals are, is something very helpful.

Practical Tips for the Humantay Lake Tour

Ok, very important stuff for that Humantay Lake tour! So, altitude sickness—a huge thing. It could hit just about anybody, you, me, whatever. Spending at least two or maybe three days adjusting to Cusco’s altitude prior to taking on that trek up to Humantay truly is critical. And guess what? Take those altitude sickness pills! Talk to a physician about them just before your travels.

Packing Smart for the Trek

Next, what to carry along? Layers, my friend! Mountain climate acts totally erratic and wild! And I suggest carrying rain gear irrespective of the weather report, because who really knows, seriously? Good hiking footwear makes every difference. Really makes things comfy and gives grip that matters, like, a lot.

Staying Comfortable and Safe

Hydration has so much to do with everything up at altitude! Never ever neglect it. So pack water or buy when available, so you sip often. Take it easy, respect those mountain trails by going slower as required. This trek has scenic views which can leave one totally breathless. Never rush it or try outdoing anyone.

Personal Reflections and Recommendations

I’ve said that touring Humantay Lake ranks as absolutely unforgettable. The water’s stunning coloration alongside impressive glaciers will stay with you always. Though those tour firms supply you with meals packages, really decide whether these additions enrich your entire trip! What made memories special for me was more concerning taking in landscapes during down time, rather than particular breakfast delicacies.

Choosing the Right Tour for You

Examine several tours when planning what type suits. Find people offering great meal service alongside reputable opinions plus honest prices which may really elevate any exploration without eating directly in spending money someplace useful.

Final Thoughts: Savoring the Experience

No matter which choices best mirror preferences through your own Humantay trip – focusing upon secure travels accompanied scenic magnificence are surely goals which will have wonderful impact regardless. This spot stands unmatched with breathtaking landscapes paired exceptional cultural value: get prepared that moments turn awesome up within this rare gem hidden up among those Cusco highlands!