Humantay Lake Tour Review: Is a Day Trip Worth It?

Alright, let’s get straight to it: Humantay Lake, set high in the Peruvian Andes, is becoming quite the famous spot for a day trip from Cusco. You see photos of this brilliant turquoise water surrounded by snowy peaks, and so, you pretty much can’t help but want to see it yourself. I recently did a 1-day adventure tour to Humantay Lake that had a guide and meals, and this review breaks down the whole thing to really, really help you figure out if it’s a trip that’s right for you.

What to Expect on the Humantay Lake 1-Day Tour

Okay, so, most tours to Humantay Lake from Cusco start really early – that’s something you should very much expect. We’re talking like, maybe 4:00 AM early. So, actually, getting out of bed can be a bit of a struggle, especially if you just got done doing another hike or just enjoyed the Cusco nightlife a bit. You’ll typically be picked up right from your hotel, and the drive to the trailhead can last around 3 hours. Yep, that is long! Basically, it is mostly on paved roads, though, the last hour might be on a bumpy dirt road, so, that’s something you will want to be aware of.

Typically, that tour I experienced usually makes a stop for breakfast in a small town. Now, that breakfast, I found, was quite basic – usually some bread, jam, and coca tea. It is a start, but so, don’t expect anything super fancy. Getting to the trailhead, you’ll get some last-minute instructions from the guide. I would say, the altitude here is no joke: you’re already quite high, and you’ll still need to hike up to the lake. That is the really challenging part.

The Hike to Humantay Lake: A Challenging Climb

Alright, let’s be real; the hike to Humantay Lake is a climb, and in some respects, it’s not for the faint of heart, you know? You begin at pretty much around 12,700 feet (3,870 meters), and you have to go up to about 13,900 feet (4,200 meters). So, that altitude increase in particular is what makes it rough for some people.

The trail might be described as moderately difficult, but you see, the thin air truly makes it tougher than it looks. I’d say it takes most people somewhere around 1.5 to 2.5 hours to hike up. That path itself is a mix of dirt and rocks, and it gets fairly steep in places. So, it is a slow and steady pace that pretty much is absolutely crucial.

If you think you are struggling quite a bit, you can, of course, rent a horse for part of the way, anyway. Just a heads-up though: they often aren’t well-cared for, and also, it is only for the initial, less-steep portion. Anyway, pacing yourself, so, taking lots of small breaks, and staying hydrated basically is super, super important.

The Beauty of Humantay Lake: Was It Worth It?

Okay, once you reach Humantay Lake, it’s hard not to feel amazed, almost. It is truly one of those ‘pinch me’ moments. This lake, surrounded by the snow-capped Humantay Mountain, shows such incredibly vibrant turquoise waters. I found out, the color comes from the minerals from the glaciers melting nearby, so, that is quite neat. Seeing the clouds move around those mountain tops basically is an unreal experience.

You will probably get about an hour at the lake to take photos, wander around, and just soak it all in. That tour guides might actually offer some interesting info about the area and the lake’s importance to the local culture. Now, an hour doesn’t sound that long, yet because of the altitude, you might feel like that it’s more than enough, that is something I would take into consideration.

Be aware, this spot can get very crowded, especially during peak season, such as from June to August. Now, this means getting that picture-perfect, people-free photo probably could take a bit of patience. Despite that crowd, just seeing that unreal blue water and those huge mountains pretty much makes the hike very worthwhile. Or at least I think it does!

Guide and Meals: What’s Included?

Alright, so, most Humantay Lake tours say they include a guide and meals, but, it’s worth kind of knowing what to really expect from those. That guides, so, in my experience, ranged from okay to really pretty great. Some guides pretty much are super enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and also share a ton about the local flora, fauna, and the cultural importance of that lake, almost. Others pretty much stick to just the basic safety info and keeping the group moving.

As for meals, well, like I said earlier, breakfast is often basic, and the lunch you get after the hike likely is a buffet at a local restaurant. This lunch typically includes things like soup, rice, chicken, and veggies, so, it pretty much gives you some needed fuel after all that effort.

Keep in mind, though, the food is made for tourists. So, it will usually not be super authentic Peruvian cuisine. So, if you’re looking for a food experience, you probably will not get it from these types of tours. Bring some of your own snacks too, I always recommend that, so, to be sure you’ve got something you really like.

Is the Humantay Lake 1-Day Tour Worth It?

So, you’ve read this far, and you might just be asking yourself: Is a Humantay Lake day trip actually worth the hype? In short, I’d say yes… with a couple of, very few, things you will want to think about. If you are used to the altitude and that you are reasonably fit, so, the incredible scenery is basically absolutely worth the hard climb. Yet, if you really struggle at high altitudes or just hate crowds, you might find that that the trip would cause you more stress than pleasure, more or less.

Something I will really want to mention is to think about going during the off-season to actually dodge some of that major congestion. And really, do bring layers of clothing, sunscreen, and some coca leaves or candies to somewhat help with any altitude issues you may encounter. I’ve been caught out before and basically that is no fun!

Overall, a trip to Humantay Lake truly is an unforgettable experience. Just go in with an awareness that it will involve a tough hike, there just might be big crowds, and very early wake-up, then basically that shimmering blue lake probably will reward all that effort that you put in!

Essential Tips for a Successful Humantay Lake Tour

Okay, before you finalize your plans, here are some quick things I want to recommend that just might actually help you have a great day trip:

• Acclimatize: Arrive in Cusco several days early just to give you some time to adjust to this altitude.
• Pack Smart: Layers, layers, layers! And also sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, I think they’re very useful.
• Stay Hydrated: I personally mean, drink tons of water before, during, and after the hike. You are likely to lose liquids.
• Pace Yourself: Basically, take small steps and small breaks to pretty much help keep the altitude sickness away.
• Bring Snacks: A few, really easy-to-carry snacks basically could make a difference on that trail.
• Cash is Important: To illustrate this point, small vendors and stuff aren’t likely to accept cards, so, you want some of that, actually.

Actually, follow these things, and you might be all set for a, actually, fantastic day at Humantay Lake, very much.

What to Pack for Your Humantay Lake Adventure

Alright, thinking about what you really might want to bring for the trip basically is a difference-maker, almost, so, you are going to hear some about that from me now. That temperature is known to change, and that altitude could affect everything from that way you hydrate to what you will probably eat, that is all to mention.

Here’s what I would say that you put into that backpack to just guarantee comfort and to be safe on your adventure, more or less:

• Clothes in Layers: Consider this carefully: You really need a thermal base layer, an actual fleece, and also a waterproof outer layer because that temperature just might dip without notice.
• High-Quality Hiking Boots: Think ankle support with an amazing grip just to help keep your feet comfortable and just to prevent falls as you’re dealing with the climb, I think.
• A Hydration Pack or Water Bottles: Actually, aim for somewhere near 2-3 liters of liquids to just counteract that dehydrating effects of that altitude, basically.
• Snacks to Take on the Trail: Nutrition bars, dried fruit, and, maybe, nuts pretty much provide energy when you have it on your adventure.
• Sun Protection Is Important: Sunscreen of some kind (SPF 30+), some form of sunglasses, and maybe even a hat will prevent pretty much severe sunburn because it’s very easy to forget you’re burning in that cooler air.
• Cash, Cash, Cash: Bring some local currency, it actually does the trick to do this, and it helps buy extras. It works for souvenirs, and also basically, it works for emergencies!
• An Actual First-Aid Kit: The need is to think about some blister treatment, maybe a painkiller for headache-related conditions, and also some basic wound care to manage issues quickly if one were to happen.
• Camera With Extra Batteries: Just picture, and get it, actually, some absolutely breathtaking landscapes, and make sure you will not run out of charge capturing these moments, I think.

To prepare a smart plan helps enhance this safety to enhance enjoyment for everyone who attends a hike, pretty much. So, put together this kit and think about taking it all to, basically, reduce anxiety for any problem that might happen while taking photos! Thinking a bit really does work out for everyone here!

How to Choose the Best Tour Operator for Humantay Lake

To select a reputable tour guide might mean the world when considering a big hiking destination like Humantay, basically, here are a few thoughts:

• Check the Reviews: Visit various places, actually, check a bunch of those, not only TripAdvisor as they can all just be biased and actually pick some of them! Just see what real customers will likely feel like they are getting by booking these vendors, probably.
• Verify Licensing and Certifications: Be sure a company’s credentials actually make sense. Are there legal ways to confirm operations are valid from your local Cusco area for travelers, actually? Actually, that’s nice!
• What Is Included Within the Actual Trip Price?: What might each tour vendor cover, too? Are food and drinking already there for drinking/eating in addition to your transportation to your stay locations, and any random trail things, in fact? Actually, ask so you aren’t caught too unaware to see your costs are adding a bill, which happens more times than not!
• Guide Competencies & Knowledge: Are your possible trail employees experienced in helping trekkers through some problems on your hike? See them do their skills the best they possibly can! Do those leaders also know your local trails including animals, greenery? That might bring special enjoyment or stories in place as that helps others, perhaps.
• Policies on Sustainability/Responsibility: You could have trips set without ever adding trail pollution as it does harm many places as some careless actions could destroy certain animal areas/locations on these journeys permanently, but also not to treat others the way you like because those choices influence those communities, probably. Always know their methods and take care as you are just guests, possibly, perhaps.

I would recommend these things just because, with little considerations, you could surely avoid problems/discomfort plus better value overall, maybe even feel really certain for a happy tour from start to end when venturing into new territories, basically!

Alternatives to the Humantay Lake Tour

I will suggest this idea if people can see several amazing travel experiences located in or nearby Humantay such that the alternative adventures also, truly, get recognized and are valued:

• Salkantay Trek: See an alternative multi-day experience across a range of environments which include lush, gorgeous Amazon and highland scenery offering peaceful routes through locations unlike places near Machu Picchu destinations just to replace conventional touring types that happen so fast while providing quiet plus views rarely observed anywhere at all with people, or tourist traffic.
• Ausangate Trek: Experience another trail full that passes the Peruvian territory to see wildlife with scenery across mountains also in places not explored yet that may encourage peace plus an increased relationship plus understanding throughout with mother earth while watching different birds/animals during daylight as those create quiet to watch and relax!
• Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: Avoid larger trails; Palccoyo is like a different way for an adventure plus more to that beauty and a less intense hike also, meaning you may go a quieter route with extra special photos that could give the sense on your adventure from where everyone mostly might explore at busier locations within those peaks, therefore try different stuff that’s peaceful!
• Explore Cusco: Set a schedule also that finds historical wonders, or landmarks there to just fully get that atmosphere of your destination and enjoy meals created locally while tasting meals as such just boost adventures more broadly!
• Sacred Valley Tour: Sacred locations just wait and get set apart. Just learn more ancient customs too by viewing places and visiting certain communities close that enrich cultural learnings beyond certain landscapes on trips mostly used in this area already today mostly since it allows individuals not merely sight-see plus feel real connections there between themselves alongside Peru at that time plus learn deeply beyond usual excursions done today within Machu Picchu territory here instead!

To examine each suggestion opens travelers here onto certain travel possibilities also helping people plan excursions matching expectations that give meaningful trips whether in exploration areas by themselves for different learning benefits alongside more amazing escapades too!, too It actually becomes about creating memories over everything else plus connecting deep during exploration through unique excursions such adventures hold also that provide moments not quickly forgotten in daily lives because experiences set different tones about travel that will be looked up later!

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