Humantay Lake 1 Day Hike

Duration:
1 Day

Maximum
Altitude:
4200 msnm

Location:
Humantay Lake

Price:
$49

Itinerary

GENERAL INFORMATION

TRAVEL STYLE: Full Day Tour

MINIMUM GROUP: 02 persons

DEPARTURES: Subject to availability


 

Description:

The LAKE HUMANTAY DAY HIKE is a lovely trail to a spectacular turquoise lake at the base of the glacial peak, Humantay Mountain.

Generally seen on the Salkantay Trek 5 Day/4 Night or as an extra side hike on the Ancascocha Trek 5 Day/4 Night, this lake is accessible as a day hike if you don’t have the time or inclination to do a multi-day trek. Surrounded by glacial peaks, this route treks to Humantay Mountain. The one-day hike is approximately 10km/6.2 miles round trip, going from 3900m/12,795 ft to 4200m/13,780ft. This trail has become very popular and can be crowded. We leave early to avoid the crowds as much as possible.

It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this hike, spending at least two or three days in Cusco (or equivalent altitude) before starting. The minimum number of passengers necessary for trek departure is two people (small groups, one person, or private/custom treks possible with an extra fee). Maximum trekkers per group: 10 people (special, private party groups can exceed the maximum).

 

Full itinerary:

DAY 01: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – LAKE HUMANTAY – SORAYPAMPA – CUSCO

We will pick you up early (around 4 am) via private transport from your Cusco hotel and drive 3 hours to the village of Soraypampa (3900m/12,795ft) in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. After eating a lightbox breakfast here and stretching our legs, we begin our 2-hour hike uphill to the stunning Humantay Lake at 4200m/13,780ft. You will have beautiful views of Humantay Mountain and Lake Humantay. Enjoy the vista, have some snacks, and relax or take photos for approximately 1 hour before beginning the 1-hour hike back to Soraypampa. Back at Soraypampa, we will enjoy a hot buffet lunch with beautiful panoramic views of the snowy peaks. We will take our private transport back (about 3 hours) to your hotel in Cusco once lunch is finished.

Approximate departure time: 4:00 am
Approximate arrival time in Cusco is around 5:30 pm
Walking distance: 10 km/6.2 miles
Approximate walking time: 2 hours up; 1 hour down (total: 3 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, hot buffet lunch (can cater to any dietary need)
Level of difficulty: moderate, high altitude
*Please note the driving and walking times, time at each site, and departure/arrival time are approximate and depend upon many factors such as road conditions, weather, van size, group pace, etc.

Includes

Included

  • Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
  • Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morningPrivate transport to starting point of the trek
  • English speaking professional guide
  • Light box breakfast, 1 Liter of water, snacks, and hot buffet lunch at the end of the hike
  • Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
  • Dining tent with tables and stools
  • Entrance to the trail
  • Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco

 

Not included

  • Flights/Hotel
  • Dinner
  • Walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
  • Items of a personal nature and souvenirs
  • Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
  • Tip for your guide(s) and trek staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trip

Recommendations

Recommendations:

  • Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
  • Recommend a sleeping bag rated for 20F/-7C or below for this trek
  • Sleeping bag liner (for your sleeping bag if you wish)
  • Mattress pad – while we provide a mattress pad, being rested is essential for a great hiking experience, and we find that sleep habits are very individualized. Therefore we recommend bringing your own pad that you know you are comfortable sleeping on, as well as any other sleep items you might want to have (camp pillow, etc).
  • Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm
  • Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread
  • Optional: microspikes in case of excessive snowfall (rare)
  • Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)
  • Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights
  • Hand warmers if you wish
  • Warm hats, gloves, scarves, and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
  • Daypack and rain cover
  • Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), or you can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek
  • Cash for tipping porters (USD or Peruvian Soles are fine), cooks, horsemen, guides, buying items along the trail, town, emergencies, etc. Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (ripped, damaged bills of any kind are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)
  • Swimsuit, flip flops, towel for any hot springs you may visit (not every trek/trip has this) if you wish to go
  • Sandals
  • Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
  • Insect repellent if you plan to visit Machu Picchu
  • Hand sanitizer and face covering (for the COVID-19 Pandemic)
  • Extra snacks if you wish (a few snacks are provided by us)
  • E.g. if you have a favorite protein bar (Cusco doesn’t sell items like this)
  • First aid kit, including blister protection (though your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)
  • Personal medication and toiletries you might want/need
  • Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and solar panel/power bank
  • Water bottle or water bladder to refill
  • Passport (must be valid 6 months past your final travel dates for most countries)
  • Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc)
  • Power plug adapter
  • Travel lock(s) approved by TSA (or they cut them off – US only)
  • Tickets, itinerary, emergency contact information
  • Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need (see suggestions below)
  • Small quick-dry pak towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day

Prices

A minimum of 2 trekkers is required for this trek. Maximum of 10 trekkers in a group.

  • Price for 6-10 trekkers: 150 USD per person
  • Price for 3-5 trekkers: 200 USD per person
  • Price for 2 trekkers:  275 USD per person

Private treks, single trekkers, custom treks, large groups, and packages are welcome! Please email us to customize.


 

What to carry – Daypacks

On the trail, you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, hand sanitizer, face mask, cold weather clothing, and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in the dry season – May to October) and anything you will need before dinner as horses do not walk alongside you. A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “What To Pack For Your Trek” tab. We will provide you with a dry bag for your overnight gear to be carried by horses. Your bag will be waiting for you at every campsite. Yes, we can store your luggage for you during the trek. Most hotels/hostels also provide this service.

Mayoucazau

Name: Mayoucazau

I had a really great time, discovering the surroundings of Cusco with Treasure Hunting Peru. We visited some ruins after a nice walk, beautiful...

Tour: Salkantay 5D/4N
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