Humantay Lake one day hike

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.
Normally 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/6.2miles round trip and goes from 3900m/12,795 ft to 4200m/13,780ft. This trail has become very popular and can be crowded. We leave very early in order 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. Minimum passengers necessary for trek departure: 2 people (small groups, 1 person or private/custom treks possible with extra fee). Maximum trekkers per group: 10 people (special, private party groups can exceed maximum).

 

Full itinerary:

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

We will pick you up early (around 4am) via private transport from your Cusco hotel and drive 3 hours to the village of Soraypampa (3900m/12,795ft), located in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. After eating a light box breakfast here and stretching our legs, we begin our 2 hour hike uphill to the stunning Humantay Lake located 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. When lunch is finished we will take our private transport back (about 3 hours) to your hotel in Cusco.

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.

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:

• 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 hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
• Daypack and rain cover
• Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
• 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
• 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

A minimum of 2 trekkers 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 trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages 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 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.

• For more information you can write to us by email [email protected].