Humantay Lake Tour: My Full Day Cusco Experience & Review

Okay, so you know, I just got back from an absolutely breathtaking full-day tour to Humantay Lake from Cusco, and I’m very eager to tell you all about it! Seriously, it was pretty unreal. This isn’t just some simple trip; this is actually an immersion into some of the most stunning natural sights Peru can offer. This adventure promises amazing views, that’s right, and it also gives, like, a peek into the local culture, which I really appreciated. From prepping for the altitude to actually gazing at that shimmering turquoise water, this review is kind of all about giving you, yes you, the lowdown, to help, basically, prep for your adventure.

What’s the Hype About Humantay Lake Anyway?

Right, what’s the buzz with Humantay Lake, you might ask? Well, this is, in effect, a body of water sitting high up in the Andes, and that’s, like, fed by a glacier. Too, that makes the color unbelievably blue! I mean, seriously, it looks like something straight out of a postcard. More or less, it’s becoming increasingly popular, like a popular spot for tourists because it offers something uniquely awesome. This awesome thing? Serene beauty without needing crazy hardcore mountaineering skills. Very many of us who are fond of the outdoors and seek, in some respects, to experience the glory of Peruvian landscape find this trek the perfect adventure.

But let’s keep things in perspective here. While the trek can be completed by a novice, it’s still at altitude. What altitude, I think you’re asking? I am talking approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). As a matter of fact, you should come prepared to deal with the thinner air. But I’ll cover the altitude bit shortly. Let’s get back to that spectacular lake, you know? Pictures really don’t really do it justice; so, being there is, you know, an awe-inspiring experience that makes you appreciate nature so very much. Really, you gotta see it to believe it.

Booking My Tour: Choices, Choices!

Okay, so like, booking the Humantay Lake tour from Cusco? It turns out it’s pretty simple, with tons of operators providing, like, daily trips. You know, I looked into, what do you call them, quite a few agencies. Apparently, prices kind of swing around, but they mostly include transportation, meals, and then, like, a guide. We can all appreciate some guidance! Some agencies also provide extras, you know, things like hiking poles and then oxygen if anyone feels short of breath.

Basically, what helped me decide, to be honest, was the company’s reputation along with customer feedback. We like to have a consensus! I read tons of reviews! You know, I ended up selecting a company. They seemed great and they put, like, a focus on sustainable practices. Their equipment was new, seemingly, and guides were, seemingly, highly educated in the region’s history and ecology. Too, I was happy that I could support an organization committed, very committed, to giving back to its local community.

And, okay, a tip: book ahead, especially when you might be traveling, you know, during peak season. Popular tours? Yeah, they can fill up fast! The peace of mind knowing I had my spot secure was seriously worth the little bit of planning beforehand.

Early Start and the Road to Soraypampa

Alright, so my day started super early, you see? The tour bus picked me up from my hotel. You know, it was around 4:30 AM, seriously! Too, this might sound harsh, yes, but it’s totally worth it so, in the long run. That is that it allows you, apparently, to get to the lake before very many of the crowds, giving, almost, a more solitary experience. We like solitary experiences.

Right, the drive itself to Soraypampa, the starting point for the trek, is seriously about 3 hours. A big old three hours. Anyway, the road trip lets you see some cool views. Cool views of the Peruvian countryside! You might notice snow-capped mountains kind of out in the distance. As a matter of fact, it’s like peeking into life away from the urban center. Very fascinating indeed!

Okay, when we got to Soraypampa, we did stop to stretch. A little leg stretching? Always nice! Also, we had a breakfast provided by the tour operators. That’s super nice of them. Anyway, it was straightforward but okay, fueling everyone up for what’s ahead. Very good! Too, after breakfast, our guide went over what we’d be doing, gave us a safety briefing and even offered any, arguably, last-minute advice regarding altitude sickness. Apparently, being prepared is really a good idea.

The Trek: Upward and Onward!

Okay, here’s what the trek is about! That’s the crux of it. Now, this part of the Humantay Lake experience could be just a little bit tough. But don’t let it dissuade you so, in the end. Now, this segment stretches nearly three kilometers. Three Kilometers doesn’t seem like so very much, now does it? Too, it inclines rather sharply in a relatively short amount of time.

Okay, so as I went, I took lots of short breaks, you know? That kept me from getting gassed, and, like, it let me actually appreciate where I was! I really had the chance to watch horses cart supplies, which were working hard as they could! So cute! Now, many of the people, even me, started experiencing just some slight signs of altitude sickness, almost. These issues might entail wooziness, or head pain, basically. Our tour guide, however, told us to keep going. You have to try or you won’t succeed!

The vistas, even along this upward slog, really helped distract me, so they actually took my attention away. We also had sweeping vistas of the valleys and snow-capped Andes, the same ones that taunted us on the road. Basically, I kept shooting photos! Photos make a lot of sense. With each step the views just kept getting, clearly, better. When things improved the inspiration kept coming and it spurred us along! Really, it helped block out some leg pain I was experiencing.

Reaching Humantay Lake: An “I Can’t Believe It” Moment

Right, that moment I showed up at Humantay Lake? Seriously? Speechless! Okay, seriously I literally could not speak. The lake just sat below this, like, monstrous Humantay Glacier. With mountains towering kind of on every side. So majestic, yes! The water, that is that it, shone. A vibrant turquoise color shimmered thanks to glacial minerals, pretty awesome if you ask me.

Well, everyone in the tour, including me, used to stand close to the lake, in silence! Everyone drank up that view! So incredible. This, too, really provided us a minute for snapping pictures of that awesome area and just to reflect on just what we’d, too, accomplished, almost. You know, hiking up there. And that thin air! Honestly, there’s something nearly spiritual about just being at Humantay Lake. Very true. The altitude coupled with that stark magnificence can bring on these awesome feelings!

Oh and, so the guides provided a tiny bit of context for the local traditions and meaning of the mountains, too! It, in a way, increases the value of that encounter. A very great enhancement!

Descent and Reflecting on the Experience

So, alright, walking downhill could be easier when we talked about your cardio, alright? Very little cardiovascular impact! But what with the knees? Well, walking downhill places stress just exactly at your knees! To avoid any sort of accident or stumble, so take the process slowly and cautiously. Most times, some fellow members even used walking poles! Well, this helped, in particular, by giving more stability.

Right, on the descent I reflected. Too, there’s much to think about as I went. I thought how that spot brought the real need for physical grit while giving spectacular rewards, more or less. Also, the descent was another chance to absorb that scenery, even on my sore knees.

Back at Soraypampa? There? A warm lunch kind of expected us, courtesy of the tour providers. It really turned out to be pretty amazing, actually getting to eat, actually and socializing. Very happy moments, and that great day comes to its end.

Altitude Awareness: Listen to Your Body

Alright, it can’t be overstated how altitude may affect some hikers on that tour. Okay, as previously touched upon, Humantay Lake exists quite far from sea level so, in this case, visitors might undergo a wide array of responses from headaches, or, seemingly, moderate, just a moderate, nausea, actually. What’s a tip for tackling it? Acclimatize? Yep! Stay some days in Cusco pre-touring Humantay!

So it’s very key that you drink copious amounts, literally, lots, of water, consume very small food, and even prevent some alcoholic drinks or even extreme exercise! This may definitely minimize the degree to which the tour will be uncomfortable or any kind of altitude issue.

When you feel ill at any specific point of the trek? Tell the guides quickly! Right, oxygen may turn out available for crisis situations. Do give some thoughts towards consulting health professionals well beforehand! They will also assist with preventive methods that’ll align with some health requirements we have!

What to Pack: Be Prepared!

Here, packing smartly kind of assures a much better hiking adventure. Too, it enhances experiences! So, for that Humantay Lake day hike so, think what could keep yourself comfortable or simply make the entire trekking feel better. The things listed later form a good initial outline to check against!

• Layers: Dress in layers as the weather changes often! Bring some water and wind-resistant jacket to keep warm whenever conditions shifts from cozy warm at one to icy chilly at another.
• Sturdy Shoes: Pick very sturdy shoes that you already are experienced trekking in so that support and traction exist. Too, getting blisters can just mess all trips when you think it through!
• Water and Snacks: Transport sufficient water so you will not dehydrate yourself during hard treks so or bring granola, mixed dried stuff. Doing what can certainly ensure the body can enjoy its power so so!
• Sun Protection: It could happen as how skies get deceivingly mild due so elevation! Never take direct daylight to granted unless the application involves heavy creams to avoid burning from this sunlight.
• Altitude Sickness Medication: After physician meetings can tell to pack a tablet particularly created or suited for alleviating symptoms attributed out as you adjust.
• Small Backpack: Here have essentials kept readily ready using easy sacks for treks which will leave them well prepared and conveniently retrieved.

Is the Humantay Lake Tour Right for You?

So now you may consider now if all that adventure matches us. Okay that exploration works amazing if your goals focus with what’s considered fairly amazing scenes alongside willingness get involved with slightly rigorous outdoor endeavors actually. Any individual ready get exposed and watch scenes along with fairly well managed difficulty hike grade that excursion!

Still individuals fairly more very resistant getting increased vertical change and/or fairly prone sickness by great height is definitely a time to take everything thoroughly to see if a shorter less difficult expedition provides options matching ones specific needs the correct level, very well adjusted or correct depending! You also, must know so many trip possibilities right inside Cusco without having demand fairly taxing excursion and.

Humantay Lake Tour: Final Thoughts

In short, doing a Humantay Lake tour departing Cusco does stand out very well by presenting nature as incredibly magnificent in just something a day trip can offer. And so, despite any physical elements which demand one coming fairly properly prepped in beforehand. To us, experiences tend become extremely deeply entrenched alongside worth while whenever someone sets something with just an amazingly special sight with all personal commitments so!

Alright the tour meets someone that comes fairly enthusiastic relating outdoor viewing. Especially while providing a reasonably reachable and spectacular excursion option from Cusco!