Humantay Lake Tour From Cusco: Is It Worth It? (Review)

So, you’re thinking about going to Lake Humantay from Cusco? A visit, in some respects, to this turquoise gem nestled high in the Peruvian Andes has definitely become something of a bucket-list item for folks exploring the Cusco region, and you might just be wondering if it’s actually worth the hype, right? Well, I mean, tour companies almost always bundle in things such as breakfast and a buffet lunch, so, I want to give you my honest take on the whole experience. Very basically, what I want to look at are things like the trek itself, the meals, and overall organization. Hopefully, you will get a good idea, in some respects, of whether it will be a cool thing to include in your trip.

What to Expect From the Early Morning Pickup

First things first, expect an extremely early wake-up call! Pickup times from your Cusco lodging usually start around 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM, actually, so just mentally prepare for that, you know? That said, tour operators usually provide transportation, typically a small bus or van, yet the early start kind of makes sure you get to the lake before the biggest crowds arrive and the weather takes a turn.

The drive from Cusco to the trailhead, in a way, is rather lengthy – think about three hours or maybe so – but it really does give you the chance to see the landscape slowly transform from city streets into sprawling farmland and eventually up, you know, into the mountains. Just a bit, and in some respects, it’s all a preview of the natural beauty that will follow! You’ll get a closer look as you move farther afield.

Most tours include a stop for breakfast along the way. Alright, now don’t expect anything too fancy; it’s more or less a simple spread that has local bread, some jam, maybe some eggs, or something, with coffee or tea, actually designed to give you energy, just a little, for the hike ahead. It’s a decent start to the day, anyway!

The Hike to Humantay Lake

Right after breakfast, alright, it’s time to go ahead to the trailhead, which is, arguably, where the actual adventure gets underway. Now, the hike to Humantay Lake might just be a bit challenging, like your trek will last close to an hour and a half to two hours, and there is a good amount of that time that is uphill, that is, at an elevation of around 14,000 feet (4,200 meters), very similar to what hikers would expect.

Remember this one little tip, that you’re going to feel the altitude, like your heart rate will definitely increase! Yet pacing yourself and really taking breaks to catch your breath is the right approach. Now, many people might consider packing some coca leaves (perfectly legal and common in Peru) or maybe drinking coca tea; both, more or less, can assist with any altitude ailments.

Oh, yes, and it has to be mentioned the trail’s surface is a blend of dirt, gravel, and also rocks. What is good is the fact that proper hiking shoes definitely make a difference. Yet what I loved about the hike, is that on every side you get some remarkable views of the Andes mountains! As a matter of fact, every step brings you closer to the view of Humantay Lake and it serves as a motivator!

The Breathtaking View of Humantay Lake

Seeing Humantay Lake, in fact, after all that walking up hill is a very rewarding feeling. When the bright, turquoise waters actually come into sight, yet, it’s sort of difficult to not just stop and be silent, actually. So too it’s almost surreal – that vivid color with the glacier-capped Humantay Mountain in the background make it picturesque! Actually.

Most tours allow, for example, close to an hour at the lake itself. Some visitors only choose to soak in all that wonder, while still others hike around the perimeter to get some more different angles. Clearly, you might also find local guides providing short ceremonies where you can make an offering to the Apus (mountain spirits), anyway!

Consider also that the weather around Humantay Lake will change in a really unpredictable manner. Very often it can be really sunny one minute and really cloudy, so it changes drastically very fast. Taking layers and being prepared for all sorts of conditions makes good sense!

The Included Buffet Lunch

Now, most Humantay Lake tours involve, arguably, a buffet lunch upon returning from the hike, and now is probably a good time to discuss that experience. And too it’s almost a way to replenish your energy after such exertion. Typically, that lunch happens back near the trailhead, where you likely had that breakfast from earlier that day. It is at its heart a needed refill!

Most buffet spreads provide various Peruvian dishes like quinoa soup, maybe lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), and different vegetable options, too it’s almost. While it might not be some gourmet meal, it will most likely be hearty and satisfying after your tiring hike! If you’ve got any nutritional preferences or are picky with foods, I’d advise letting the agency in control understand at the time of booking just to make sure your requirements may well be catered to. At its core, being clear is beneficial for your gut’s sake.

Oh yes, now drinks frequently cost an added fee, very. Many tours will provide that warm coca tea as part of the spread, and that might just be beneficial at easing any altitude distress. That’s one strategy anyway! Make sure you fill up your fluids.

Additional Tips for a Great Experience

So too it’s almost good just to share some further ideas which might really make this tour one to fondly reminisce on. Wearing layers will definitely make your journey up that Humantay path more pleasurable because climate is highly volatile; for instance, wear warm base clothing items with an easy-to-pack wind plus rain resistant outer garment.

Very clearly, solid trekking footwear is critical! Trails may well be rocky, slick when drenched so that sturdy foot protection together will prevent virtually any sprains as well as accidental slips. Consider choosing broken-in shoes which give superior stability that also assist, say, ankle comfortableness at higher altitudes, as I was saying.

Acclimatizing for some days around Cusco previous to taking around those elevations often assists inside limiting altitude distress’ severity or stopping them altogether by improving wellness normally. To ease these distresses even if currently on journey contemplate breathing seriously alongside staying sufficiently hydrated always!

Is the Humantay Lake Tour Worth It?

Taking all parts like the really early hours that are necessary, really trying walking involved, breath-taking beauty found just like Humantay Lake plus how well buffet feasts will please most – this experience usually balances into, maybe, something excellent! To people wanting see magnificent views coupled from difficult bodily action whilst still valuing structured travel ideas probably have great memories doing things in said spots since trip agencies generally enable all requirements, right!

While many trips may occur on more premium ranges – don’t overlook choosing alternatives adjusted within respective budgeting. In that context, budget is essential to deciding! Bear in mind; nonetheless – it’ll turn out usually quite jam packed because its rising buzz amid visitor groups thus selecting times carefully would enable much quieter settings so you avoid jostling crowds – it really brings calm instead from anxiety generated due numerous presences otherwise crowding limited locations, definitely.

Well, seeing Humantay’s serene waters myself will surely validate it being must because views simply outshine something observed everywhere: From those towering peaks which perfectly reflect above clean glacial source itself gives wonder almost unmatched elsewhere.

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