Full-Day Trek to Humantay Lake from Cusco with Guide
4.5
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Escape the city during a hiking trip to Humantay Lake from Cusco. By trekking to the lake, you get a more intimate glimpse into the area and admire details that you may otherwise have missed if traveling by coach or car. Plus, exploring with a guide ensures you don’t waste time getting lost.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 19 per group
Duration: 14h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
Highlights
- See some of Peru's prime mountain scenery during a trekking tour
- Suitable for travelers of a moderate level of fitness
- Get a more intimate glimpse into nature
- Stick to the hiking trail with the help of your guide
- Hotel pickup (Historic Center only)
- Transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (roundtrip)
- 1 Breakfast , 1 lunch (Vegetarian option)
- Professional guide (English and Spanish)
- Private tourist transport
- Oxygen bottle and first aid kit box
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel drop-off (The drop off is close to the Plaza San Francisco)
- Entrance fee ( 20 soles )
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- If your hotel is located in the historical center of Cusco and has car access, we will arrange for a pick-up directly from your hotel. However, if your hotel does not have car access or is located outside the historical center, we kindly ask that you meet us at the designated meeting point, which is Plaza El Regocijo (Kusipata). Please provide your hotel information and a whatsapp number, also make sure to check your messages.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 58941P6- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Bring a rain jacket and suncream
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 58941P6
From $33.00
$31.35
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- ds18810 contributionsoverpricedVery overpriced. You can buy it without the travel agency for half the price in many places in Cusco. Attractions are goodWritten May 10, 2023
- Nctek0 contributionsKeep calm and enjoy the ride!This was such an awsome experience! My son and I had a fantastic time riding our ATV’s while enjoying breathtaking views. Our tour guide Edgar was the best. He was informative, helpful and made sure everyone was safe while enjoying their time. Please note they are not joking about getting dirty. Definitely dress accordingly. Happy travels!!!Written July 12, 2022
- t0mhigham0 contributionsFailed to collect or communicate - DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!This tour company failed to collect me, contact me, or answer my messages through trip advisor, whatsapp or answer my calls. I am beyond annoyed to have wasted a day in Cusco when I could have arranged another tour. Dreadful service. Do not use this company.Written April 15, 2022
- Willyhawkk0 contributionsATV tour. Great fun for the whole familyThe quad tour was exciting especially for our teenage boys. The salt mines were very interesting and primitively beautiful. All of the guys and our transportation were professional, clean and timely. Views of the sacred valley were amazing and the ATVs were very well-maintained and lightly used.Written March 21, 2022
- ghsuds0 contributionsATV toursVery fun and worth it! The tour guides were very nice and the ATV’s were very easy to use! I would suggest going!Written December 16, 2019
- alexaborboa0 contributionsSo much fun!!Great to fuel your adventurous side while still visiting amazing historical sites. We had so much fun on this tour. We rode to some amazing spots where the guides were more than willing to take pictures of us. The guides were funny and helpful. At one point I got stuck behind someone on the ATV and one of the guides promptly came over to help us. We learned about the historical sites and were taken back to town just in time for dinner 😋. I would recommend wearing something you don’t mind getting dirty.Written November 23, 2019
- davidormasavillegas0 contributionsHorrible experienceIt was a horrible experience due to Salt mines Maras there wasn’t anything to do. Also our tour driver recommended us a salt shop but if you wanted to buy at other salt shops, he was so rude and harried upWritten November 8, 2019
- LonelyTravellerA10 contributions2 days in CuscoQuite pricey, but good value for money, as long as you have enough time to use all the options. As the venues are quite spread out in the Sacred Valley one needs at least 5 days to experience all the attractions.Written November 5, 2019
- jaybella2210 contributionsFun afternoon!This was a lot of fun! Very on time pick up. Met cool people in their 20s and 30s. The ATVs were fun. The salt flats and sacred valley were beautiful!Written September 3, 2019
- 817dipanp0 contributionsGood tripI liked that this excursion was only 45 mins from Cusco, and didn’t start at some ridiculous early hour! Make sure you bring a buff to cover your nose and mouth, and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty. We drove on dirt roads, and saw some cool sights. Great folks running the tour also. It would have been nice to take the atv’s on more technical terrain, but, I guess there were beginners there, so, it was appropriate for the audience. I highly recommend it. One thing, be careful when you select the package, it may read that you want 2 separate adult riders, but, you may actually be selecting one driver one passenger....Written August 21, 2019
- sophietlee070 contributionsQuad bike tour MorayThank you so much Mapi Travel for organized such us an unforgettable experience in the sacred valley Moray and salt mines, I totally recommend it for whom is looking for an adventure tour with Atvs.Written July 29, 2019
- ctmolina90 contributionsAmazing Atv tourEverything was well organized with a great guide, excellent atvs and equipments definitely worth it.Written July 29, 2019
- mco290 contributionsComfortable buses, timely departureThe ride going up to Machu Picchu was amazing since the views were magnificent. The buses were comfortable for a 30 minute ride, the line was orderly and they left on time. You have to have a valid ticket otherwise you will not be allowed on board.Written May 30, 2019
- Cruiser353801212110 contributionsHumantay lake tourExcellent company and amazing turquoise lagoon amount beautiful white mountains I highly recommend..Written May 26, 2019
- Lorraine l0 contributionsExcellent driver and carI bought a private transfer from cusco to ollantaytambo and everything was well organized, our driver was very professional.Written November 12, 2018
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
63 reviews
Excellent
42
Very good
10
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Brian J
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Excellent company with top notch, customer oriented service. Great communication before hand ensuring you have all questions answered and service on the trail was terrific as well. Big kudos to the team!
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It makes us really happy to read such a nice feedback!
We are glad to know you had a great experience with us!
We look forward to our next adventure together!
Written January 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrei Baraian
5 contributions
Dec 2019
The hike is moderate with the last half hour a bit more steep. If you don't feel up to it, there is a horse "taxi" waiting to take you up for 80 soles. Once you get up there and you are lucky enough to have a sunny day, the view is very much worth the effort. We got glimpses of the background mountain through the cloud patches in December.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It sounds so pretty what you described.
Thank you for joining us!
We are looking forward to our next adventure time together!
Take care!
Written February 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalia-Alicia B
25 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
In total it was great! But - The agency has told the guide another pick up location than us. The agency was also not reachable. We were 7 people - one older woman was riding the horse. I don’t know if it is common but the guide was with here instead with us - the people who were climbing up the mountain. Don’t underestimate the altitude and slope
Written November 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mario R
1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
Humantay lake was one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing with my own two eyes. The hike up was tough but a good challenge and the descent was incredibly fun. The location gets 5/5. Unfortunately our tour guide was not as great.
I was seated next to him on the shuttle ride to and from Humantay. He looked hungover and we had to stop very quickly into the trip over so (I’m guessing) he could use the restroom. After we continued on the trip he proceeded to fall asleep and continuously bump into me and even fell over with his head on my shoulder. This continued for 2 hours to our breakfast spot. After breakfast he continued to fall asleep on me on the way to Humantay. Once we got there he proceeded to give us very little guidance or direction on the path to take up. We had to follow other groups up to know the path. Once we were up there he explained the history of the area briefly for 15 minutes after we had time to take pictures and then started the descent. On the trip back he again fell asleep on me and I started lightly shoving him off me and he didn’t notice in the slightest. After lunch on the trip back I finally shook him awake (which took a surprising amount of effort) and asked him to please get off of me. He did. For 5 minutes. Before falling asleep on me again. At this point I was fed up and started shoulder checking him off of me which he again didn’t seem to notice. The commute to and from humantay was incredibly unprofessional and downright miserable considering I was awake from 3am to 7pm (2 hours later than we were supposed to return) due to a man repeatedly sleeping on me. I would recommend booking Humantay through a company other than Trip Advisor.
I was seated next to him on the shuttle ride to and from Humantay. He looked hungover and we had to stop very quickly into the trip over so (I’m guessing) he could use the restroom. After we continued on the trip he proceeded to fall asleep and continuously bump into me and even fell over with his head on my shoulder. This continued for 2 hours to our breakfast spot. After breakfast he continued to fall asleep on me on the way to Humantay. Once we got there he proceeded to give us very little guidance or direction on the path to take up. We had to follow other groups up to know the path. Once we were up there he explained the history of the area briefly for 15 minutes after we had time to take pictures and then started the descent. On the trip back he again fell asleep on me and I started lightly shoving him off me and he didn’t notice in the slightest. After lunch on the trip back I finally shook him awake (which took a surprising amount of effort) and asked him to please get off of me. He did. For 5 minutes. Before falling asleep on me again. At this point I was fed up and started shoulder checking him off of me which he again didn’t seem to notice. The commute to and from humantay was incredibly unprofessional and downright miserable considering I was awake from 3am to 7pm (2 hours later than we were supposed to return) due to a man repeatedly sleeping on me. I would recommend booking Humantay through a company other than Trip Advisor.
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locqdown
Lima, Peru3 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
We booked this trip last minute based on a recommendation. It is an early morning rise with a 3 hour drive but well worth it. A long uphill trek. I recommend taking the horse if you are not well adjusted to the altitude. The view once you get to the top is AMAZING.
We went during the week, so it wasn't crowded with tourists. Our tour guide Freddy made it the best experience. Freddy was patient, kind and humorous the entire way. The view of Humantay Lake was amazing but the Freddy made the journey unforgettable. I would recommend this tour company and Freddy as your guide. Many thanks to Freddy to making this tour enjoyable for our family.
We went during the week, so it wasn't crowded with tourists. Our tour guide Freddy made it the best experience. Freddy was patient, kind and humorous the entire way. The view of Humantay Lake was amazing but the Freddy made the journey unforgettable. I would recommend this tour company and Freddy as your guide. Many thanks to Freddy to making this tour enjoyable for our family.
Written August 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen R
Bozeman, MT271 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
While Humantay itself was absolutely amazing, the company really screwed it up. Not only were they 45 minutes late picking us up for our 4:30 AM departure, they would have forgotten all together if one of the girls in our group didn't have an international phone plan and actually CALLED them. They eventually sent a taxi to pick us up and drive us the entire way. Definitely do Humantay, maybe don't use this company.
Written July 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt K
83 contributions
This company is the WORST. No communication. Came to pick me up 3 days before my actual tour. After I was accidentally picked up, they dropped me up in random place to take a taxi back with my own money. How is this a tour company? AVOID!
Written December 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear,
What you are saying here is not the truth and you know that!
We expect a bit more decency from your part to delete this bad review.
We have sent proves to you that this is not true and you still have not deleted this.
Also, could you explain how could someone get inside a van during down to go to a tour in a day you do not have it? How could you be prepared, with your bag, clothing and everything else so early in the morning. (Our pick ups for Humantay Lake are from 03:30 to 04:30 am).
We have everything prepared and organized. We know what days each customer has their tour and everything else.
We kindly ask you, one more time, to delete this bad review.
Written February 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Traci W
Houston, TX12 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
The length of this post is a tribute to my passion for and awe of Humantay Lake.
I found this excursion after booking my trip to Peru, with my 81 year old Dad, to visit one of our bucket list items - see Machu Picchu. I'd never heard of Humantay Lake, but when I saw the pictures and read the review, I knew I HAD to see it. And, the long journey was well worth the reward of laying my eyes on this incredibly beautiful site!
Unfortunately, after booking the trip, my Dad had some health issues which resulted in multiple procedures/surgeries. We weren't sure, until ~2 weeks before the trip, that he'd be able to go. He made it, but was still weak, so I made arrangements with Rolando for horses and a personal guide. There was a misunderstanding about the "extras" I paid for. Before I could even ask about it, Rolando had already communicated with our guide to resolve the issue.
Our guide, Cesar (Cobarrubias?) was amazing! He was informative/helpful from the moment we sat down in the bus/coach. He was very attentive to my Dad (and me), which was what we really needed to make it to the top. After taking pics, he sat us down and told us about his people (the Incas) and the details/history of Humantay Lake, He even played Andean music to set the mood! We got to know him personally throughout the day. He ended up being more than a guide and we couldn't have asked for a better one than Cesar!
Important things to know:
-Even if you take horses to the top, you still have to walk a distance that's pretty steep on the final leg. We didn't know this and if my Dad had known in advance, he may not have done the trip. We had to stop to rest several times, but he was determined and Cesar helped him with an extra walking stick.
-Getting horses is usually only for the trip up. The rocks and the steep decline make it very difficult for the horses on the way down - even without a human on their backs. My Dad made it down much of the way, but it wasn't easy and became clear he couldn't walk all the way down. Once we got to the less steep part, Cesar quickly got another horse and a wonderful woman - who's name I don't know...:( - for the remainder of the trip down.
-Although it's a long journey, don't let that dissuade you from booking this excursion!! The purpose of our trip was to see Machu Picchu - I've wanted to since I saw pictures in elementary school (~5 decades ago). However, having done both now, I'd say it's a tie - Machu Picchu for human creation; Humantay Lake for natural creation. It's a natural miracle and I feel honored to have seen it!!
I found this excursion after booking my trip to Peru, with my 81 year old Dad, to visit one of our bucket list items - see Machu Picchu. I'd never heard of Humantay Lake, but when I saw the pictures and read the review, I knew I HAD to see it. And, the long journey was well worth the reward of laying my eyes on this incredibly beautiful site!
Unfortunately, after booking the trip, my Dad had some health issues which resulted in multiple procedures/surgeries. We weren't sure, until ~2 weeks before the trip, that he'd be able to go. He made it, but was still weak, so I made arrangements with Rolando for horses and a personal guide. There was a misunderstanding about the "extras" I paid for. Before I could even ask about it, Rolando had already communicated with our guide to resolve the issue.
Our guide, Cesar (Cobarrubias?) was amazing! He was informative/helpful from the moment we sat down in the bus/coach. He was very attentive to my Dad (and me), which was what we really needed to make it to the top. After taking pics, he sat us down and told us about his people (the Incas) and the details/history of Humantay Lake, He even played Andean music to set the mood! We got to know him personally throughout the day. He ended up being more than a guide and we couldn't have asked for a better one than Cesar!
Important things to know:
-Even if you take horses to the top, you still have to walk a distance that's pretty steep on the final leg. We didn't know this and if my Dad had known in advance, he may not have done the trip. We had to stop to rest several times, but he was determined and Cesar helped him with an extra walking stick.
-Getting horses is usually only for the trip up. The rocks and the steep decline make it very difficult for the horses on the way down - even without a human on their backs. My Dad made it down much of the way, but it wasn't easy and became clear he couldn't walk all the way down. Once we got to the less steep part, Cesar quickly got another horse and a wonderful woman - who's name I don't know...:( - for the remainder of the trip down.
-Although it's a long journey, don't let that dissuade you from booking this excursion!! The purpose of our trip was to see Machu Picchu - I've wanted to since I saw pictures in elementary school (~5 decades ago). However, having done both now, I'd say it's a tie - Machu Picchu for human creation; Humantay Lake for natural creation. It's a natural miracle and I feel honored to have seen it!!
Written May 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel H
Cardiff, UK20 contributions
Oct 2018
We done this full day trek from Cusco and trust me it is one tough trek but worth it. But be advised Humantay Lake lies 4200m above see level so altitude and air quality can be a problem for some trekkers. It is also a long day, we left Cusco at 3.30am to start the bus trip which is approximately 3hrs drive with breakfast and lunch included and return d to Cusco around 17.50pm. The climb to the lake is tough, the path is steep but there are horses you can hire from the owners for around 50 Peruvian sole ( you can haggle the price). But with dermination we climbed it, refused to rent a horse and when you turn the corner of the mountain the view was just spectacular with a sense of achievement ( from a group of 14 only 4 of us actually climbed it on foot) , so don’t underestimate this climb. If you fancy a challenge give this trek a go. Oxygen shots are also available to buy in Cusco or your guide will also have an oxygen cylinder with him for trekkers needing that little extra help on the mountain. Well worth a visit.
Written November 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sujaya S
1 contribution
Dec 2018
Trip was well organized, served good food and total value for money. We loved the company of Hilton's (our tour guide) parents. We were able communicate with them effortlessly using sign language :)
The guide shared lot of information about the Peru culture, people and their belief! Other team members even felt that he is far more friendlier and good guide compared to others. We even performed a small ritual (organizing stones on top of cocoa leaves) and offered prayers to the mountain gods! we all loved it and I recommend this trip to my friends visiting Peru.
The guide shared lot of information about the Peru culture, people and their belief! Other team members even felt that he is far more friendlier and good guide compared to others. We even performed a small ritual (organizing stones on top of cocoa leaves) and offered prayers to the mountain gods! we all loved it and I recommend this trip to my friends visiting Peru.
Written January 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pedro RodríguezP
Lima, Peru
Puedo llevar a mi perro? Es un weimaraner, pero pequeño para su raza.
Written April 29, 2021
Cuantas horas es el tour? A que hora se está de regreso en Cusco?
Written October 1, 2019
Hola, mi familia y yo queremos ir pero llegamos el a las 7 de la mañana, a que hora sale este tour? Es posible ir despues de las 7?
Written July 25, 2019
Hola, estoy mirando la posibilidad de hacer este tour con mi pareja para el 23 de agosto, saliendo desde Cusco. He leído que nos traen de vuelta a Cusco. La circunstancia es que tenemos nuestro hotel reservado para esa noche en Aguas Calientes. Existiría la posibilidad de que nos acercaran a nuestro hotel en Aguas Calientes? Podríamos llevarnos las mochilas en el bus? Gracias.
Written July 20, 2019
Hi, I personally think that the tour company would not drop you off at Aguas Calientes but back at Cusco, after the trek. Aquas calientes is a good drive from Cusco. If the tour is full there is not much room on the minibuses but no harm in asking the tour operator about your backpacks or you could ask the hotel at Cusco to keep them until your return. Good luck and enjoy your trek.
Written July 31, 2019
hi there, one of our daughters is 7 years old. iam not able to select her age. are kids under 8 free?
Written June 2, 2019
I'm sorry, I don't know if children are free. You could contact Kaypi Tours (the company I travelled with)
Written July 3, 2019
Hey, I am wondering how much time we have once we get to Humantay Lake to relax and enjoy the view?
Written May 23, 2019
We spent about an hour at the lake. Time is short as the bus ride is long to get back to Cusco.
Written May 24, 2019
Hola! quería saber si ésta excursión se puede realizar con un nene de 7
años y medio de edad! o hay alguna dificultad? gracias
Written May 13, 2019
Hola depende de el estado físico del Niño , es una laguna maravillosa pero realmente se necesita un excelente estado físico para subir a la laguna humantay.
Written July 3, 2019
Hola, quisiera saber como está el camino hasta la laguna Humantay desde Cuzco. Es seguro? Se pasa por muchos precipicios? Es apto para personas con vértigo? Gracias
Written April 3, 2019
The road is very twisty with lots of switchbacks - I was very glad to have a good driver. A group excursion is very cheap (likely includes breakfast and entrance fee - you might consider that option.
Written July 3, 2019
Hi, we have our 17 month old with us, she will be in her hiking backpack. We live in Bogota so she is adjusted to elevation here. Do you foresee any problems?
Written March 7, 2019
My guide, his wife and (almost) 3 year old son rode into Humantay with me. We walked back out. I walked (very slowly and carefully) while the little guy had no problem with the altitude and ran most of the way. When he got tired, his mom tied him to her back and he slept. If you are going to hike in, I suggest you go early before it gets too hot and before there are too many people. Don't miss this adventure - it is spectacular.
Written July 3, 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 14
Buy it with
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.