Humantay Lake Hike 1 Day

Overview of the Humantay Lake Hike

Duration of the Humantay Lake Hike: Full Day 4:30am- 5pm

Distance of the Humantay lake Hike: 7 km (4.4 Miles) Round Trip – 4 hours of hiking

Elevation of the Humantay Lake hike: 3,869m (12,690 feet) / 4,200m (13,779 feet)

Difficulty of the Humantay Lake hike: difficult ( uphill climb)

Itinerary of the Humantay Lake Hike

  Day 1: Explore Humantay Lake trek

This incredible adventure starts early around 4:50 a.m. Our AltitudeXperience van will pick you up at your hotel at dawn. We will then head towards the community of Soraypamapa, where you will have a delicious breakfast, made with classic Andean ingredients and organic products. After this, our hike to the Humantay lagoon begins.

This journey will consist of about 1 hour and 40 minutes of walking, passing through rivers and enjoying the beautiful and majestic mountains of Salkantay. We will then reach the turquoise lagoon at an elevation of about 4500 meters above sea level, surrounded by the majestic, snow-capped, Salkantay mountain. When you reach the top of this beautiful lagoon, you will be amazed with the views and will be able to feel the cool breeze as the warm sun hit your face.

At the end of our visit, we will descend towards the community of Soraypampa for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, where we will have a delicious lunch before departing. Then, we will take our AltitudExperience van to will bring you back to Cusco, arriving around 5 p.m. We will drop you off at your hotel or Plaza de Armas in the city of Cusco.

Elevations: 4,700 mts
Weather: cold and sun
Walking distance: 5 kilometers
Duration: 10 hours
Difficulty: moderate

Included/No Included 

Included

Pickup at your hotel
Transfer to the trailhead by van
The National Park’s admission fee
Breakfast on the trail
Visit the lake with an English-speaking tour guide.
Lunch
Tank of oxygen (in case it is needed)
Van will return to your hotel and drop you off.

Not included

Tips: Tips are always considered, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not required)

Price

Price per person

• 2 persons USD$150 per person
• 3 persons USD$125 per person
• 4 persons USD$100 per person
• 5 persons USD$80 per person
• 6 persons USD$69 per person

This means the journey is open for other Altitude travelers to join you. Our guide is prepared for different walking rhythms

Note: Minimum of 2 participants, Groups are capped at 6 people

Important Information 

1. Altitude in Cusco

People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than there is at sea level, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.

You could initially experience the illness or a hangover when suffering from altitude sickness. You can get headaches, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty breathing while exercising. Please get in touch with our office if any of these side effects worsen, and we’ll assist you find a doctor.

These symptoms will typically be slight. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.

The coca plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that assist your body absorb oxygen and ward off the effects of altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.

They will make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke. Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.

To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.

2. Getting to Cusco

All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.

The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.

3. Weather

Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.

Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.

Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.

Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.

4. Luggage Storage

Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.

While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the AltitudExperience Peru deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.

5. First Aid

AltitudExperience guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.

In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.