How to Plan Your Cusco: Humantay Lake All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour

Cusco is a beautiful city that offers visitors the opportunity to get in touch with nature in a way that you cannot find anywhere else. One of the most popular tours in Cusco is the Humantay Lake All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour. This tour is an incredible way to experience the cultural and natural heritage of this region while surrounded by the beauty of the Andes Mountain Range. Here’s how to plan your Cusco: Humantay Lake All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour:

Experience

This tour will take you on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. You will experience the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake at the base of the Humantay Glacier. This lake is considered sacred by the Inca culture, and it is easy to see why as it is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. You will have the chance to rent a horse and ride it to the lake if you prefer not to hike.

Highlights

The Humantay Lake All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour offers a range of highlights that make it a must-do for anyone visiting Cusco. Here are some of the highlights of this tour:

• Immerse yourself in a landscape sacred to the Incas and get the chance to rent a horse to ride to the lake.
• Explore the turquoise glacial waters of Humantay Lake for photography and exploring the surrounding area.
• Arrive early at the lake and be one of the first people to explore the area.
• Benefit from pick-up at your Cusco hotel between 03:30 AM and 04:00 AM and then journey to Mollepata village in the lush valley of the Apurimac River.
• Enjoy a tasty continental breakfast and buffet lunch during the day.
• Go for an optional swim in the turquoise waters at the base of the Humantay Glacier.
• Trek for approximately 1.5 hours to Humantay Lake 4200 meters (13779 feet) above sea level.

Full Description

The Humantay Lake All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour begins with pick-up at your Cusco hotel between 03:30 AM and 04:00 AM. You will then journey to Mollepata village in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. After breakfast in Mollepata, you will continue towards Soraypampa, 3900 meters above sea level.

From Soraypampa, you will trek for approximately 1.5 hours to reach Humantay Lake, which is located at 4200 meters (13779 feet) above sea level. The trek is moderately strenuous, but anyone with a basic level of fitness can complete it. Along the way, you will see stunning views of the Andes as well as the turquoise waters at the base of Humantay Glacier. If you prefer not to hike, you can rent a horse and ride it to the lake.

Once you arrive at Humantay Lake, you will have time to explore the area and take pictures. You can also go for an optional swim in the turquoise waters or just enjoy the view. After exploring the lake, you will return to Mollepata for a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco at 06:00 PM.

Inclusions

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Transportation by private vehicle
• Bilingual tour guide (English & Spanish)
• Entrance fee to Humantay Lake
• Continental breakfast
• Buffet lunch

How to Book

If you’re interested in booking the Humantay Lake All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour, you can do so through GetYourGuide. The tour costs $43.00 per person, and you can book it by clicking here. Make sure to book in advance, as this tour is very popular and can fill up quickly.

Conclusion

The Humantay Lake All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour is an amazing experience that you won’t want to miss while visiting Cusco. With beautiful scenery, delicious food, and the chance to immerse yourself in Inca culture, this tour is truly the perfect way to spend a day in Cusco. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance, so you can enjoy these beautiful landscapes without any worries.

A Local’s Guide to Cusco

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, Cusco in Peru attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the magic of the Incan Empire. However, as a local, I know Cusco is much more than just Machu Picchu. Here are some hidden gems that only locals know about that deserve your attention:

Local Attractions

When it comes to local attractions, Cusco is full of surprises. If you’re looking for a place to hike with stunning scenery, Rainbow Mountain is a perfect option. While most tourists opt for Machu Picchu, the lesser-known Incan ruins site of Choquequirao is worth a visit. For a taste of Cusco’s colonial past, head to the Plaza San Blas, where you’ll find colonial-era houses converted into boutiques and restaurants.

Dining Spots

Peruvian cuisine is one of the most diverse and delicious in South America. For a classic dish, try ceviche at La Mar Cebicheria. If you want to try something new, head to the San Pedro Market, where you can find traditional Andean dishes such as cuy (guinea pig), alpaca, or rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers). Be sure to try some chicha, a fermented corn beverage that is a staple in the Andean diet.

Cultural Experiences

In Cusco, cultural experiences are everywhere. The city is known for its religious festivals and parades. The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, is the most famous of these, where people celebrate on June 24 with dances, music, and costumes. Art lovers should visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino, which has a vast collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, textiles, and ceramics.

Local History

Cusco is steeped in history, and there are many captivating stories to learn. One such tale is of the Koricancha temple, which during the Inca Empire was the richest temple in all of South America. The Spaniards defeated the Inca Empire and looted the temple for its gold, which was melted down into bars and shipped back to Spain. Five hundred years later, the gold has never been found, leaving many to speculate where it could be hiding.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For an unforgettable experience, venture to the nearby Humantay Lake. This hidden gem offers otherworldly, turquoise waters against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Lastly, venture out of the city to the Sacred Valley, where you’ll find ancient agricultural terraces, scenic mountain hikes, and vibrant markets.

In conclusion, Cusco is not just a superstar tourist destination. When you take the time to explore the hidden gems, learn some history and immerse yourself in the local culture, you’ll soon discover there’s a lot more to love!