Cusco to Humantay Lake: Early Access Private Hike & Valley Lunch

Summary

Early morning start from Cusco hiking to Humantay Lake with local guide and real Andean breakfast

You’ll wake up early in Cusco for this private Humantay Lake hike, sharing sunrise roads with your small group and local guide. Savor fresh Andean breakfast before trekking up quiet trails to reach the lake before crowds arrive. After exploring hidden vantage points and soaking up glacier views, enjoy lunch overlooking the valley before heading back — tired but probably smiling.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, when my alarm went off at 2:45am in Cusco, I wondered if I’d lost my mind booking this Humantay Lake day trip. But then the city was still dark and quiet outside, and our driver’s “buenos días” felt almost conspiratorial. The van seats were actually soft (not the usual stiff ones), so I dozed a bit as we bumped along winding roads — still half-dreaming of what the lake might look like. Our guide, Diego, handed out coca tea and grinned like he knew something we didn’t.

The first sunlight hit just as we stopped for breakfast — not some sad tourist buffet but warm bread that steamed when you tore it open, eggs that tasted like someone’s grandma made them. I tried to say “gracias” with a mouthful and probably sounded ridiculous. By the time we reached the trailhead, it was chilly enough for gloves but not freezing. Diego checked everyone’s gear and oxygen (he was quietly attentive all day), and then we started up together — slow enough that even when my lungs complained at 4,200 meters, I never felt rushed.

The climb is steady but not punishing if you take your time. At one point I stopped just to listen: wind in the grass, someone’s laughter echoing back down the valley, a faint smell of eucalyptus from someone’s scarf maybe? When we finally reached Humantay Lake, it was… well, blue doesn’t really cover it. There were only a handful of other people around since we’d beaten the big groups by hours. Diego pointed out little spots where you could see both glaciers reflected in the water — he even took a photo for me that actually looks like what I remember (which almost never happens). We lingered longer than I expected; nobody hurried us along.

Lunch after the hike tasted better than any meal has a right to — maybe because my legs were jelly or maybe because the view over the valley was just so wide open. Someone at another table raised their glass to us and said “salud,” which felt oddly perfect after such a quiet morning. The ride back to Cusco is long but honestly I slept most of it. Still thinking about that silence by the lake sometimes — you know how some places just stick with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Early start and Humantay Lake visit

• 3:00 am pick-up from Cusco hotel
• 5:35 am enjoy energizing breakfast
• 7:40 am arrive parking lot and briefing
• 9:30 am hike to Humantay Lake
• Explore vantage points for photos
• 11:00 am return to vehicle
• 12:00 pm lunch at top-rated restaurant
• 3:30 pm return to Cusco hotel

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cusco to Humantay Lake?

It takes about 3 hours each way between Cusco and Humantay Lake by van.

Is breakfast included on this day trip?

Yes, a fresh local breakfast is included before starting the hike.

What time does pickup from Cusco hotels happen?

Pickup is around 3:00 am from your hotel in Cusco.

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike takes 1.5-2 hours at high altitude; moderate fitness is needed but pace is relaxed.

Are trekking poles provided on this tour?

Yes, trekking poles are provided for all travelers during the hike.

Is this tour private or group-based?

Tours booked after March 11th, 2025 are private; earlier bookings are small group tours.

What altitude does Humantay Lake reach?

The lake sits at approximately 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level.

Is lunch included? Where is it served?

Yes, lunch is included at a top-rated restaurant overlooking the valley after your hike.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cusco before dawn, comfortable van transport with softer seats than usual (your back will thank you), trekking poles and safety gear for the mountain trail, guidance from a bilingual local expert who keeps things relaxed yet attentive throughout. Both breakfast and lunch are covered — think homemade bread in the morning and a proper meal with valley views after your trek — before drop-off back at your hotel in Cusco.