Located more than 4,200 meters above sea level, Lake Humantay is one of the most breathtaking glacial landscapes in the Cusco area, renowned for its intense turquoise color and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes that surround it. Unlike group tours that rush you through the itinerary or public transportation that makes you wait hours for the vehicle to fill up, private transportation allows you to enjoy the entire excursion at your own pace, in complete safety, and without any pressure.
This guide brings together all the verified information about the service platform—which has over 275 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor—so you can plan your visit without any surprises, with all the details you need to know before you go.
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Why Choose This Private Transportation Service?
It is an alternative fully adapted to your needs, with advantages that you will not find in other transportation options in the region:
- 100% Flexible Schedules: Departures are available every day of the week between 3:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. You choose the exact time that is most convenient for you to start the trip, without having to wake up early if you do not want to. The average duration of the entire round-trip adventure from Cusco is 10 hours.
- Time Savings Without Unnecessary Stops: The trip is direct. You do not have to wait for passengers outside your group or make detours to drop off or pick up people along the way, allowing you to spend more time exploring the lake.
- Guaranteed Comfort: The vehicles are modern, well maintained, equipped with air conditioning, and have enough space to store your backpacks, trekking poles, blankets, and all your luggage without having to keep it on your lap during the journey.
- A Completely Personalized Experience: You are not limited to the mandatory route. You can choose less-traveled roads, stop at places that do not appear in standard itineraries, and adapt the route to your preferences.
- Total Safety and Privacy: You do not travel with strangers. The drivers take care of all your belongings during the hike, you will not have to carry your backpack to the top of the lake, and all vehicles are inspected to travel safely on high-altitude routes.
- As an extra option for your next excursions, the same platform offers two of the most booked routes in the area: private transportation to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and private transportation to Palcoyo, both designed so you can enjoy the experience at your own pace without strict itineraries.
Route to Humantay Lake
The most commonly used route to reach the destination passes through the town of Mollepata, a journey full of natural landscapes that show you the daily life of the Andean communities. Throughout the trip, the driver will allow you to stop wherever you want to enjoy the experience:
- You can stop in traditional Andean villages to see the local customs, visit their artisan markets, and taste the typical food of the area.
- Stop at panoramic viewpoints to take photographs of the snow-capped peaks, the green valleys, and the sunrise over the mountains, an experience that many travelers describe as unforgettable, since they would never be able to reach those places using public transportation.
- Adapt the route to visit lesser-known places that the driver shares thanks to their years of experience traveling through the region.
What Is Included in the Transportation Service?
Everything you need for a safe trip is included in the service:
- Pickup at no additional cost directly from your hotel in Cusco. You do not have to walk to a meeting point far from your accommodation.
- Professional driver with extensive knowledge of the high-altitude routes, who has an in-depth understanding of the culture, history, and Andean worldview of the region to share interesting facts with you during the journey.
- Fully equipped first-aid kit and emergency oxygen to assist with any symptoms of altitude sickness you may experience along the way.
- If you wish, you can additionally hire a highly experienced tour guide who will accompany you both during the drive and on the hike to Humantay Lake, so you can learn all about the glacial ecosystems, local traditions, and the unique characteristics of the area at every step of the journey.
List of Items You Should Bring for the Excursion
Preparing your backpack with these items will help you enjoy the day without inconvenience, while adapting to the cold weather and high altitude of the region:
- Appropriate clothing for the high-altitude climate: a wool hat, a thermal jacket, and a rain poncho, even during the dry season due to the sudden rain showers that may occur in the mountains.
- Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, so you can walk safely along the rocky and dirt trails.
- High-SPF sunscreen, enough water, and food for the entire day.
- Medication for altitude sickness to relieve symptoms such as headaches and fatigue if they occur during the hike.
- A lightweight backpack to carry your belongings and a camera to capture photographs of the turquoise lake surrounded by snow.
