Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
1 Day from $ USD 100.00
Humantay Lake Tour full day
The Humantay Lagoon is one of the most visited natural attractions in Peru. This lagoon is considered one of the most important and impressive of the city of Cusco. The beauty of this destination makes it a favorite travel experience for many travelers from all over the world. The turquoise color of its waters accompanied by the imposing snow-capped Humantay makes this destination a unique tourist jewel.
Since Inca times, this lagoon was worshiped by the Andean communities. It is also considered the third most popular tourist attraction in Cusco, after Machu Picchu and the Seven Colors Mountain.
If you like to make small treks to Natural Attractions in Cusco, this Full Day Hike to Humantay Lagoon Cusco, has what you are looking for, perfect combination of Trek of three hours maximum, where you can also enjoy this Natural Attraction that Cusco offers us.
This popular Excursion to the Humantay Lake reaches a maximum altitude of 4,300 m.a.s.l. less than the Natural and Popular Attraction “7 Colors Mountain” that surpasses the five thousand meters.
The Humantay Lake, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and bluish lakes in Peru, the blue color of the lake that originates from the two snowy or glaciers that are nearby, the Nevado Humantay and Nevado Salkantay, where the famous route that goes to Machu Picchu, known as the Alternative Route to Machu Picchu.
14 hours tour to the Humantay Lagoon, including Guide, Tourist Bus, Breakfast, Lunch, entrance fees and a perfect time to relax, enjoying the Humantay Lagoon.
Our enchanting Humantay Lahuna Trek is only a 40 minutes walk to reach the maximum attitude of 4,300 m.a.s.l.
Now that you have read all our itinerary about this tour, let’s do this HIKE TO THE HUMANTAY LAKE CUSCO, book now in the booking button and leave me your details, without any commitment.
If you want to talk with the person in charge of this 1 day Trek to Humantay click on the right button below and leave me your message.
The Humantay Lagoon Trek is a new option of trekking in Cusco, If you are looking for new, beautiful and above all in one day the Humantay Lagoon Tour is one of the new natural attractions that we are offering. The 1 day hike to the Humantay Lagoon is a new alternative to the traditional tours in the city of Cusco and Salkantay.
The Humantay Lake is located in the province of Anta, district of Mollepata on the route to the snowy Salkantay (6,271 masl).
The origin of the Humantay Lake (4,250 masl) is glacial because it originates from the melting of the snow-capped Humantay (5,450 masl) which is located in the central Peruvian Andes of the Vilcabamba chain whose highest peak is the snow-capped Salkantay (6,271 masl).
This landscape of mountains surrounding this beautiful lagoon is a unique experience. Most of the tourists prefer to visit the humantay lagoon because of the time, because this visit takes 1 day, that is to say it is ideal for people who have a short time in their itinerary.
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel between 04:00 and 05:00 in the morning to start our unforgettable day tour to “La Laguna Humantay”. Then we will take a two and a half hour trip in our private transportation to the town of Mollepata where we will enjoy breakfast. After breakfast we will continue our journey to the town of Soraypampa, from this point we will start walking for an hour to reach the Humantay Lagoon, where we will have a break and explanation of the geography, location, flora and fauna of the place also enjoy the scenery and we can take unforgettable pictures and then return to Mollepata, where we will have lunch. After lunch we will start our return trip to Cusco.
1, Easy
Before continuing you should know that the fastest, safest and most economical way is to hire an excursion to the Humantay Lagoon but if your thing is adventure, here I explain the step by step to get there on your own (without a tour).
The route begins in Cusco, where you must go to the bus terminal of Arcopata (north of Cusco), there you will take a bus (mini-van) to the town of Mollepata.
The trip lasts 2 to 2.5 hours and costs S/ 15 per person, once you arrive take advantage of the trip to have breakfast and buy snacks to eat for the rest of the day.
Further along the way it becomes more difficult and more expensive to get supplies. You can also stay overnight in Mollepata to leave early the next day for the lagoon.
While you are looking for food, take the opportunity to see if there are other travelers who are traveling on their own to the lagoon so that you can share the cab to Soraypampa.
But first you will have to pay in Mollaypampa the entrance fee to the Soraypampa camp, S/ 20 for foreigners and S/ 10 for national tourists or residents of Peru.
Cabs from Mollepata to Soraypampa can cost from S/ 70 to S/ 100 depending on your negotiation skills (one way trip).
From Soraypampa you will pay the entrance fee to the Humantay Lagoon (S/ 10) and start the hike to the lagoon, depending on your physical condition it will take between 1.5 to 2 hours to climb up and 1 hour to descend.
The terrain during the first moments of the hike is almost flat but as time goes by it becomes steeper and at times you must be careful where you step to avoid slipping.
To return from Soraypampa to Mollepata there is usually no public or private transportation so I recommend you negotiate with the cab driver who brought you to also pick you up at a certain time.
Like other tourist attractions in Cusco it is important to consider the weather before embarking on the route to the Humantay Lagoon.
To do this let’s start by saying that the months of December to March are the least recommended to go because of the rains and possible hailstorms.
On the other hand, April to November are the ideal months to go to the lagoon, although it should be noted that July and August are the ones that offer a warmer and clearer climate.
The tour takes place all year round, subject to weather conditions.
As this is a mountain activity, of medium-high difficulty, we suggest you to bring walking sticks, although they are not indispensable for the trekking.
For the Laguna Humantay Trekking, lunch will be served in a dining room at the Soraypampa camp, once the trekking is finished. Lunch consists of salad, main course and juice. Remember to let us know if you are vegetarian or if you have any dietary restrictions by writing to reservas@denomades.com once the reservation is made.
Although it can be done all year round, the weather tends to stabilize between June and November, when there are more sunny days. However, as this is a mountain tour, there are certain occasions when fog and cloudiness may prevent visibility of the lagoon.
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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