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Chonta Valley of the Condors and Humantay Lagoon 2 Days Tour

Cusco 2 days / 1 night Max 16 Code CHONTA-2D
Duration2 days / 1 night
DifficultyModerate
Max. altitude4,300 m
Group sizeMax 16
Tour type
Adventure and cultural
Languages
EN / ES
Starts in
Cusco
Ends in
Cusco
The journey

Overview

The Chonta Valley of the Condors and Humantay Lagoon Tour is a beautiful two-day experience that brings together some of the most powerful natural moments in the Cusco region. It begins with the dramatic landscapes of Chonta, where deep canyon views and open skies create the perfect setting for the chance to watch the Andean condor in flight. There is something unforgettable about standing in silence, looking across the valley, and waiting for one of the Andes’ most iconic birds to appear overhead.

The journey continues with the mountain beauty of Humantay Lagoon, where the experience shifts from wildlife and canyon scenery to alpine views and a rewarding high-altitude hike. The contrast between the two days is part of what makes this tour so memorable. One moment you are scanning the canyon for condors, and the next you are standing before the turquoise waters of one of the most stunning lakes in the Andes. The maximum altitude reached during the Chonta Valley of the Condors and Humantay Lagoon Tour is approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, giving the experience both variety and a true sense of adventure.

  • Condor lookout over the Apurímac canyon
  • Night at Soraypampa below Salkantay
  • Sunrise hike to Humantay Lake
  • Killarumiyoc and Tarawasi Inca sites
2 days, step by step

Day-by-day itinerary

4,300 m 4,200 m
Day 1Highest point of each dayDay 2
  1. Day01

    Cusco Chonta - Condors Lookout - Soraypampa

    Early in the morning (around 6:30am) your professinal guide and our driver will pick up you from your hotel. The first stop of the day will be at Killarumiyoc inca ruins to have visit and learn about incas history, afte…

    7 km5 h4,300 m Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  2. Day02

    Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon - Return to Cusco

    Today is the grand day, because we will reach the turquoise-blue lagoon of the journey where you will cross marvelous landscapes bordered by a great complex of humantay and salkantay mountains and we will gradually asce…

    3 km3 h4,200 m Breakfast, Lunch
Clear prices

What's included

Included

  • Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire program.
  • Chonta Condor View entrance permit.
  • Humantay Lake entrance ticket.
  • Transportation from Cusco to Chonta and Soraypampa.
  • Private transportation from Soraypampa back to Cusco.
  • Professional trekking chef (Master Chef).
  • Healthy breakfast.
  • Organic buffet lunches.
  • Organic buffet dinners.
  • Snacks and drinking water during the hikes.

Not included

  • Trekking poles.
  • Sleeping bags.
  • Air mattresses.
  • Tips for the trekking team (tour guide, master chef, and driver), which are optional and voluntary.
  • Personal expenses and extra services not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Get ready

Packing list and tips

  • Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
  • Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
  • Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Personal medication and toilet paper
  • Some Peruvian soles in cash
  • Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route

Recommendations

Arrive in Cusco at least one or two days before the tour to acclimatize to the altitude.
Bring your original passport or a copy for checkpoints.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
Dress in layers to adapt to cold mornings and warm afternoons.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Bring warm clothing for early mornings in Soraypampa.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the hikes.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before hiking days.
Carry a small backpack for personal items, snacks, and water.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses and tips.
Follow your guide’s instructions and respect wildlife, especially at Chonta Condor View.
Respect nature, local communities, and protected areas at all times.

Important information and precautions

  • This route goes above 4,000 m: spend at least two nights in Cusco before departure
  • Tell us about any medical condition when you book; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems
  • Weather in the high Andes changes quickly: the guide may adapt the route for safety
  • Pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed at the briefing

Route map

  1. 1Cusco
  2. 2Chonta condor lookout
  3. 3Mollepata
  4. 4Soraypampa
  5. 5Humantay Lake

Frequently asked questions

This tour is considered easy to moderate. The hike to Chonta Condor View is relatively gentle, while the hike to Humantay Lake involves a steady uphill walk at high altitude. No technical trekking skills are required, but good physical condition and proper acclimatization are recommended to fully enjoy both experiences.

The best time to visit Chonta Condor View and Humantay Lake is during the dry season, from April to October. Weather conditions are more stable, and visibility is excellent for spotting condors and enjoying the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. March and November are good alternatives with fewer travelers, although occasional rain may occur.

Yes, meals are included as specified in the itinerary. This includes healthy breakfasts, organic buffet lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water during the hikes. All meals are prepared by a professional trekking chef using fresh ingredients to keep you energized throughout the tour.

You should bring hiking shoes, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Warm clothing is recommended for early mornings. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but are also not necessary for this short tour. A small backpack for personal items is ideal.

Tips for the tour guide, trekking chef, and driver are not mandatory and are completely optional. Tipping is a personal way to show appreciation for good service, but you should only tip if you feel satisfied with the experience. There is no obligation or pressure to do so.

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From, per personUS$ 350