Are you a lover of the mountains and Inca culture? If you want to have adventures in the Peruvian Andes, this blog is for you. Did you know that people recognize a famous lake in Cusco for its turquoise waters? That’s right! The famous Humantay Lake is a beautiful place in the Peruvian Andes. Snow-capped mountains and nature surround it.
Join us with Machu Travel Peru to explore this fantastic place. Get ready for a unique and exciting hike through the Apus, the sacred mountains in Quechua.
Discover the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake
- What is Humantay Lake?
- Why it’s a must-visit destination?
- How to get to Humantay Lake?
- Best time to visit
- Humantay Lake Trek
- What to bring to the tour
- Frequently questions
What is Humantay Lake?
The name Humantay comes from the Quechua language. Several historians and people have mentioned that its interpretation is “sacred head”, “head of the gods”, or “main head”. In this sense, the Humantay Lake is essential to the sacred and Andean gods.
Humantay is one of the most visited lakes in Cusco. It has incredible turquoise waters and is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Salkantay. This lake has become a luxury for travelers as it offers a breathtaking view of the lake that will leave you breathless.
It is located in the community of Soraypampa in the town of Mollepata in the province of Anta in Cusco. It is more than 4,200 meters above sea level (17,779 feet).
Why it’s a must-visit destination?
Visiting the Humantay Lake is a journey into the local culture and connection with the Andean mountains. This hike is considered one of the four hikes that bring you closer to Peru’s history and nature. The hike to this lake takes you through unique plants, blue skies, and warm sunshine and dazzles you by the color of the lake y las energía de los Apus (sacred mountains in the Andes).
According to the legends, the origin of the Humantay Lake goes back to the Salkantay and Ausangate brothers. The oral tradition says that a drought and famine hit the city of Cusco. The brothers Salkantay and Ausangate saw this and chose to go in different directions. They searched for food and supplies for their people.
Ausangate went south to find food, meat, and other products. However, Salkantay went south, where he found the jungle and the forbidden love of the goddess Veronica. Sadly, the two brothers had to go back to Cusco. Salkantay had to leave his love behind. He felt so sad that he cried a lot.
The love sacrifice turned Salkantay and Ausangate into the tall, snow-capped mountains we see today. They stand watch over the region. Likewise, Salkantay’s tears gave birth to the majestic Humantay Lake. This lesson permits you to understand the Andean culture, the meaning and importance of Humantay for local Peru citizens, and the connection between courage, love, and the decisions of people and nature.
Lastly, the 7 km round trip is priceless if you love trekking experiences and challenges. Humantay is a perfect stop to start the famous Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
How to get to Humantay Lake?
There are two ways to visit Humantay Lake, which we will explain below. To visit this incredible place you can do it in two ways:
On your own
To reach the lake by yourself, take a car and drive from Cusco to Mollepata from the Arcopata bus terminal. The ticket is about 4 USD. Once you arrive in Mollepata, you must hire a cab to take you to the community of Soraypampa. The fare is about 19 USD.
Afterward, you must pay for the entrance ticket, which is about 3 USD. From this point, you can start your hike to Humantay Lake. Afterwards, you must pay the entrance fee, which costs about USD 3.
From this point, you can begin the hike to the Humantay Lake. The hike lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on your physical condition. However, it is essential to mention that if you walk the first stretch, you can rent a horse for USD 24.
By a travel agency
This section is for you if you want to skip the details about getting to the Humantay Lake. Using a tour operator makes your trip to the lake easier. They provide transportation, guides, meals, lodging, and entrance tickets. Keep in mind that being a service means there is a significant economic difference. However, it ensures you can have the trip of your dreams.
If you are outside Peru, you can book a tour of Humantay Lake with Machu Travel Peru or any tour operator you prefer. We recommend that travelers check online platforms and verify whether the company is legal. You can check other travelers’ reviews on virtual platforms such as TripAdvisor or Trustpilot about their experience.
Checking their licenses, permits, or awards is also helpful. This can give you more confidence in your choice as a consumer. You can easily book a tour of the Humantay Lake. Unlike the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, tours leave daily and are always available.
The best time to visit
Talking about the weather and the best time to visit Humantay Lake is quite a journey. However, now I will explain why. Cusco has two marked seasons:
The dry season (from May to October) and the rainy season (from November to April). Considering this, Humantay Lake has clear skies and stunning views during the dry season. However, it is freezing, especially at night and early morning, when temperatures can drop to about 20 degrees Celsius.
However, as its name says, the months become rainy, and some days even snow during the rainy season. Unlike the dry season, the cold is not as harsh. You could say the weather becomes mild, but it brings constant rain and showers. We recommend visiting during the dry season. This time, you can safely and comfortably enjoy the lake and its turquoise waters.
If you are lucky, you might travel during the rainy season. You could see sunny days without rain, but this is very rare. Do not forget that in any season, you must equip yourself properly with clothing and accessories. This is to avoid any fortuitous event or accident, guaranteeing your health and safety.
Humantay Lake Trek
The excursion to the Humantay Lagoon is one of the mandatory points on the list of things to do in Cusco for travelers visiting this city. Knowing one of the Andean people’s most sacred places is also part of understanding their culture and way of life.
The Humantay trek combines culture, nature, and physical challenges. From a technical point of view, this trekking reaches an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, where you can experience that the air is thin and there is less oxygen. Also, the hike lasts about 7 km, with an interval of 3 to 4 hours (between the outward and return); this hike has considerable unevenness as the route is irregular and weather conditions vary. This makes it an exciting and unique challenge.
When you arrive at the Humantay Lake, you will see “Apachetas”. These are symbols of connection with the earth. The “apachetas” are a group of stones gathered in the area. The person who collects them stacks them in a cone shape. This is done as a sign of gratitude and respect in the Andes.
Many people view reaching the Humantay Lake as a sign of success. Travelers face mental challenges, changing weather, and their fears. The energy of the snow-capped mountains and the Andes adds to this experience. Together, they create a unique and fascinating atmosphere.
What to bring to the tour
Talking about what one should bring for trekking on a full Humantay Lake day is very important because this region’s weather conditions vary. Therefore, we have prepared the packing list for your adventure in Peru. We have divided it into three sections to help you enjoy and prevent any situation in the Humantay Lagoon. You can also apply this list to other treks.
| Indispensable | Valid passport Money in local currency (soles) Medicine for altitude sickness Sun block Repellent Water bottle |
| Clothing | Trekking boots Trekking pants Trekking socks Thermal jacket Poncho Hat or cap Wool hat Scarf or buff Glasses |
| Accessories and equipment | Trekking poles Water bottle Camel bag, backpack, or small backpack Camera to take pictures Map or compass Snacks or cereal bars |
Frequently questions
1) What is the best season to visit Humantay Lake?
The best time to travel is the dry season, which runs from May to October. The skies are clear, and despite the low temperatures, everything is clear and at its best, with a dry climate without rain or showers.
2) How much is the entrance?
The entrance fee is USD 3 for foreigners and USD 1.5 for Peruvian citizens.
3) What is the temperature of the Humantay Lake?
The Humantay Lake ranges from 10°C (50 °F) during the day to 0°C (32°F). It has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
4) Is it possible to find bathrooms?
There is no bathing in the Humantay Lake. However, you can find a bathroom before starting your hike at the base of the community camp in Soraypampa.
5) Do I need physical preparation to hike Humantay Lake?
If you often play sports and stay physically active, the Humantay trip will be easy. However, if you lead a less active or more passive life, it may be more difficult.
We recommend doing cardio and resistance exercises at least two months beforehand. Keep in mind that this hike is not very difficult. However, high altitudes and cold temperatures can affect your body. The changes in oxygen levels may also impact your performance. We recommend considering these factors to avoid altitude sickness and other discomforts.
6) For what ages is Humantay Lake recommended?
The ideal age to visit Humantay Lake is 18, considering the altitude and low-temperature people face there.
Minors must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult for help if they want to go. It is not recommended for people over 60, pregnant women, or those with heart problems or severe medical conditions.
7) Which is better, Rainbow Mountain or Laguna Humantay?
Between tastes and colors, there are no authors, as the saying goes. In this way, we can say that no one is “better than another”. Each place has its traits and features. It will depend on your tastes and interests.
Humantay Lake has a lower difficulty level and shorter distance than Rainbow Mountain. Also, Rainbow Mountain has a higher altitude and steeper slopes. Humantay offers stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains. This magical place is unique because of its turquoise waters.
8) How do I get to the Humantay Lake from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco?
The best way to get to Humantay Lake from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco is by hiring a private transportation service that costs approximately USD 17 to USD 24, which will allow you to get to your destination in about 2h 30m to 3 h to Mollepata.
Afterward, you will have to rent another transportation from the town of Mollepata to the community of Soraypampa for approximately USD 24 (considering that this is the starting point for the hike to Humantay Lake). Finally, you will pay USD 4 for an entrance ticket and have to walk 3 to 4 hours to the lake.
9) Is the Humantay Lake a full day?
Yes, the hike to Humantay Lake is considered a full-day hike. It usually starts at 4:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m.
10) What is the level of difficulty of the Laguna Humantay hike?
Hikers consider the level of the Humantay Lake hike moderate to challenging. You will experience steep inclines and ascents before reaching the site, mixed with the change in altitude and cold.
11) Can I connect to the internet?
There is no internet signal at Humantay Lake. However, you can use the internet at the entrance of the base camp, which is in the community of Soraypampa in Mollepata.
12) Can I fly my drone in the Humantay Lake area?
No, it is forbidden to fly your drone. If you have any issues, request a permit from the Tourism Office in Mollepata. Then, wait for their response. We must support and develop it to use the drone in the request.
“LIVE WITH NO EXCUSES AND TRAVEL NO REGRETS”
We’re happy to have you join us at Machu Travel Peru. We hope you enjoy your experience and continue discovering the magic of our ancient treasures!
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
