Humantay Lagoon, also known as a turquoise lagoon for the color seen in the lagoon, is the ideal route for nature lovers who do not have many days but who will find spectacular landscapes, with exotic flora and fauna along this adventure hike through beautiful valleys and white mountains especially the Humantay lagoon considered one of the mountains and most sacred lagoons in the region. The Humantay Lagoon is located in the province of Anta, Cusco area that in recent months has been presenting other interesting places such as the well-known Cusquenian Canon of Condor in Chonta. It is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, the base of the Humantay mountain is at an approximate altitude of 4,560 meters above sea level, and the lagoon is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes such as the snow of Salkantay (approximate altitude 6,264 meters above sea level).
In a city like Cusco, we sometimes get the feeling that we did not have enough time to get to know the most important places and even less unique and not very popular places which leaves us with the desire to stay and return to the mind. And this is how the city of Cusco once again surprises us by presenting a new alternative for travelers who wish to enjoy nature, and landscape in a place at the foot of a snow-covered mountain above 4,200 meters above sea level where, in addition to relaxing and feeling one with nature. Enjoy the Humantay Lagoon Tour on the Salkantay Route in 1 day with really beautiful landscapes that will leave you a great unforgettable memory. We invite you to feel and enjoy the Laguna de Humantay; make contact with nature on one of the most famous natural routes of the city of Cusco, Peru.
05:00 Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
05:10 Trip to Mollepata, a small town located in the province of Anta.
08:00 Arrival in Mollepata.
09:00 Continue to Soraypampa.
10:00 Arrival in Soraypampa and start of the walk to Humantay Lagoon.
11:30 Arrival at Humantay Lagoon.
12:30 Descent to Soraypampa.
15:00 Return to Cusco.
18:00 Arrival in Cusco.
The Humantay lagoon next to its snow-covered lake of the same name is located northwest of the city of Cusco, in the town of Soraypampa, belonging to the District of Mollepata, Province of Anta, Department of Cusco, Peru.
During the walk, we will perceive the following altitudes:
We start the walk in the town of Soraypampa from this point to the Humantay lagoon is a distance of 2.25 km away, the average time to arrive is 45 min to 1h 20min. At the edge of the Humantay lagoon, you can see stone towers that are called Apachetas and are a symbol of respect for the lagoon and the Apus of the area that is considered as living sacred beings, where the offerings are also made with the sacred leaf of the Coca (Quintu »three coca leaves representing the 3 Andean worlds), asking for permission and invoking the Pachamama (mother earth) to take care of the people who visit them.
Humantay means Head of the gods, this is possibly due to being located on the slopes that overlook the High Jungle. The term Apu is a Quechua word that has several meanings, is translated as Mountain, god in other cases refers to the spirits that live in the highest mountains, when we call Apu snow or mountain is because it is sacred if we are at the Apu Salkantay or another mountain or snowy mountain we refer to it as an important and sacred place.
The one day hike to the Humantay lagoon has an average difficulty. Since the walking time is 1 h 20 min doing a route of 2.25 km and the demand is moderate.
Departure Point: Cusco - We pick you up from your hotel.
Departure Time: 05:00
Return Point: Cusco - Near to the main square
Service Level: Comfortable tourist-class transport and professional bilingual guide (Spanish - English).
Physical Rating: 1 - Demanding - Easy
Age requirement: 2+ / All travellers under 18 age must be accompanied by an adult.
Tour Operator: Salkantay Trek Machu
What is the easiest way to get to Humantay Lake?
The simplest and best way to get to Humantay Lake is with a guided tour from the city of Cusco. These tours include transportation there and back, breakfast, lunch, and a guided walk with information about the land, plants, animals, and the cultural importance of the lake. For travelers who want a more independent adventure, it is possible to go by private transport to Soraypampa and start the walk on your own.
How long is the walk and how hard is it?
The walk to Humantay Lake is about 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) round trip, and it usually takes between 3 and 4 hours in total, depending on how fast each person walks. The path is steep in some parts and is at a high place, which can make the walk hard for those who are not used to this kind of land. Also, it is considered a walk of medium to hard difficulty, because of the steepness of the path and the high place, which is over 4,200 meters above sea level. It is recommended to be in good physical shape and take the necessary time to get used to the altitude before the trip.
What is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?
The best time to visit Humantay Lake is during the dry season, which is from May to September. During this time, the weather is more stable, with clear skies and nice temperatures, which lets you enjoy amazing views. Keep in mind that during the rainy season (from November to March), the path can become slippery and the clouds can make it hard to see, although the lake stays beautiful at any time of the year.
Is swimming allowed in Humantay Lake?
No, swimming in the lake is not allowed. Humantay Lake Peru is a sacred place for the local communities, who see it as a very important spiritual place in the Andean beliefs. Also, its ecosystem is delicate, so it is very important to respect the conservation rules.
What should I bring for the walk to Humantay Lake?
To make sure you have a comfortable and safe time, it is recommended to bring:
How much does it cost to enter Humantay Lake?
To enter Humantay Lake, you need to pay an entrance fee, which is usually included in the price of organized tours. If you travel on your own, you will have to pay the cost when you arrive at the checkpoint at the start of the walk.
Where to stay near Humantay Lake?
Because Humantay Lake is in a remote area, there are no hotels or places to stay nearby. Most visitors choose to stay in towns like Mollepata or Soraypampa, which have simple lodging options and campsites for those looking for a more immersive experience in nature.
Is it safe to visit Humantay Lake?
The route to Humantay Lake is safe, especially if you go with a well-known travel agency. However, it is important to take some precautions:
