COMPLETE GUIDE TO HUMANTAY LAKE: DIVE INTO THIS PERUVIAN NATURAL BEAUTY

Are you in Cusco and wondering what you can do in one day? Do you want to explore majestic mountainous landscapes while connecting with nature? So, gear up to discover this glacial and stunning jewel, Humantay Lake!

With its emerald turquoise glacial waters and surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains, Humantay Lake stands out as a hidden gem on the foothills of the Humantay snow-capped mountain and close to the Salkantay snow-capped mountain. Inkayni Peru Tours invites you to embark on this hike full of positive energy.

Are you ready to embark on this adventure? Keep reading to discover everything before exploring it.

The most magnificent jewel from the Andes nestled on Humantay mountain foothills

WHERE IS HUMANTAY LAKE?

It lies at the foothills of Humantay Mountain beside Salkantay Mountain. These mountains are nestled in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, which is a small section of the entire Andes. Its proximity or distance from Cusco makes it possible to visit for hundreds in just one day.

Humantay lies at Humantay Lake’s foothills

AT WHAT ALTITUDE IS HUMANTAY LAKE NESTLED?

The Humantay Lake Peru lies roughly 4,200 m / 13,779 ft ASL, it’s considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Cusco region also.

Its name comes from the impressive mountain behind it, which rises 5,473 m / 17,956 ft ASL. I can say that this lake is nestled just within the high Andean mountains.

Height of Humantay Lake

HOW FAR IS HUMANTAY LAKE FROM CUSCO?

To get to Humantay Lake, you must drive 79 miles from Cusco, passing through inter-mountain valleys, passes, and crops of Tara and avocado. The most important towns you will come across are Limatambo and Mollepata, they provide services, such as food, gas, hotels, and tickets are purchased in Mollepata.

Humantay Lake from Cusco

HOW FAR IS HUMANTAY LAKE FROM LIMA?

The distance from Lima to Laguna Humantay is 504 km or 313.17 mi. There are two options to get from Lima to Humantay Lake:

• Book a flight from Lima to Cusco, then take ground transportation to Humantay Lake.
• Travel by bus from Lima to Cusco, then take different ground transportation to Humantay Lake.

Indeed, taking a flight is cosier, but more expensive sometimes. The bus ride lasts 24 hours, whereas the flight just 90 minutes.

ORIGIN OF THE COLOR OF HUMANTAY LAKE?

The blue color of the lake is caused by fine silt particles in the water, which results from glacial erosion. The silt is so fine that it does not settle to the bottom quickly, but instead remains suspended in the lake.

When light hits the lake’s surface, some of it is absorbed by the silt (the very short wavelengths like purple and indigo), and the rest is absorbed by the water (the longer wavelengths like red, orange, and yellow). As a result, we see the lake as blue/green because the blue-green wavelengths are scattered back to our eyes.

Excuse me, glacial flour? What’s that exactly?

It is very fine clay particles produced by glacial erosion. As the glacier flowed down the valley, the ice eroded the rock below, causing the fine sediment to form.

HOW TO GET TO HUMANTAY LAKE FROM CUSCO?

You have two options to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco:

WHAT ELSE CAN I SEE AT HUMANTAY LAKE?

The trail is as beautiful as the lake. It takes you through stunning typical Andean landscapes, like hills, high mountains, llamas, alpacas, and culture. Although climbing to reach the lake is not easy, the hiking activity is worth it, as at the end you’ll see Humantay Lake and the impressive glacier above.

Also, many people built “apachetas.” They’re human-made piles of stones that represent respect for nature. Local Andean people and culture have been considering mountains and lakes as Gods, so in order to show them some respect, they usually build apachetas near them or in mountain passes.

Likewise, it is common to make offerings to Pachamama at this lake, often using a set of three coca leaves, known as Kintu, which symbolize the three worlds of Inca mythology.

Apacheta and Kintu. Both are offerings for the Pachamama

HOW IS HIKING TO HUMANTAY LAKE?

The hike lasts about 2 hours and has two sections: the flat and steep section. However, the final stretch before reaching the lake is even steeper and harder.

The trailhead begins at about 3,875 m / 12,713 ft and ends at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft ASL.

TRAINING FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS BEFORE FACE THE HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE

It is important to acclimatize at least 1 day to the altitude prior to attempting the hike. Drink plenty of water and eat light meals to help your body adjust. Start slow and increase your pace as the altitude becomes easier to handle.

It’s sometimes difficult to determine who might experience altitude sickness symptoms, regardless of age or physical condition. Many hikers feel headaches, dizziness, or just breathlessness while trekking or arriving in Cusco.

Acclimatizing before attempting the Humantay Lake hike

DIFFICULTY OF THE HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE

The Humantay Lake hike is moderate due to the high steep terrain. As I mentioned above, the trail has an uphill section that is challenging for more intrepid hikers who are hiking for the first time.

Therefore, in order to get to Humantay Lake safely, you should go at your own speed. It is also advisable to rent trekking poles that will support you with more stability.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HUMANTAY LAKE?

The best one is in the dry season, between May and September, because this period has a sunny and more steady climate. Also, most of the time is good to photograph landscapes of Humantay Lake.

Remember: Humantay Lake is opened year-round.

PACKING LIST FOR HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE

Before attempting this Humantay Lake hike, it’s important to pack essentially due to its location.

The tour starts very early in the morning, so consider packing the following items the prior night:

• Waterproof jacket.
• Gloves.
• Hoodie or fleece.
• Sunglasses.
• Trekking shoes.
• Rain poncho.
• Trekking poles.
• Water bottle.
• Sunscreen.
• Snacks.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Cash (we recommend in soles).

Packing list for Humantay Lake

HOW MUCH DOES THE HUMANTAY LAKE TICKET COST?

The entrance ticket to this natural tourist attraction can be purchased in Mollepata town. Prices are detailed below:

1. Foreign tourist: 6 dollars or 20 Peruvian soles
2. Peruvians: 3 dollars or 10 Peruvian soles.

CAMPING ON THE TOUR TO HUMANTAY LAKE – IS IT POSSIBLE?

Have you ever heard about glamping or luxury camping? Glamping has been increasing in popularity among people. That is a way to spend the night in huts, domes, or even wooded lodges built in the wilderness instead of sleeping in camping tents.

There are domes, huts, or even lodges at Soraypampa. Many hikers attempting the Salkantay trek spend the night in these glamping places. They offer all the comforts without sacrificing the enchanting experience of camping in natural environments and beautiful landscapes.

Glamping and witnessing stunning landscapes while stargazing

CAN YOU GET TO HUMANTAY LAKE WITHOUT HIKING?

Yes and no. Once you get to Soraypampa, you can hire a horse and get almost up to Humantay Lake by horse riding. However, remember that you can rent these horses just at the beginning of the Humantay Lake hike trailhead.

• The price is around 80 – 90 soles (25 dollars).
• Horse rental is generally only one way.
• You have to hike for at least 15 minutes.
• It is not advisable to rent horses to descend, since the path down is dangerous (the steep section).

Horses at Soraypampa

AT WHAT TIME DOES HUMANTAY LAKE DEPART?

THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENCY

Travel agencies start picking tourists up from 4 am until 5 am.

INDEPENDENTLY

You should follow the following steps:

• Take public transportation from Arcopata Street. We recommend taking transportation at about 4:00 a.m. in order to get to Mollepata before workers close the road for maintenance.
• Once you get to Mollepata, buy the entrance tickets for Humantay Lake and then seek a restaurant before heading to Soraypampa.
• From Mollepata to Soraypampa (trailhead), you must board a taxi for 80 soles or 25 dollars.

Important: If you want to enjoy Humantay Lake without many hikers, we recommend starting hiking at 9:00 a.m. and getting to Humantay Lake around 11:00 a.m. before noon.

WHICH HIKE IS MORE DIFFICULT, HUMANTAY LAKE OR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?

This question is common among tourists. However, both treks have their own characteristics, such as locations, altitudes, attractions, and others. So, choosing between these two might be hard, especially for those without much time to attempt other hikes.

If you have doubts about choosing Humantay or Rainbow Mountain, below we have detailed more information about both. Also, you can book this hike before one night.

02 DAYS – HUMANTAY LAKE

In this 02-day hike, you can explore Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass, the highest point on the Salkantay Trek, while witnessing the Puna grasslands through impressive mountains.

At the end of the day, you can try Peruvian delicacies before stargazing and going to bed.

2 Day Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain

SALKANTAY TREK AND HUMANTAY LAKE

The Salkantay trek is the second most famous trek reaching Machu Picchu besides the Inca Trail. It can last 4 – 5 days, which allows you to explore and hike among mountains and high Andean passes. So, the Salkantay trek 5-day hike includes Humantay Lake as one of the natural attractions to explore and reach Machu Picchu on the last day.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR

WHY VISIT HUMANTAY LAKE?

Humantay Lake offers one of the most impressive landscapes within the Cusco region, surrounded by the snow-capped Salkantay, and Humantay is considered a natural jewel of turquoise colors. The most important reason is that you only need one valuable day.

HOW HIGH IS HUMANTAY LAKE?

Humantay Lake lies at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft ASL.

CAN I GO TO HUMANTAY LAKE ALL YEAR ROUND?

Yes, the lake is available for the whole year. However, remember that you need to arrive early at Mollepata because workers close the road for maintenance.

CAN YOU GET TO HUMANTAY LAKE WITHOUT BOOKING A TOUR?

Indeed, you can see how in the other section above. Nevertheless, hiring a tour makes your trip much easier. Travel agencies arrange food, tickets, and transportation along the way and even sometimes it’s cheaper. Also, they will provide you with a professional guide who will explain and solve everything about the area.

CAN YOU SWIM IN HUMANTAY LAKE?

No, that is forbidden. Local people aim to preserve this natural resource, so swimming into the lake is impossible.

WHAT IS THE HUMANTAY LAKE TEMPERATURE?

The water temperature of Humantay Lake is usually between 10°C and 15°C. Swimming in this lake is not recommended as the temperature of the water can cause hypothermia. SWIMMING IS FORBIDDEN.

ARE THERE BATHROOMS ON THE HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE?

Yes, but they’re only located at the trailhead and cost 2 soles. Remember that you’ll not find other bathrooms except at the beginning.

CAN I FLY MY DRONE OVER HUMANTAY LAKE?

It’s possible but you need to get a permit from the municipality of Mollepata. I recommend you ask your travel advisor or your guide before you pay for your entrance tickets. Also, here are some regulations about the use of drones in Peru.

IS THERE PHONE RECEPTION AROUND HUMANTAY LAKE?

Along the hiking trail is zero. The last place you’ll have phone reception is at Mollepata (breakfast time). Then, you will continue without internet service.

HOW MUCH DO I NEED FOR HORSE RIDING?

It will cost around 25 dollars or 90 soles. Remember, always bring cash from Cusco because in order to rent a horse, you need only Peruvian cash currency.

CAN I CAMP AT HUMANTAY LAKE?

Camping is not allowed at the Humantay Lake itself. The camping areas are located in Soraypampa. If you wish so, you can even book a night in the Domes Camp, luxury accommodations with crystal dome shapes.

IS HIKING TO HUMANTAY LAKE FOR ALL AGE?

We recommend children older than 8 up to 60 years. The altitude and difficulty make this hike unsuitable for everyone. Adults must be in good physical condition and must not suffer from heart or respiratory diseases.

Now that you know a bit more about the Humantay Lake hike, we challenge you to explore the turquoise gem hidden under the snowy Humantay. Join us, we are Inkayni Perú Tours, and together let’s explore the natural beauty of Humantay Lake and its majestic snow-capped mountains. Book today! Small groups and daily departures are available.