HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE DIFFICULTY – ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE READY TO CHALLENGE IT?

All hiking trails through the Cusco region have their own charm making them unique, like enjoying unparalleled landscapes, ascents, rivers, or waterfalls.

Have you thought about exploring the Humantay Lake hike difficulty? But, you don’t know how to prepare for this hike? Is it a really demanding route as people say? Stay with us and keep reading this blog.

Inkayni Peru Tours and you will explore the Humantay Lake hike difficulty, the importance of acclimatization due to the Humantay Lake’s location, and practical tips to enjoy one of the best hikes in Peru.

How difficult is the Humantay Lake hike?

THE ALTITUDE OF HUMANTAY LAKE

The hike to Humantay Lake would not be so difficult if it were not at highland altitudes. It lies at 4,200 m / 12,713 ft ASL, and people feeling breathless over 3,000 m.a.s.l is common.

The hike starts at an altitude of 3,875 m / 12,713 ft ASL, and before reaching Humantay Lake, an ascent of 400 m is waiting for you. Therefore, do not underestimate adequate and previous acclimatization by staying in Cusco for at least two days.

Discover the cultural beauty of Cusco! However, before you get it, the Humantay Lake hike difficulty could stop you.

Altitude along the Humantay Lake tour

CLIMATE AROUND HUMANTAY LAKE

Weather plays some positive and negative roles in the Humantay Lake experience. Although the Peruvian Andes’ weather is always unpredictable, especially in the rainy season, whereas the dry season has standard weather during the dry months, and consequently, it’s the best season to explore but not feel the Humantay Lake hike difficulty.

DRY SEASON

The dry season is and means the best time to visit Peru. It runs between May and September. During these months, the sky is clear, on sunny days but cooler nights than in the wet season. Also, temperatures range between 10 and 20°C (50° and 68°F) and 0°C (32°F).

RAINY SEASON

It runs between December and April, and its temperatures could even drop below 0°C, making the Humantay Lake hike more difficult, although the view is always beautiful.

IMPORTANT: Regardless of the season, the hike to Humantay Lake is available for the entire year.

Average weather in the Andes – Including the Humantay Lake’s weather.

PRECIPITATION IN HUMANTAY LAKE

In Humantay Lake or the Andes Mountains, rains can occur suddenly. However, the rainy season has frequent rainfall that rises in January and February. Also, we don’t recommend hiking long treks if you don’t have good trekking equipment, especially in the rainy season.

ACCLIMATIZATION BEFORE GO ON HUMANTAY LAKE

Underestimating the Andean altitude is forbidden! Most hikes and treks, which are nestled in Cusco, lie at highland altitudes over 3,000 m.a.s.l. So, if you just arrived in Cusco, it’s common to feel dizzy or breathless due to altitude sickness.

Therefore, we aim for proper acclimatization, which is essential to enjoy every hike. Your body needs to adapt to the climate, temperatures, and altitude in order to prevent altitude sickness or soroche.

You must know that avoiding altitude sickness is not difficult, so mitigate its effects by following the next tips:

• Acclimatize for at least 02 days in Cusco.
• You should not climb more than 500 meters per day.
• Consult your doctor about medical recommendations to mitigate altitude sickness.
• Walk at your own pace, without rushing too much.
• Avoid heavy meals, alcohol and smoking.
• Enjoy some coca tee.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS HIT THE HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE

Altitude sickness or soroche is common among hikers who hike near Humantay Lake. As you ascend the hike, oxygen drops leading to difficulty breathing.

Altitude sickness symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Daze
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite

Suitable acclimatization for Humantay Lake hike

COCA LEAVES… DOES IT REALLY HELP AGAINST ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

An alternative to prevent altitude sickness is to consume coca leaves, but how? Coca leaves are generally consumed in infusions and should not exceed 3 cups daily. Another way to consume it is in candies and chewing coca leaves directly is a different option.

The Humantay Lake difficulty is due to high altitudes, so opting for coca leaves can help alleviate altitude sickness while ascending.

Coca leaves act as a mild stimulant that improves blood oxygenation, relieves fatigue, and acts as an analgesic. But even so, you should acclimatize well and take the hike slowly to complete it without complications.

Coca leaves against altitude sickness

HOW IS THE HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE DIFFICULTY?

This is a very important question: How difficult is hiking to Humantay Lake? or the Humantay Lake hike difficulty .The hike is considered moderate to challenging in difficulty. If we compare it hiking to Rainbow Mountain, the Humantay Lake hike has a steeper trail, but the distance is almost the same or even shorter.

The Humantay Lake hike begins at Soraypampa, and then people continue for almost 2 hours before reaching the Humantay Lake’s viewpoint. Once you get on the hiking trail, we recommend not going fast or hiking in your steps. You’ll come across other hikers and even people from Cusco visiting the lake.

A Humantay Lake tour lasts at least one day. They depart from Cusco before dawn and end before sunset, around 4 – 5 p.m.

IS HIKING TO HUMANTAY LAKE DANGEROUS?

Hiking on the mountains and even walking on the streets is dangerous when someone is not paying attention. However, the trail and terrain along the Humantay are rocky, slippery in the rainy season, and pass through streams in the same way that horses use.

This hike could be dangerous if you’re not acclimatized well nor pack essential items in your backpack. Also, you must listen to your guide or group leader’s instructions.

PACKING LIST FOR THE HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE

Packing must be well done. So before packing, you should consider bringing these items:

• Waterproof jacket because the weather in the Andes is unpredictable, especially in the rainy season. You can use a rain poncho, however, try not to use plastic to leave no trace while traveling.
• Hoodie or fleece as the second layer while trekking.
• A pair of gloves because cold winds over 3000 m.a.s.l while snowing or raining are present.
• Good trekking shoes to avoid mishaps or falling over.
• Hiking poles. They help you with 25% of the total effort while hiking.
• Water to stay hydrated and helps to avoid altitude sickness.
• Sunscreen. Rays UV are higher or stronger at higher altitudes.
• Snack. Even if you eat your breakfast at Mollepata, you’ll burn calories along the hike.
• Cameras are important if you like to take and record landscapes.
• Extra cash for renting horses and avoid hiking the way up. Also, to buy some snacks and pay for toilet services.

HIKING, TREKKING OR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

Choosing comfortable, resistant, gore-tex, trekking shoes with good traction is crucial before hiking in tough terrain. Therefore you must keep in mind the following characteristics:

• Trekking shoes that fit well provide stability, and cushioning, and protect your feet against injury.
• Lack of breathability causes foot odor.
• The grip and traction in order to walk safely.
• The weight of trekking shoes should be light.

Trekking shoes

1. SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU: DISCOVER ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS INCREDIBLE ROUTE IN THIS DEFINITIVE GUIDE
2. MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL GUIDE: ROUTES, TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3. GET READY FOR THE SALKANTAY 5 DAY TREK CHALLENGE! DISCOVER THE MAJESTY OF THE ANDES!
4. WAQRAPUKARA REVEALED: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE

Now that you have discovered the Humantay Lake hike difficulty, don’t hesitate and dare to visit this turquoise jewel lake.

Discover the exclusivity of hiking in the Peruvian Andes and relax in Soraypampa until you reach Humantay Lagoon.

Reserve now! We are Inkayni Perú Tours, and we offer you the best Humantay Lake hikes if you want the extended version of the Salkantay trek. We have small and personalized groups.