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You have heard of the turquoise water of the Humantay Lagoon and are planning to go? Inkayni Perú Tours shares some useful tips with you to get to Humantay Lagoon without having any problem.

La magia de la Laguna Humantay

The magic of Humantay Lagoon

Humantay Lagoon, is a magical, charming, hypnotizing turquoise lagoon that is surrounded by imposing glaciers that are part of the Andes Mountain Range, among these the majestic snow-capped mountains Salkantay and Humantay. When these snowy mountains melt, it gives the water its turquoise color.

During the Humantay Lagoon hike you will find spectacular landscapes, with exotic flora and fauna.

Note that in this hike you will visit the following places:

Limatambo 2554 masl/ 8379 ft
Mollepata 2900 masl/9514 ft
Soraypampa 3900 masl/ 12795 ft
Humantay Lagoon 4200 masl/13779 ft
Humantay snow-capped Mountain 5650 masl/18536 ft
Salkantay snow-capped Mountain 6250 masl/20505 ft

Location:

It is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, in the district of Mollepata (Anta) in the Vilcabamba mountain range in southern Peru. It is 25 km from the Mollepata main square.

Climate:

The weather is cold. We recommend wearing warm clothes like:

Hats
scarfs
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Gloves

The dry season: From May to October

The weather during this period is predominantly dry especially in June, July and August. Days are bright and sunny with a temperature of 16 °C (61 °F) while nights are much colder sometimes with a low temperature of 0 °C (32 °F).

The rainy season: From November to April

During this time Lares receives a greater amount of rainfall. Average daytime temperatures are higher than the dry season at 18 °C (64 °F) while night temperatures can be as cold as 9 °C (48 °F).

How to get there?

You can get to Humantay going:

On your own
With an agency on a tour to Humantay
With an agency going to Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

If you decide to go with an agency, we recommend getting information of the licences the agency has to operate tours in Cusco. Inkayni Peru Tours offers you two tours to get to Humantay Lagoon:

02-Day Humantay Lagoon – Private Service

Mapa del circuito que tomaremos para llegar a la Laguna

Map of the circuit that will take you to Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay

Full-Day Humantay Lagoon – Private Service

Mapa del Full Day Laguna Humantay - Mollepata

Full Day Humantay Lagoon Map – Mollepata

And if you want to go on your own, you have to take the bus or minivan from Cusco to Mollepata early in the morning.

Once in Mollepata, after having breakfast, you should get a taxi that takes you to Soraypampa. It may cost 20 Peruvian Soles.

When you get to Soraypampa, you will start the hike. It takes 1 hour and a half to get to the Lagoon. If you feel you won’t be able to climb, you can rent a horse.

The entrance ticket to Humantay is 10 Peruvian Soles. Although once in the Lagoon, you can stay as long as you want, we recommend staying there from 30 minutes to 1 hour and start your journey back to Cusco.

You can have lunch in Mollepata and then take the bus back to Cusco.

Humantay Lagoon Hiking Level: Moderate

Humantay; significa “La Cabeza de Dioses” esto se le dice por estar en la cabeza del vertientes de la selva alta / Créditos: Luis Felipe Huerta Escalante.

Humantay means “Head of the gods”, this is possibly due to being located on the slopes that overlooks the High Jungle
Credits: Luis Felipe Huerta Escalante

What is the terrain like?

It is a rough terrain with small stones. In this hike, you will have to go uphill for an hour and a half to get to the Lagoon. Therefore, we recommend having a good health condition.

Since the temperature is cold near the Salkantay snow-capped Mountain, you should bring warm clothes and trekking poles.

What will you need during the Humantay hike?

Trekking shoes. You should wear them before coming to Cusco to avoid getting hurt.
Warm clothes (jackets, gloves, winter hats or “chullos” bought in Cusco, socks, and fleece pants or warm pants), The weather is changeable, so keep your body warm all the time.
Trekking Poles. You will find them very helpful.
Camelbak water bottle.
Diamox or sorojchi pills to avoid altitude sickness. You can bring coca leaves, too.

Laguna Humantay se encuentra a 4200 m.s.n.m/13,779 pies Créditos: Luis Felipe Huerta Escalante

Humantay Lagoon located at 4200 m.a.s.l/13,779 ft
Credits: Luis Felipe Huerta Escalante

Inkayni tips for before and during the trip:

Don’t go out late at night in Cusco the night prior your Humantay Lagoon hike. This way you will have energy to enjoy the adventure.
Sleep well and early. The tour starts early in the morning.
Bring Sunscreen (SPF 35+). We recommend applying it each 2 hours to prevent from sun damage..
Snacks. You can bring some cereal bars, dried fruit or any snack you prefer.
You should arrive in Cusco some days prior to your trek to acclimatize to the altitude.
Water. You should keep yourself hydrated. Drink some water during the hike. Water contains oxygen, which is vital to resist the altitude.
Coca leaves. If you suffer from altitude sickness, you should drink coca tea or chew coca leaves for 5 minutes.
Breath! If you live in a place that’s located at a moderately high altitude, you get used to the air pressure. But if you travel to a place at a higher altitude than you’re used to, your body will need time to adjust to the change in pressure. Breath in for 4 or 6 seconds, then breath out. This will help your brain receive oxygen, and you will feel much better.