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Do you want to discover unparalleled landscapes in the Peruvian Andes? Surrounded by whitish snow-capped mountains and turquoise water bodies, it is an authentic natural wonder very close to the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, one of the highest in Cusco.

In this blog, Inkayni Peru Tours has searched everything about the Humantay Lake day tour, from practical tips to relevant information about hiking toward Humantay Lake and its surroundings. Join us on this adventure to discover if Humantay Lake is worth it.

GREATEST BEAUTY IN THE ANDES – HUMANTAY LAKE

Lying at the foothills of the Humantay Mountain (5,473 m / 17,956 ft ASL) and very close to the imposing snow-capped Salkantay (6,270 m / 20,570 ft), both in the Vilcanota mountain range; there is one of the most beautiful places in the mountain range much covered by extensive snow-capped mountains and glaciers: Humantay Lake.

Likewise, hiking is as impressive as the lake. There is a lot to see before getting to the lake. If you are a birder, many endemic and restricted species are found in the area. The beauty of Humantay Lake is worth it.

Worth visitting lake in Cusco

FLORA OF HUMANTAY LAKE

Ichu or Andean grassland: On the way, especially over 3,800 m.a.s.l., you will realize its presence, which is tall, thick, dense grass that covers the slopes of the mountains and is a primary food for llamas and alpacas at highland elevations.
Scrubs: Very common beside the hiking trail. They offer protection for birds, mammals, insects, and even people who dwell in the surrounding area.
Andean trees: Over 3,800 m.a.s.l., just the highest forest in the world. Queña is the only tree that survives at over 4,000 m / 13,000 ft ASL.

Flora around Humantay Lake

FAUNA OF THE HUMANTAY LAKE

Alpacas and llamas: They are common camelids in the area, easily to observe them grazing grass and flowers beside the trail.
Andean birds: The Andean Condor is the most famous bird that can be seen soaring the mountains. However, there is a wide biodiversity of smaller birds dwelling in these mountains.
Mountain Vizcachas: Mostly seen in rocky areas. Their gray color camouflages very well with the environment, they move fast but usually stand on rocks.

Fauna of the Humantay Lake hike

TEMPERATURE AND CLIMATE IN HUMANTAY LAKE

Being located in the Cusco region, the climate splits into two seasons:

DRY SEASON

This season runs from May to November. During these months, early mornings and nights experience intense cold weather occurs through the Andes.

We recommend packing warm clothing with you. Daytime temperatures usually range between 10°C and 24°C, whereas night temperatures can drop up to -5°C.

Despite the cold, days are clear and rainfalls are very rare in these months. So, we recommend wearing hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hydrating.

WET SEASON

This period runs between December and April. Rainfall is very common and can appear suddenly. So, I recommend you wear waterproof clothing and bring it everywhere.

Wheater in the Andes

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO NEAR HUMANTAY LAKE

CEREMONY FOR HONORING OUR PACHAMAMA

Humantay Lake is the scene of an ancient ceremony for Pachamama, Mother Earth. Upon arriving at the lake, you can join this ceremony by putting stones as a gesture of gratitude (apacheta) and to thank you for being there.

This practice is essential for life opportunities, which allow us to connect with nature and people.

It is worth visiting Humantay Lake to experience this beautiful tradition and immerse yourself in the authenticity of Incan culture.

Pachamama worshipping ceremony at Humantay Lake

LUXURY CAMPING / GLAMPING

Luxury camping places add a more immersive experience near Humantay Lake and have been built in Soraypampa. They have a dome shape or simply a hut from where you witness the dark Andean sky and later wake up to observe dawn.

Explore the fascinating wonders of the Peruvian mountains in a truly unique experience.

Remember to dress warmly, as temperatures can drop. All these tourist services have been built to attract more tourists who realize that Humantay Lake is worth it.

The domes have services such as:

Heating
Internet service
Indoor fireplace
Washing machine
Restaurant
Comfortable beds
Suite room
Minibar
Allows luggage store

Glamping in Soraypampa

ARE THERE HORSES TO HIRE ALONG THE WAY?

If you think you will not complete the walk by yourself or prefer a more comfortable option to reach the lake, local people from Soraypampa offer their horses in order to carry you uphill. Horses will carry you from the bottom of the mountain and leave you almost at the lake.

Humantay Lake hike

ATTRACTIONS ON THE WAY TO HUMANTAY LAKE

Below are some attractions along the route to Humantay Lake. These tours are on the route but are not part of the full day Humantay Lake tour.

TARAWASI (INCA TAMBO)

The Tarawasi Archaeological Complex was an important worship center from Incan times. It has carved stones perfectly like flower petals.

CONTEMPLATE THE SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN

It’s the second-highest mountain in Cusco, behind Ausangate, and lies in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Hundreds of years ago, it was threatened as a God by the Incas and has been a direct access to Machu Picchu. Recently known as the Salkantay trek.

The height of this mountain reaches 6,234 m / 20,452 ft ASL! However, the Salkantay pass, 4,600 m / 15,091 ft ASL, is the highest point reached by hiking the Salkantay trek. The Salkantay trek is rated as one of the best trekking routes in South America.

So, you can take a detour to reach Humantay Lake by hiking the Salkantay trek.

CHALLENGING THE SALKANTAY TREK

According to National Geographic, it is considered one of the most challenging and famous hiking routes in the Cusco region, as it reaches Machu Picchu.

This route has impressive dreamlike landscapes, snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes like Humantay Lake, and lush valleys watered by ravines.

It is considered one of the most challenging trekking routes in the Cusco region and included in one of 6 best alternative routes to reach Machu Picchu according to National Geographic. Additionally, get into the subtropical rainforest on the third day and learn more about our coffee and cacao plantations.

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5D / 4N

Mapa ilustrativo Salkantay trek Machu Picchu 05 dias 04 noches

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4D / 3N

Mapa ilustrativo de SALKANTAY-TREK-4D-3N-min

Map of the Salkantaytrek 4D/3N

CAN I VISIT HUMANTAY LAKE INDEPENDENTLY?

Of course, you can, but remember:

First, you should take a bus from Cusco (link location) to Mollepata town. These buses and VANs depart at about 4:30 a.m. and cost 5 dollars.

Once you get to Mollepata, buy the entrance tickets for Humantay Lake for 8 dollars. This ticket allows people to enter and use roads and trails.

There are taxis available in Mollepata, and they can take you up to Soraypampa. The lift costs around 15 dollars.

Soraypampa is the trailhead of the Humantay Lake hike. The hike takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes on average due to steep rocky trails.

VERY IMPORTANT:

Acclimatization is essential to undertake this hike because you’ll reach 4,200 m / 13,779 ft ASL at Humantay Lake. You should hike at your own pace along the way and rest if you want.

We recommend you start the hike around 10 a.m. and then finish before lunchtime in Mollepata town. Humantay Lake is less crowded in the early hours, so, what a great idea!

ACCOMMODATION

SALKANTAY SKY CAMP DOMES

These domes are private luxury camping accommodations. They have a good location at Soraypampa, with windows to witness the Andean snowy mountains like Humantay and Salkantay. Most of them leave no trace and have internet services to content your family directly from the wilderness.

Humantay Lake is worth it anyway. Nevertheless, if you complement your hike by adding an extra night using these luxurious camps, it would be fine and much better. Can you imagine hiking around Humantay Lake and spending one night in the area? It could be done by hiring this 2-day hike to Humantay Lake.

Domes in Soraypampa

SALKANTAY LODGE

It is the most luxurious place to overnight in Soraypampa. These lodge is the mos expensive ion the hotel area and it’s like being in a 5-star hotel in the Andean mountains. This hotel doesn’t allow pets and doesn’t have smoking rooms.

Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa

RESTAURANTS

Casa Mollochayoc is located in Mollepata and stands out for being the first and best in the district. Offer breakfast and lunch buffet in a fresh atmosphere.
Casa Salkantay Museo Restaurant is located in Mollepata. It offers traditional local food and has a green environment to take photos.

SO…AFTER ALL, HUMANTAY LAKE IS WORTH IT

Of course, Humantay Lake is worth visiting! Discovering Cusco is entering a world of countless majestic Andean Incan heritage wonders that merge to give you a unique experience.

Whether you’re a nature or adventure lover, Humantay Lake is definitely worth it and ready to amaze you in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.

Humantay Lake is worth it by hiring a travel agency or independent. Whether full day or several days, both excursions are a unique opportunity to connect with the powerful energy of the Andean Apus and fall in love with the spectacular Cusco landscapes.

So… Humantay Lake is worth it! Come and experience this feeling of freedom.

Inkyani Peru Tours’ group at Humantay Lake

Inkayni Peru Tours