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Humantay Lagoon is an ideal excursion for those who wish to experience one of Peru’s most beautiful lagoons. This lagoon is located along the route of the famous Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The trek lasts 9 hours, departing from Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. and returning around 5:00 p.m.
The Salkantay Trek to Humantay Lagoon, Peru (also known as the Blue Lagoon), is a day hike to the turquoise lagoon located at the foot of the Humantay Glacier. This stunning natural wonder is situated in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 to 5:00 am then we will go by private van to the village of Mollepata for 2 hours where we will stop to have breakfast buffet in a restaurant and then continue for 1 hour more to the beginning of the trek called Soraypampa at 3900 m
Here begins the adventure of Humantay lake for approximately 2 hours of uphill trekking with a distance of 3 km.
Once in this beautiful Humantay lake trek, you will have enough time to enjoy this incredible place, take pictures and meditate a little bit because this place is very energetic and for the lovers of mysticism is perfect.
This incredible time that you will spend in Humantay lake trek will be for you to remember in your life, many travelers call it one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, normally you will be here between 1 hour to 1 hour and a half depending on if it is rainy or dry season but always keep in mind to take the most important things for the mountain as a jacket for cold, gloves, hats, glasses, walking sticks.
The return from the lake is about an hour to where the cars meet, there ends the tour of Laguna Humantay and return to Mollepata for lunch and continue our journey to Cusco where we will leave you at your hotel.
In general, this experience of the Humantay lake is for those travelers who have little time in Cusco and can enjoy the most of this path that does not have much physical effort, in case of problems with the altitude will have the option of renting a horse.
Humantay Lake can be visited any day of the week from March through January. However, we don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season and maintenance of the route.
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2026 through January 2027. All prices quoted are in $USD
WHAT IS THE HUMANTAY LAKE?
The humantay lagoon is small, however, on sunny days you can observe with the reflection of the sun a very beautiful turquoise lagoon in other words to its maximum expression and has a totally glacial origin.
WHERE IS HUMANTAY LAKE LOCATED?
It is located 76 miles /123 km northwest of Cusco, in the district of mollepata (the plant that abounds in this place as a medicine and also used for a drink, province of Anta, Cusco region).
WHY IS THE HUMANTAY LAKE TURQUOISE?
In different parts of the world, there are very beautiful lagoons, of course in Peru too, one of them is the humantay lake, located in Cusco Peru.
The color is due to the presence of mineral flours or dust dragged by the icy waters in its path, these flours never sink to the bottom of this lagoon in addition to the presence of microalgae plus the presence of the sun makes this place magical and beautiful.
IS HUMANTAY WORTH IT?
To talk about Peru is to talk about its immense flora and fauna, one of the most outstanding things are its lagoons and the photos speak x if alone if totally worth it, the recommendation is to climb to the viewpoint is on the left side where you will have a perfect angle to take pictures with incredible views of the snowy and lagoon and valleys have to be here
PREPARATION FOR THE ALTITUDE SICKNESS
The best recommendation is to be in Cusco for a couple of days whether you are in excellent physical shape or not, whether you have experience doing trails or not. The idea is to enjoy this one-day trail and not suffer, for this, you should have no problems on this trail as it is 2 hours up and 1 hour down in total it would be 3 hours, something very important to know is that normally altitude sickness is having headaches and nausea and with proper medication, it should pass and not have problems.
The other very important thing to know is to drink mate de coca and herbs for the headache and drink a lot of water to stay hydrated following these recommendations you should not have these problems.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR HUMANTAY LAKE TREK?
The best time for hiking in general in Peru are the dry months from the months of April to September with perfect days for hiking, and even more so in this lagoon and the sun at its maximum splendor makes this place magical and beautiful, is the high season.
The low season is the rainy months from September to March and honestly, they are not recoverable because of the intense rain and the trail is slippery but there are few people who do it and with a little luck you can get good weather in the mountains of Cusco is unpredictable. However, we can see an increasing number of visitors to this region during the dry season which runs from May to early October. Indeed, this is a good season to avoid the downpours on the trek. On those mostly sunny days, you can see the lake with color at its best. After all, Humantay Lake can be visited all year round, although expect fewer people in the rainy season.
HOW IS THE HUMANTAY LAKE WEATHER?
The weather during the dry season is cold in the morning, as long as you have good hiking gear you should have no problems, for people traveling in the rainy season you will have rainy days and slippery roads but with a little luck, you should have good weather, in general, the best recommendation is to travel in the dry season.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS ALONG THE TRAIL?
The bathrooms on this trail are located at the beginning of the hike, you should know that the cost of the bathrooms is 1 sol and other bathrooms are half an hour away, this is the last option that you can consider, and know that in the lagoon of humantay there are no bathrooms, make sure to bring toilet paper.
THE OVERLOOK OF THE SALKANTAY AND HUMANTAY MOUNTAINS
At the beginning of the hike, you will have the view of Humantay and after 15 minutes you will have the view of the imposing Salkantay mountain with its 20,580 ft. / 6273 masl. It is just behind the Humantay mountain at 17,500 ft. / 5,334 masl. On sunny days it reaches its maximum splendor with a magical and unique view, you must be here.
MULETEERS ALONG THE TRAIL
In this humantay trail, there is the option to rent horses in case of emergency, surely at the beginning of the hike you will see horses or mules that are destined for the work of carrying to the lagoon of humantay for those who have problems climbing and there are also mules that have the job of carrying cargo for hikers of Machu Picchu as tents, food, etc., in general, this is a good option.
HOW WAS THE HUMANTAY LAKE FORMED?
When the glaciers began their last retreat less than 20,000 years ago, the ice masses carved and scoured the land as they moved slowly leaving moraines. Now the melt waters from the ice remains of the Humantay mountain filled the depression between the lateral and terminal moraines, and the Humantay Peru lake has originated taking the same name as the mountain above. but unfortunately every year this snow-capped mountain is melting and in a couple of years, it will be completely melted the job is to take care of it for future generations.
IS THERE ANY DANGER ON THE HIKING PATH?
when you do a trail in laguna humantay and in general in Peru there will always be risks, such as the gravel road, and keep in mind that horses pass and return from the lagoon so you will have to always stay next to the mountain to avoid accidents and there are also minimal avalanches nothing to despair they are very tiny and impossible to reach the Trail
HOW IS CELL PHONE SERVICE THERE?
There is no phone signal on this tour, and honestly, it is not necessary, only in case of emergencies you can access this wifi service with a cost of 10 soles at the base camp, in general, enjoy your vacation and connect with nature.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE HUMANTAY LAKE DAY TRIP?
Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level, is one of Peru’s most stunning alpine lakes. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this turquoise glacial lake is a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers. The trek to Humantay Lake is a popular day trip from Cusco, offering breathtaking views of the Salkantay Glacier and surrounding peaks.
If you’re planning to hike to Laguna Humantay, here’s everything you need to know before you go, including altitude tips, weather conditions, best time to visit, and what to pack.
No, the trail is well-marked, and you can hike independently. However, joining a guided tour ensures easy transportation and meals.
Yes, you can hire a horse for part of the trek (around 80-100 soles), but the final 15-20 minutes must be done on foot.
Yes, but it’s challenging for young children or older adults due to altitude and steep inclines.
Yes, basic toilets are available at Soraypampa (the starting point).
Absolutely! Its unreal turquoise waters and stunning glacial backdrop make it one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
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The Humantay Lake Trek is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Peru. The hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. The turquoise waters of Huamantay Lake are even more breathtaking in person, making the effort well worth it.
Waking up before dawn, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Humantay Lake trek. I had heard about its beauty, but nothing could have prepared me for the experience. The hike was challenging, with steep inclines and the high-altitude air making every step a little harder. But with each pause to catch my breath, I was met with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and endless green valleys.
Then, as I reached the top, the sight before me was nothing short of magical. Humantay Lake shimmered in a shade of turquoise so vivid it felt surreal, perfectly cradled between the towering Andean mountains. The crisp mountain air, the stillness of the water, and the sheer beauty of the landscape made every effort worthwhile.
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