Cusco is a land with history, unique landscapes, and traditions that captivate every visitor. Among its natural wonders, Humantay Lake stands out, a destination that has been gaining visitors thanks to its turquoise waters, framed by the majestic Salkantay mountain, which offers one of the most impressive views of the Peruvian Andes.
Humantay Lagoon is not only known for its charm, but also for its cultural importance. In Inca times, it was considered a sacred place and a point for offerings to the Pachamama (Mother Earth), a tradition that is still maintained thanks to the Andean communities.
Today, it is known as the third most visited tourist attraction in Cusco, after Machu Picchu and the Mountain of Seven Colors. Its popularity has grown quickly thanks to the mix of adventure, high-mountain landscapes, and the chance to see one of the most magical corners of Peru.
What is Humantay Lagoon?
Humantay Lake owes its name to the snow-capped peak of the same name (5,473 m.a.s.l.) and is considered one of the most beautiful and sacred in Cusco. Its intense turquoise color, framed by the majesty of the snow-capped peak Salkantay (6,270 m.a.s.l.), explains on its own why it has become one of the most visited destinations in the region.
Many travelers arrive on one day excursions, while the most adventurous prefer to include it in the famous Salkantay Trek, a 5 day hike to Machu Picchu that allows you to enjoy the lake with greater calm and in direct contact with nature.
If you are looking for a simple experience, a tour to Humantay Lake Peru is the best option: it will allow you to focus on the landscape, the culture, and the adventure, leaving the logistics in the hands of experts.
Where is Humantay Lake located?
Humantay Lake is located in the Andes mountain range, north of the city of Cusco, on the route to the Salkantay mountain. It is located in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
To get there, the most common starting point is the city of Cusco, from where you travel by land transport to the town of Mollepata (about 2 hours and 30 minutes). From there, you continue by vehicle to the community of Soraypampa, located at 3,900 meters of altitude. This is the base camp and the start of the trek to the lake.
The trek from Soraypampa to Humantay Lagoon is about 1.5 to 2 hours of ascent, depending on the traveler's pace. Although the journey is demanding due to the altitude and the slope, each step is accompanied by mountain landscapes and spectacular views of the Salkantay mountain, which makes the hike a fundamental part of the experience.
What to do at Humantay Lake?
Visiting Humantay Lake is more than just seeing its turquoise waters; it is living a cultural and natural experience. Among the activities you can do are:
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Ancestral ceremony to the Pachamama
At the lake, a traditional ritual is held in honor of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Visitors participate by placing stones as an offering, as a sign of gratitude for having arrived safely at this sacred place. This practice connects with ancient Andean legends, including the story of the brothers Salkantay and Ausangate, who went on a journey in search of food to save their people from famine. -
Camping in Soraypampa
A few minutes from the lake is an eco-camp in Soraypampa, where it is possible to spend the night surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Sleeping under a clear sky, watching the sunrise light up the Salkantay, and exploring the surroundings at your own pace, make this experience unforgettable. Of course, remember to bring thermal clothing and proper gear, as temperatures are often very low. -
Horseback riding
For those who prefer to avoid the physical effort of the climb, the people of Soraypampa offer horse rental at the start of the path. This service, only available for the uphill section, has an approximate cost of 90 soles (USD 23) and makes it easier to get to the lake without losing the experience of the journey.
Frequently asked questions about Humantay Lake
How to get to Humantay Lagoon?
To get to Humantay Lagoon from the city of Cusco, you must travel a path of about 120 km, passing through the towns of Limatambo and Mollepata, until you reach the community of Soraypampa.
Once we entered Soraypampa, we began an uphill walk of about 2 km until we reached the lagoon. If you are traveling with a tour package, transportation is included (including horse rental for the hike), as well as breakfast and lunch in the town of Mollepata. You travel alone? Don't worry. Below, we give you the complete tour.
Can I get to the lagoon on my own?
Of course you can, and below we will explain step by step what your route will be:
You must take public transportation from the city of Cusco to the town of Mollepata. The bus leaves from the Arcopata terminal and costs around 15 soles (4 USD).
Once you arrive in Mollepata, you will need to take a collective taxi to the community of Soraypampa.
You may not be able to find one of these collective taxis, so you will have to take a conventional taxi. For the latter case, the taxi can cost 50 soles (approximately 12 USD).
Finally, in Soraypampa, you have to walk to the Humantay Lagoon. As we mentioned before, it is a 2km walk and, depending on our resistance, it can take between 1 to 2 hours. It is a very beautiful experience, but it is recommended to reach the lagoon on your own only if you are used to this type of tour, since the trip can be exhausting at those 4,200 meters above sea level.
How much does the entrance to the lagoon cost?
The entrance is paid in the town of Mollepata and this gives us access to the Soraypampa camp, where the lagoon is located. The fee for foreign visitors is 10 soles (2.5 USD) and for Peruvian visitors it is 5 soles (1.5 USD).
What is the best season to visit Humantay Lagoon?
The weather in the highlands and mountains is not very predictable. However, we can see a considerable number of tourists visiting Cusco during the dry season, which runs from May to mid-October. This season undoubtedly provides a full day of sun to take that photo that we want to upload to Instagram so much, and more so in the case of the lagoon, whose blue-turquoise color can be seen more clearly.
Humantay Lagoon is accessible all year round, although during the rainy season you will find fewer tourists. Remember that, unlike the Inca Trail tour or tickets to go to Machu Picchu, the tour to Humantay Lake is always available.
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