Name: Humantay Lake Peru – Laguna Humantay Peru
Brand: Machu Picchu Peru Cusco
SKU: 1
Price: 30
Availability: InStock

+51 982 052 038 info@machupicchuperucusco.com

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Tour Details

Humantay Lake Peru is a hidden gem in Cusco, Peru as the Rainbow Mountain. Humantay Lake Tours is one of the popular full-day trips from Cusco.

Laguna Humantay Peru or Lago Humantay as referred to by locals is a turquoise lake up in the Andes. It nestles at 4200 meters above sea level (13779 ft.) snuggled between Salkantay and Humantay mountain. The high-altitude lake has been sacred for ages.

It flows on the foothills of Mount Humantay. Apu Salkantay is one of the sacred peaks in Incan mythology. Humantay Lake Peru is a popular stop on the first day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Often Andean priests (Shamans) hike to the lake to do their offerings to Apus (Mountains) and Pachamama (Mother Earth). They do this in a process called Apacheta where they pile stones each on top of the other.

The name “Humantay” derives from the snow-capped peak which feeds the lake. Depending on the weather the shade of water varies from emerald to dark green.

From the base camp in Sorayapampa, it is a 1.5 hours hike. The route offers a captivating view of the snow-capped Andean peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range and highland farms. You will also be passing through herds of Llamas and Alpacas.

The full-day hike up to the lagoon could be somewhat challenging to some. Hence we highly recommend you be properly acclimatized in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness. If you are not sure about hiking you can also rent a horse from the community.

We offer guided tours to visit Humantay Lake in private or small group tours.

During the rainy season, it gets cloudy and the trail gets wet and slippery.

Why choose us to visit Humantay Lake from Cusco?

Machu Picchu Peru Cusco is a local tour operator based in Cusco. Traveling with us means adventure, fun, and security. We maintain high safety standards. Our tour guides are trained in first aid and the use of Oxygen cans.

We believe that choosing the right travel company is important to determine your experience in Cusco. We aim to offer a seamless experience that would make your trip unforgettable. Check our reviews on TripAdvisor.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

04:20 in the morning

Price Includes

Transport
Bi-lingual guide
Breakfast and Lunch
First aid kit

Price Excludes

Entrance Fees (10 Soles)
Guide Gratuity
Any Private Expenses

Things to carry

Daypack to carry your things.
Sunscreen
Snacks and Water
Peruvian soles in cash

04:00 - 04:35 Pickup to your hotel or hostel
04:40 - 08:40 Cusco to Mollepata
08:40 - 09:30 Breakfast in Mollepata
09:30 - 11:00 Start walking from Soraypampa to Humantay Lagoon
12:30 - 14:00 Trekking back to Soraypampa
14:00 - 15:00 Lunch in Soraypampa
15:00 - 18:00 Back Soraypampa to Cusco

Itinerary

Humantay Lake Peru - Laguna Humantay Peru

Your epic full-day tour to Lake Humantay Peru begins with an early morning drive from Cusco. In our private transport, we will drive through for two hours and 45 minutes to a small Andean town, Mollepata. It nestles at 2803 meters above sea level (9196 ft). Here we will be stopping for breakfast.

After relishing a nutritious Peruvian breakfast, we will be driving along the panoramic sight of Apurimac Valley to Sorayapampa. It is the starting point of the trek.

Our guide will be sharing some tips on hiking the Andes. You will have some free time to prepare for the trek and wear sunscreen.

Sorayapampa is at 3850m/12631 ft. and Humantay Lake Peru nestles at 4236 meters (13897ft). It usually takes an hour and 45 minutes to get to the top..

If you are tired, you can rent a horse from the community at an additional cost. The lake is truly a hidden gem, you will discover this on this tour.

Humantay Lake Peru Hike

The hike is somewhat arduous, especially because of the high altitude. We strongly recommend that you are well acclimatized before the trek. The views however are truly magical. You will be hiking through several remote highland communities tucked amidst the snow capped peaks.

We will have plenty of stops along the way to contemplate the view. You will have time to rest and catch up with your breath.

Our guide will give you an insight into the Andean mythology and why the lake is sacred to locals. You will have ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the lagoon.

Once you have had your fill of the views, we will start our hike back down to Soraypampa. Our driver will pick you up from here and will drive you to Mollepata. We will stop here for lunch.

After lunch, we will be driving back to Cusco. We will be dropping you off at Plaza Regocijo at around 0600 PM.

Photos

FAQs

How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?

Humantay Lake is around 120 kilometers (75 miles) drive away from Cusco city. It takes around three hours to get to the trailhead in Soraypampa. From Soraypampa, it is a 1.5 hours hike to Humantay Lake.

Can you swim in Humantay Lake?

No, you cannot swim in Humantay Lake. The locals in the region use the water for consumption more over the water is extremely cold which could cause health hazards.

Is Humantay Lake worth it?

Yes, it is one of the unmissable attractions around Cusco. The turquoise lake is a natural formation and nestles high up in the Peruvian Andes.

Can you get to Humantay lake and back in 8 hours?

Yes, you can. Humantay Lake is around 120 kilometers (75 miles) drive away from Cusco city. It takes around three hours to get to the trailhead in Soraypampa. From Soraypampa, it is a 1.5 hours hike to Humantay Lake.

Can you go to Humantay lake without hiking?

Yes, you can visit Humantay Lake without hiking. You can rent a horse from Sorayapampa.

How to get to Humantay lake from Cusco?

The easiest and most practical way to visit Humantay Lake from Cusco is by signing up for a full-day tour. The company takes care of transport, guide service, and food and is cheaper and safer than doing it on your own.

When is the best time to visit Laguna Humantay Peru?

Although Humantay Lake Peru can be visited any time of the year, the best time to visit is during the dry season, between March and November. You will be having clear skies which will allow you to get spotless views of the lake.

3 Reviews

Sort By:RatingDate

William

Solo Traveller

everything was perfect, the service was spectacular. the guide Jaime was great very attentive …. SUPER RECOMMENDABLE …
the delicious food!!!
It was an amazing experience the colors of the lagoon are from another world, the landscapes very beautiful. EVERY MOMENT HAS BEEN INTERESTING.

April 15, 2020

Fernanda

Solo Traveller

The tour was in a group, it was well organized by Karen’s agency, the way to get there is steep, a bit strenuous, but the effort rewards the beautiful view and the landscape, as they say the good things are not easy but it is rewarding, the route It became beautiful and stimulating to continue walking and arrive, the experience with Alex the guide was great

February 11, 2020

Yesem

Group Traveller

THE tour was a complete success … the guide and driver were very attentive and professional, always punctual and everything well organized, we were able to get to LAGUNA HUMANTAY with effort but we all arrived and it was the best you appreciate in all its splendor the great beauty from LAGUNA
our experience was very good, we felt well informed and accompanied throughout the excursion.
EVERYONE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL

December 10, 2019

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Humantay Lake Peru – Laguna Humantay Peru

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