Humantay Lake is one of the day trip destinations from Cusco, Perú placed amidst the beautiful, mountainous landscape of Andean Peru. It is said to be one of the most visually stunning and serene destinations there. Bright blue and being hidden in mountains of snow, an adventure you shouldn’t miss to get a glimpse of Peru beyond Machu Picchu. 

Pre-tour preparation 

These are to be quite early treks since the tour starts between 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Nearly all the tourists book for the guided tour: in fact, it is very comfortable visiting Humantay Lake by taking a guided tour. The guided tour generally provides round-trip transport, breakfast, lunch, information guide, and sometimes trekking poles also which it is really helpful in the upward push. 

Water trekking shoes  

Warm clothes since it’s getting too cold in the morning   Hat, sunblock and sunglasses, bottles of water, snack and back pack. 

Travel from Cusco to the wonderfully incredible landscapes of Humantay Lake in the Andes. Being on the road passed by small villages and hills and valleys that gives an impression of how marvelous nature is in this territory. This trek to the town of Molle Pata will be completed where one can have a more significant breakfast, enabling preparation to hike. 

This is a shuttle run of 3.5 kilometers-simply one hour and a half to two hours at least that’s what it used to be for me. Not much of a distance, but this trail will give some major problems to most because it is very steep and you go up a great elevation. Drink lots of water and hike steadily. 

Of course, this first leg of the trek is going to be an easy climb with a passage through stunning situations and marvelous panoramic views from the valley into the snow-capped mountains. 

Now the trail goes vertical; your efforts would not be any different. You would be reaching the area way ahead of you. In fact, it’s quite tiring to climb up to this place but there’s still another route you can take to go up to this spot: hire a horse from the locals and that will bring you right to this Humantay Lake.

And, lastly, to make everything worthwhile comes the most beautiful view at the very end of the hike: that of Humantay Lake itself. In truth, for that crystal clear turquoise water fed by the melting of glaciers from summits poetically entering wild scenery, it is pure miracle to have an alpinists’ lake secludedly lying at the foot of towering Humantay Mountain. 

Spent some time there, letting the view be a perfect moment to take pictures or sit in silent meditation next to soothing waters. Many took it further to even doing a small ritual, offering coca leaves to the Apus, the mountain spirits-an example of respect devoted to the Andean culture and the brilliance of nature surrounding it. 

Road Back End 

You spend an hour on the lake going down to Soraypampa then hike down, about an hour-this being actually the much easier hike down; you get to see more views just by permitting less muscular exertion along the way down. Then you drive back by your tour group from Soraypampa to Molle Pata to have lunch before returning to Cusco, which will get you there around late afternoon/early evening. 

Good day Hike Tips 

1. Acclimatization: At least spend two days in Cusco to get acclimatized to altitude before you can try to hike into Humantay Lake. 

2. Pacing: Take whatever time you feel like. Stop if you feel that your body needs rest because it is exerting too much in trying to climb at high altitude. 

3. Rehydrate and Snack: Even as much as energy this day puts in, the water consumption should be maintained at maximum levels, and snack away. 

Come to Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake is one of the calmest sites compared to many other lesser explored places in Peru, yet it is much more colorful as containing silent surroundings with breathtaking panoramic views hence not a place to be missed by nature lovers and adventure-seekers who are keen to experience the beauty of the landscapes of Peru. 

Conclusion 

Very long and tiring trek for day excursion standards-it’s 2000 feet ascension from Cusco to Humantay Lake, but it absolutely does make all pains worthwhile. It’s going to be too much for your backpacking up the Andes if you don’t take a peep at this turquoise gem. After all, it is one of the most phenomenal day excursions one can ever take in Peru-it’s a sure bet for an unforgettable escapade. 

FAQS

Can you hike Humantay Lake on your own?

You will need to bring your own equipment if you are trekking the Salkantay on your own. You can find accommodation along the road, but you may wish to pack a tent. This is only applicable if you intend to camp in more isolated areas. Try not to bring too many duplicate items from the packing list and pack lightly.

How much is the entrance to Humantay Lake ?

The lake is situated in the Soraypampa camp, which may be reached in the town of Mollepata by paying an admission charge. For visitors from Peru, the price is five soles (1.5 USD), while for those from other countries, it is ten soles (2.5 USD).

Can you swim in Laguna Humantay?

Since maintaining the water’s hue is the primary goal, swimming is not permitted. People are not permitted to tamper with the ecology for this reason. Granted, occasionally you will discover folks attempting to swim in the lake when there aren’t many groups.

How high is the hike to Humantay?

This route climbs to Humantay Mountain, surrounded by glacier peaks. From 3900 meters (12,795 feet) to 4200 meters (13,780 feet), the one-day climb is around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) round way. Due to its increasing popularity, this trail may get busy.

Is Humantay worth it?

The spectacular charm of the Peruvian highlands, where every step puts you closer to nature’s creation, is demonstrated by the effort required to reach Laguna Humantay. It’s an experience that comes highly recommended to those who are willing to make the voyage.