Lake Humantay Peru is one of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in the Peruvian Andes. It is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level (13,780 feet) in the Cordillera de Vilcanota mountain range. That is around 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the city of Cusco.
Just like the Rainbow Mountain tour, Humantay Lake Tour is one of the most popular full day tours.
This sacred Andean lake is fed by glacial meltwater from the nearby Mount Humantay. It is at (5,917 meters/19,430 feet), which is also one of the highest peaks in the region. The lake has a surface area of 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) and an average depth of 20 meters (66 feet).
Its turquoise waters are so clear that you can see the bottom of the lake even when standing at the shoreline. The surrounding snow capped mountains and glaciers provide a stunning backdrop to the lake.
Please note that Laguna Humantay hike is a high altitude experience. It is imperative that you spend 2-3 days in Cusco and acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness before you visit Humantay Lake.
We have an excellent team of local tour guides who are born and raised in the region. They have plenty of knowledge on Inca civilization and Andean history. Our guides are certified tourism professionals and have spent years guiding tours to Machu Picchu and Peruvian Andes
We operate Humantay Lake Tour both in private and as small group tours. We invite you to spare a moment to check our verified travel reviews on Tripadvisor.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
04:30 AM
Humantay Lake is a popular destination for hikers and adventure-seekers, as it is easily accessible from the town of Mollepata by trekking for about 2-3 hours each way.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, as well as see the local flora and fauna, including Andean birds, llamas, and Alpacas.
Your epic full day trip to Lake Humantay will begin with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco Peru. We will be driving you for two and a half hours through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Mollepata.
Mollepata is an Andean town at 2803 meters above sea level (9196 feet). We will be having a brief stop here. After relishing an Andean breakfast, we will begin our drive to Soraypampa, the starting point of Humantay Lake Hike.
From the town of Mollepata, it takes an hour to reach Soraypampa by car. We will begin the trek with a brief introduction and tips on hiking the Andes. Our guide will share some tips and give you an insight into life in the Andes.
You will have some time prepare for the trek and to wear sunscreen. You can also organize your gear before we start with the day hike.
We will begin with a gradual ascend. You will have a staggering view of the snow capped peaks of Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay at a distance. These are the two sacred entities of the Andean mythology at a distance.
Along the way up, you will have the opportunity of spotting several Andean camelids – Alpacas and Llamas in their natural habitat.
The total time to reach the hidden gem in the Peruvian Andes is 1.5 hours to 2 hours. We will have plenty of stops along the way to catch up with our breath. You can immerse in the tranquility of the Peruvian Andes.
Once we reach the lake, you will have ample time to soak in the views. Our guide will explain the prominence of the lake in Andean mythology.
Once you have had your fill of the Humantay Lake, we will begin with a gradual descent to the car park. Here we will be meeting our transport for the drive back to Cusco city. Along our way, we will be stopping in Mollepata for lunch.
We will be reaching Cusco by 0500 PM.
Humantay Lake is a high-altitude lake located in the Andes of Peru. While swimming in the lake is not prohibited, it is generally not recommended due to the cold temperature of the water and the risk of hypothermia.
The temperature of the water in Humantay Lake rarely exceeds 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit), even during the warmest months of the year. Swimming in water this cold can quickly lead to hypothermia, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
In addition to the cold water temperature, the high altitude of the lake (over 4,000 meters or 13,000 feet) can make physical exertion more difficult and increase the risk of altitude sickness.
Therefore, it’s best to enjoy the stunning scenery of Humantay Lake from the shore and refrain from swimming in the lake itself. If you do want to get closer to the water, you can take a short walk down to the shore or rent a kayak to explore the lake.
Humantay Lake is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Cusco region of Peru. The lake is situated about 110 kilometers (68 miles) northwest of Cusco and is accessible via a 3-4 hour drive followed by a 2-3 hour hike.
To get to Humantay Lake from Cusco, most visitors book a guided tour that includes transportation from Cusco to the trailhead and a guided hike to the lake. The tour typically includes a stop at Mollepata, a small town located about 2.5 hours from Cusco, before reaching the Soraypampa trailhead.
From Soraypampa, the hike to Humantay Lake takes approximately 2-3 hours each way, depending on your pace and fitness level. The hike is challenging, with steep inclines and a high altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), but the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains make it well worth the effort.
Humantay Lake is a stunning natural wonder located in the Andes of Peru, and many visitors consider it to be well worth the effort required to reach it. Here are some reasons why:
Scenery: The beauty of Humantay Lake is truly breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. The colors of the lake can vary from turquoise to deep blue, depending on the light and weather conditions.
Hiking: The hike to Humantay Lake is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the Andes along the way. The trail passes through rugged terrain and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Andes.
Cultural experience: The tour to Humantay Lake often includes a visit to a local community, where you can learn about the traditional way of life in the Andes and sample local cuisine.
Adventure: The hike to Humantay Lake offers a sense of adventure and a chance to get off the beaten path. The remote location and rugged terrain make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Overall, while the hike to Humantay Lake can be challenging, many visitors consider the stunning scenery and sense of adventure to be well worth the effort. If you’re up for the challenge, Humantay Lake is definitely worth a visit.
The hike to Humantay Lake is a challenging but rewarding experience that typically takes between 2-3 hours each way, depending on your fitness level and pace. The trail is approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long and reaches an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), so it’s important to be prepared for the high altitude and steep terrain.
The hike starts at the Soraypampa trailhead and follows a steep and winding path that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Along the way, you’ll pass through rugged terrain and may need to cross a small stream or two. The final section of the trail is particularly steep and challenging, but the stunning scenery of Humantay Lake makes it well worth the effort.
It’s important to take things slowly and stay hydrated during the hike, as the high altitude can make physical exertion more difficult. Most guided tours to Humantay Lake include a knowledgeable guide who can help you to navigate the trail and provide information about the area.
