Humantay Lake Peru 2024

Humantay Lake is a stunning turquoise lake in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and breathtaking scenery, it’s a popular destination for hikers and adventurers seeking a unique outdoor experience.

Humantay Lake is a mountain covered with snow that is part of the Andean Cordillera and gives rise to the formation of this stupendous lake of turquoise waters, a color that leaves anyone who goes to this place for the first time mesmerized.

This place has become one of the most visited by national and foreign tourists.

The Humantay Lake Tour will give you peace and tranquility, thanks to its natural beauty! Do not miss the opportunity to visit this magical place; you can do it alone or with your favorite people.

Where is the Humantay Lake?

This beautiful lake is located in the community of Soraypampa, 25 kilometers from Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco, Peru.

Humantay Lake is located in Cusco, Peru, within the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level.

• Longitudes: 72°37’2.43″W
• Latitude: 13°24’41.72″S

When is the best time for the Humantay Lake hike? The best time for the Humantay Lake hike is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. The weather is usually clear and sunny during this time, making for better visibility and a more enjoyable hiking experience. It’s important to note that temperatures can still drop significantly at night, even during the dry season, so it’s important to bring appropriate warm clothing.

If you plan a hike to Humantay Lake, you’ll want to ensure you have the right gear and equipment. Here’s a packing list to help you prepare:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
• Warm layers, including a fleece or down jacket, hat, gloves, and thermal underwear
• Rain jacket or poncho in case of rain
• Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the intense UV rays at high altitude
• Insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay
• Water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated
• Snacks and a packed lunch for the day
• Cash for entrance fees and any additional expenses
• Camera or smartphone for capturing the stunning scenery
• Personal medication, such as altitude sickness medication, if needed
• Backpack to carry all your gear

Packaging these essentials will prepare you for a comfortable and enjoyable hike to Humantay Lake.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE ROUTE TO THE HUMANTAY LAKE?

The Humantay Lake is part of the Cusco region and shares explicitly two seasons per year:

• Dry season: From May to November, during this time of the year, it is too cold in the mornings and afternoons, so it is always recommended to keep warm.
• Rainy season: Between December and April, rain is probable with lightning.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HUMANTAY LAKE?

The best time to go to Humantay Lake is between May, June, July, August, September, October, and November; during these months, it is not expected to see rain since we will be in the dry season. During these months in Cusco, you can enjoy a beautiful blue local sky, but in the afternoons and evenings, it is recommended to bring warm clothes because it is usually too cold in some months of the year.

Here are the temperature probabilities by month:

HOW LONG IS THE TOUR TO THE HUMANTAY LAKE?

Travel time: The trip will take approximately 6 hours from Cusco to Humantay Lake.

HOW TO GET TO HUMANTAY LAKE:

• On your own
• On the route to the Salkantay snow-capped peak
• From Cusco to Humantay LAKE

WHY VISIT THE HUMANTAY LAKE?

The trip to Humantay Lake is a good option because, during the hike, you will observe part of the diversity of flora and fauna.

Another advantage of this tour is the level of activity; however, it is true that the group is moderate and does not need excellent physical condition. Kondor Path Tours still recommends you exercise before making the body, in addition to acclimatizing in Cusco 2 or 3 days before.

HOW DO YOU GET TO HUMANTAY LAKE ON YOUR OWN?

Getting to Humantay Lake on your own is easy; all you have to do is follow the steps below:

• 1º  The first thing to do is to take a car from Cusco to Mollepata; the bus terminal to Mollepata is in Arcopata, and the cost varies between 15 and 20 soles.
• Travel time for this section is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• 2º Once you have arrived in Mollepata, you should look for a place to have a hearty breakfast.
• 3º To continue your trip, you must get a cab to take you to Soraypampa, which will charge you approximately S/. 20.00.
• When you arrive at Soraypampa, you must walk for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. This part of the section has two options: one is to make the walk, and the other is to rent a horse to help you arrive at the lake. To enter Humantay Lake, you will have to pay S/. 10.00.
• To return to Cusco, you must take the same route, enjoying a good lunch.

Note: The first 20 minutes of the hike are semi-flat, and the rest is uphill.

IN CUSCO, WHERE SHOULD I STAY BEFORE HIKING TO HUMANTAY LAKE?

If you plan to hike to Humantay Lake in 2024, staying in Cusco for a few days before the trek to acclimatize to the high altitude is recommended. There are many accommodation options in Cusco, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Some popular areas to stay in Cusco include the historic city center, San Blas, and the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. It’s essential to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel season, to ensure availability. Many tour operators also offer housing and transportation packages to the Humantay Lake trailhead.

MORE OPTIONS TO REACH THE HUMANTAY LAKE

We have several options that take you to know this beautiful Lake of turquoise waters and enjoy its magic. All you have to do is enter these two attractive options and choose the one that best suits your needs. We are an authorized agency to operate this route.

Next, we will share a motivational video of Humantay Lake.

Salkantay Treks

• Salkantay Trek 3 Days
• Salkantay Trek 4 Days
• Salkantay Trek 5 Days
• Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail 6 Days
• Salkantay Trek + Classic Inca Trail 6 Days