Humantay is the snow-capped mountain named after this impressive lake, considered one of Cusco’s most beautiful and sacred. Its fame is mainly due to its turquoise waters, adorned by the white snow of the snowy Salkantay. In addition to visitors who take the 1-day tour to the lake, tourists who do the so-called ‘Salkantay Trek’ (5-day hike to Machu Picchu) can visit this lake.

The Humantay Lake is near the Salkantay snow-capped mountain in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru. The lake is located 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 feet).

To get to the Humantay Lake from the city of Cusco, you must follow a road trip of approximately 120 kilometers, passing through Limatambo and Mollepata until arriving at the community of ‘Soraypampa.’

If you travel with a tourist package, transportation, breakfast, and lunch are included in the town of Mollepata. If you travel alone, you must hire public transit in Cusco.

Humantay Lake and Salkantay’s 2-day climate is cold and hot. It varies from 10 oC (50 oF) to 0 oC (32 oF). The temperature can be even lower because its waters come from melting snow. There are two seasons in the year: a) the dry season (without rain and colder) and b) the rainy season (with more probability of precipitation and less cold).

Yes. You must take public transportation from Cusco to Mollepata to the lake alone. The buses depart from the ‘Arcopata’ terminal and cost approximately 15 Peruvian soles (5 USD).

Once in Mollepata, you must get a collective taxi service to the community of Soraypampa. Sometimes you will not find this transportation, so you must get a taxi. This service could cost 50 Peruvian soles (15 USD).

Finally, in Soraypampa, you must walk to the Humantay Lake Tour 2 Day. Due to the complexity of the trip by public transportation, it is recommended to choose a tourist package with a vehicle included. It can be cheaper and safer than going on your own.

In the town of Mollepata, you must pay to enter the Soraypampa camp, where the lake is. The price for foreign tourists is 20 Peruvian soles (6 USD). The cost for Peruvian tourists is 20 Peruvian soles (6 USD). Some tour packages include this entrance, while others do not.

The final stretch of the trip is the walk from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake and the Salkantay hiking trail to Machu Picchu. This stretch is approximately 9 hours, depending on the physical condition of the visitor. Tourists not used to this hike can rent a horse, etc. It is common for tourists to feel the symptoms of altitude sickness, whether in Cusco, Machu Picchu, or Humantay.

The residents of the Soraypampa community offer horse rentals at the starting point of the walk to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass. The service is only for the uphill section and has an approximate cost of 220 Peruvian soles, negotiable (75 USD).

Due to the cold climate of Humantay Lake and Salkantay to Machu Picchu, it is recommended to bring a warm jacket, gloves, and a jacket. Of course, wear light clothing during the walk since the visitor will inevitably sweat. A rainponcho is also essential since it can rain at any time.

In Cusco, Kondor Path Tours offers a 2-day tour of the Humantay Lak via Salkantay to Machu Picchu. All services must include total transportation, breakfast, lunch, and tour guide service. Choose the tourism agency that meets your expectations. Remember to contact the service through the tourist agency’s website.

Yes. Unlike the Inca Trail tours or the tickets to Machu Picchu, there is always availability for the Humantay Lake 2 Day Trek. Therefore, you can get an excursion in Cusco without any problem.