Full Day Short Hike
Full Day Short Hike












If you enjoy nature and trekking, this place is ideal. Humantay, is a mountain covered with snow that is part of the Andean mountain range and gives rise to the formation of this splendid lagoon that, for its unique turquoise color, generates the interest of foreign and domestic visitors. The walk to the place will make you feel a sense of peace and tranquility thanks to its natural beauty.
With a mystical air, the lagoon is visited by shamans and tourists from all over the world to leave offerings to the Pachamama, the deity that represents Mother Earth in the Inca culture. By placing stones (apachetas), an offering is made to Pachamama thanking her for having reached the lagoon successfully, as well as asking her to accompany them on their journey.
According to the villagers, the Humantay snow-capped mountain is the youngest son of the Apu Salkantay, and they would be in charge of rationalizing and distributing the water that comes down from its snows to the populations that live on the slopes of these impressive snow-capped mountains.
Our tour will start with the pick up from your hotel at 03:00 a.m., we will begin this adventure to Humantay lagoon in private transport is 4 hours drive to Soraypampa (3850 m.a.s.l.), place where we will have our breakfast with a breathtaking view of the surrounding snowy mountains, it is also the first camp of 4 and 5 days of the Salkantay route that connects to Machupicchu. Then we start the hike to Humantay Lake (4200 m.a.s.l.) with beautiful views, we can appreciate the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay, Humantay covered with snow.
It is a 1.5 hour hike to the lagoon with a low to moderate difficulty. There is also the option of renting a horse on site if we do not have much energy. We will have enough time to take pictures, observing the snowy surrounding the place is magical! After some free time, we will begin our descent to Soraypampa for approximately 1 and a half hours, it is much easier on the way back. After lunch and a rest we will return to Cusco, arriving around 5 p.m. and we will leave you at
The road is as beautiful as the destination, as you will pass through a beautiful landscape typical of the Andes between hills, high mountains, llamas, alpacas and vicuñas.
The climb is not easy, but the reward is a fantastic view of the turquoise lake that contrasts with the snow of the glaciers.
Around the lake you will see small stone towers: these are the apachetas in honor of the lake and the mountains that are considered sacred by the local communities.
Offerings to Pachamama are also made here, often with three coca leaves, a set called Kintu that represents the three worlds of Inca mythology.
The Humantay hike starts at 3875 m (Soraypampa).
The halfway resting place is at 4125 m (4125 m)
Humantay lake is at 4180 m above sea level
The viewpoint of the lake is at 4200 m above sea level.
You need to be in good physical condition as walking 1h30-2h, going from 3870m to 4200m, represents quite an effort!
For the first half hour, the trail is flat and then it is a steady climb up to the lake.
It is impossible to know in advance how our body reacts to altitude because it is not related to age or physical condition.
Some people feel the symptoms strongly (most commonly: headaches, nausea), others hardly at all.
That is why before undertaking a trek at this altitude, it is very important that you spend 2 or 3 days in Cusco to allow your body to acclimatize.
The entrance to the lake costs 10 soles for foreigners or 5 soles for Peruvians.
Yes, there is land to set up your tent.
It can get very cold at night, so dress warmly and have the right equipment!
The best time to go to Humantay is from May to November because it is the dry season: the sky is clear, the weather is beautiful and the scenery is magnificent.
Don’t forget to bring your camera!
No, you cannot swim in the lake because it is a source of water for the surrounding communities.
You can drink it if you have a filter, otherwise I do not recommend it because there may be a risk of indigestion.
Warm clothes
A good sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, because the sun is strong at this altitude.
Enough water (it is cheaper to buy it in Cusco than in Mollepata) and some snacks.
A good pair of trekking shoes
My last tips for visiting Humantay
Go early in the morning to make sure you will be able to catch the bus back to Cusco and not to interrupt the return of the ducks to the lake in the afternoon.
Don’t forget to bring cash as cards are not accepted (souvenirs, food, cab, bus, etc.).
Mollepata is the last place where you can have breakfast (7-10 soles) or buy food.
| Number of persons | Price per person |
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL is a Local Travel Agency and Tour Operator with 10 years of experience in the world of tourism. We are specialists in organizing travel packages that include Machu Picchu (the main tourist destination in our country), Adventure tours such as the Inca Trail and alternative tours that also reach Machu Picchu. This article will help you know why you should choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, the local travel agency that personalizes services for demanding clients like you.
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