Humantay Lagoon in Cusco: how to get there, altitude and tips for visiting it

Why is Humantay Lake turquoise?

The turquoise color of Humantay lake is mainly due to the water coming from the glacier melt and the way sunlight reflects on its surface. This visual effect, combined with the purity of the surroundings, gives it intense and highly photogenic shades.

Tourists at Humantay Lake in Cusco, Peru — Visitors enjoying the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake in Cusco, Peru.

At Kantu Peru Tours, we know you have probably already seen on social media the famous photos of travelers standing in front of this beautiful turquoise lake. That is why, in this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Humantay Lake : where it is, how high it is, how to get there on your own or with a tour, what to bring, and the best season to visit it.

Humantay lake: where it is and how higth it is

¿What does Humantay mean?

Humantay means “head of the gods.” This is related to its location in a high jungle area. On the other hand, the snow-capped Salkantay mountain, whose name in Quechua means “wild mountain,” is also part of this spectacular setting.

Description

This turquoise lake is a breathtaking landscape located in a mountain range, right at the foot of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped peaks.

Location

Humantay Lake is located in the district of Mollepata, in the province of Anta, in the Cusco region, in the Peruvian Andes. It is one of the most visited natural destinations near the route to the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.

History

Humantay Lake in Cusco surrounded by mountains and clear turquoise water — A scenic view of Humantay Lake in Cusco, surrounded by mountains and crystal-clear water.

The famous Humantay Lake, also known as the turquoise lake, was formed thanks to the glacier melt from the Vilcabamba mountain range. Its color is also related to the purity of its waters, creating a unique landscape that travelers love to capture in photographs.

Altitude

Humantay Lake is located at 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 ft), so it is normal for some travelers to feel the effects of the altitude during the hike. Altitude sickness, also known as soroche, can cause symptoms such as tiredness, headache, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath.

That is why it is ideal to start with a Cusco City Tour, since it is usually one of the best ways to explore the city at a lighter pace while beginning your acclimatization process.

How to get to Humantay Lake

Where is it?

Humantay Lake is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the small village of Soraypampa, which is where all vehicles taking travelers to this destination stop before the trek begins. It is also the place where you can rent a horse if you feel tired.

What is the best season to visit Humantay Lake?

The best season to visit Humantay Lake is usually during the dry season, from April to October. During this period, there is less rain, the trails are generally in better condition, and the landscape can be enjoyed more clearly. In addition, with more clear days, you are more likely to enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain, the lake, and the entire Andean surroundings.

On the other hand, between November and March, which is the rainy season, the landscape is still beautiful and greener, but access can become a little more challenging. During these months, fog, unexpected rain, muddy trails, and reduced visibility are more common, so the experience will depend a lot on the weather that day.

Before choosing your travel date, you may also want to learn more about what to bring to Humantay Lake and how to acclimatize in Cusco to enjoy the hike more comfortably.

Viaja y disfruta de este paisaje único. — *Travel and enjoy this unique landscape at Humantay Lake in Cusco,*

Humantay lake tour vs going on your own

To reach the most famous turquoise lake in the Peruvian Andes, there are two options:

✔ Option 1: Humantay Lake with a travel agency

Humantay Lake Tour

To visit Humantay Lake, you can book a tour with a travel agency. These tours usually include breakfast, lunch or buffet lunch, entrance tickets, trekking poles, a professional guide, and transportation from your hotel.

What is the price of the Humantay Lake tour?

Travel agencies usually offer tours ranging from 90 soles (about USD 25) with some service restrictions, up to around USD 80. At Kantu Peru Tours, we offer one of the most complete Humantay Lake tours at a very competitive price, all included. Click here to learn all the details of an organized tour with a travel agency.

What is included in the Humantay Lake tour?

Professional guide (Spanish and English)
Tourist transportation and professional driver
Breakfast and tourist lunch (vegetarian option available)
First aid kit and oxygen tank
Entrance ticket

What is NOT included in the Humantay Lake tour?

Horse
Rain poncho
Water
Tips

✔ Option 2: Humantay Lake without a tour

To get to Humantay Lake on your own, keep the following in mind:

First: take a bus to Mollepata from Arcopata Street in Cusco, preferably in the morning around 6:00 am. The cost is around 15 soles (about USD 5) per person, and the trip takes about 2 hours. We recommend having your meals in Mollepata.

Second: after eating, find a taxi and negotiate a round-trip service from Mollepata to Soraypampa and back. Usually, the cost is around 80 soles for a group of 3 to 5 people, and the trip takes about 1 hour. Keep in mind that the road is unpaved and runs along steep mountain edges.

Third: once in Soraypampa, cars are parked there, and this is also where you pay the entrance fee, which is around 10 soles (about USD 4). The hike duration depends on each traveler’s physical condition, but it usually takes 2 hours or less.

Humantay Lake: more tips to plan your trip

At Kantu Peru Tours, we can help you plan the ideal itinerary so you can acclimatize first and then enjoy experiences such as Humantay Lake or even more demanding routes more comfortably. These articles can help you organize your trip better, acclimatize in Cusco, and discover other amazing routes to complement your experience:

What to bring to Humantay Lake?

This is a one-day tour, so we recommend bringing the basics:

Small backpack
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Snacks (cookies, chocolates, candy, coca leaves)
Waterproof clothing
Trekking shoes
Extra cash

Everything you should know before going

To help with altitude sickness during your visit to Humantay Lake, bring coca candies or coca tea with you.
Because of the location and altitude of Humantay Lake, we recommend resting well the night before.
Wear warm trekking clothes.
Acclimatize before doing the hike.
Walk at your own pace.
Enjoy the moment and the natural landscape.
Bring a camera and take as many photos as possible of this unforgettable experience.

FAQs

Humantay Lake is located in the district of Mollepata, in the province of Anta, in the Cusco region of Peru. It sits high in the Peruvian Andes near Soraypampa, which is the usual starting point for the hike. It is one of the most popular natural attractions near the Salkantay route.

Humantay Lake is located at 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 feet). Because of its altitude, some travelers may feel tired, short of breath, or experience mild altitude sickness during the hike. That is why it is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco before visiting this beautiful high-altitude lake.

The hike to Humantay Lake usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, depending on your pace, fitness level, and acclimatization. Since the trail is at high altitude, it can feel more demanding than expected. Walking slowly, taking breaks, and staying hydrated can make the experience much more enjoyable.

The best time to visit Humantay Lake is usually during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, there is less rain, the trail is often in better condition, and the mountain views are usually clearer. The rainy season can still be beautiful, but weather conditions can be less predictable.

Kantu Peru

We are a modern and dynamic travel agency in the Peruvian market. From 2016 We offer the best packages and tours to Machu Picchu – Peru, showing the best of each place and creating unique experiences. We invite you to visit Peru and its incredible destinations: Cusco, The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Ica, Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines, among other fantastic places that you can discover in Peru – South America. Come and enjoy our best hike tours and classic Tours to Machu Picchu. Travel with us and discover a wonderful country, full of incredible landscapes and places. Make your trip to Peru memorable