{"id":13747,"date":"2026-03-09T12:14:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/?p=13747"},"modified":"2026-03-20T10:09:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T15:09:45","slug":"humantay-lake-cusco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/humantay-lake-cusco","title":{"rendered":"Humantay Lagoon in Cusco: how to get there, altitude and tips for visiting it"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Why is Humantay Lake turquoise?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The turquoise color of Humantay lake\u00a0<\/strong> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Tourists
Visitors enjoying the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake in Cusco, Peru.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Kantu Peru Tours<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, 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 <\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n

Humantay lake: where it is and how higth it is <\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00bfWhat does Humantay mean?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Humantay means \u201chead of the gods.\u201d 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 \u201cwild mountain,\u201d is also part of this spectacular setting.<\/p>\n

Description<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

Location <\/span><\/h3>\n

Humantay Lake\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

\"Laguna
La majestuosidad de la Laguna Turquesa.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

History\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Humantay
A scenic view of Humantay Lake in Cusco, surrounded by mountains and crystal-clear water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Altitude\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Humantay Lake\u00a0<\/strong> is located at 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 ft)<\/strong>, so it is normal for some travelers to feel the effects of the altitude during the hike. Altitude sickness<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, also known as soroche, can cause symptoms such as tiredness, headache, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath.<\/p>\n

That is why it is ideal to start with a Cusco City Tour<\/strong>,<\/a><\/span> since it is usually one of the best ways to explore the city at a lighter pace while beginning your acclimatization process.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Turista
Turista sufriendo el mal de altura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How to get to Humantay Lake\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Where is it?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Humantay Lake<\/strong>\u00a0is about 1.5 to 2 hours<\/strong> from the small village of Soraypampa<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

What is the best season to visit Humantay Lake?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The best season to visit Humantay Lake<\/strong>\u00a0is usually during the dry season<\/strong>, from April to October<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, between November and March<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

Before choosing your travel date, you may also want to learn more about what to bring to Humantay Lake<\/a><\/span><\/strong> and how to acclimatize in Cusco<\/strong><\/a><\/span> to enjoy the hike more comfortably.<\/p>\n

\"Viaja
Travel and enjoy this unique landscape at Humantay Lake in Cusco,<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Humantay lake tour vs going on your own<\/span><\/h2>\n

To reach the most famous turquoise lake in the Peruvian Andes, there are two options:<\/p>\n

\u2714 Option 1: Humantay Lake with a travel agency<\/span><\/h3>\n

Humantay Lake Tour<\/span><\/h3>\n

To visit Humantay Lake<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

What is the price of the Humantay Lake tour?<\/span><\/h4>\n

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

What is included in the Humantay Lake tour?<\/span><\/h4>\n