Since Cusco is located in the Andes mountain range, it means that it also holds an authentic natural scenery yet to be explored. The city itself is surrounded by a vast nature and towering mountains, but going further into the Peruvian wilderness, the adjacencies get even more beautiful. A perfect example of this is the Humantay Lagoon, a paradisiac water body located in the Soraypampa region.
Just like Huaraz City, Cusco also has its hidden secrets and the famous Humantay Lagoon is a well-preserved natural jewel veiled by two towering mountains. The famous water body has an emerald-like hue in its water which makes it stand out on its own.
For adventurous travelers, Cusco is the perfect destination, especially if you’re short on time but still want to experience culture, history, and natural wonders above everything. Therefore, it is considered as a complete travel destination thanks to its historical and natural heritage.
The jaw-dropping landscape of the region will keep you captivated from day 1 until your eventual return home, so why don’t you dare to explore it while you can? The Humantay Lagoon could be the start of a new adventure through Peru, keep reading and let us show you why.
As we mentioned before, the Humantay Lake is located in the Soraypampa community, a few hours away from Cusco. It has an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level and the only way to get there is by a combination of car rides and trekking.
The turquoise lake owes its colors to the thaw of the nearby glacier which contains the mineral-rich water that causes this beautiful coloration. In comparison to Rainbow Mountain, the trek is considered to be very steep, though the difficulty can be very similar to the famous colored mount of Peru since it has a moderate to challenging difficulty level.
The walk up to the summit can take up to 2 hours depending on your physical condition. It is worth noting that due to the high altitude of the site, it is recommended to spend two to three days in Cusco before committing to such activity.
Another way to visit the Humantay Lagoon is by taking the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu which takes you through this natural wonder and the impressive Salkantay pass that surpasses the 4,000 meters of elevation before deep diving into the jungle.
The Salkantay Mountain was considered an Apu by the Inca culture, which is why it is said that the Humantay Lagoon could have been a sacred location to the famous civilization.
Nowadays, to honor and show gratitude to Mother Earth, local and foreign tourists make a coca leaf offering by digging a hole in the ground, leaving the best coca leaves they’ve found, and then building a tower of rocks on top of it, a tradition distinctive of the Andean region.
If you’re interested in taking the trek, keep in mind that you must be acclimatized before committing to this physically demanding activity.
Due to the high altitude of these lands, one may experience altitude sickness symptoms, which is why it is highly recommended to spend some time in Cusco before venturing out to the Lagoon Humantay.
We want you to travel in comfort, therefore, we have structured this itinerary so you can have a fun but also safe experience during your visit:
04:30h - 05:00h | Pick up from the hotel
Our team will pick you up at your accommodation. It will take about 3.5 hours to get to the Humantay Lagoon from Cusco, but first, we’ll have a stop for breakfast.
05:00h - 07:30h | Cusco to Mollepata
We’ll be headed to Mollepata, a small town located between the mountains.
07:30h - 08:30h | Breakfast stop
One hour before arriving at the starting point of the trek, we’ll have breakfast at a cozy restaurant.
09:45h - 11:15h | Humatay Lagoon Trek
Before starting the trek, our guide will give some useful information so you can walk safely to the top of the mountain. The hike will start at 3,800 m.a.s.l. reaching 4.200 meters of elevation, which is why we need to take it calmly and slowly.
11:15h - 12:15h | Free time to explore
Once at the top of the mountain, you’ll realize that all that hard work has paid off! Our guides will explain the origin of the lagoon and will give you some free time so you can fully appreciate this natural wonder.
12:15h - 13:00h | Return to the buses
Once we’re done, we’ll return to the buses so we can continue to our lunch stop. It should take about 45 minutes on the way down to the parking lot.
14:00h - 15:00h | Buffet lunch
After a whole day full of adventure, now it’s time for a well-deserved lunch. We’ve selected a restaurant where you’ll be able to sample the best of Peruvian cuisine.
15:00h - 18:30h | Return to Cusco
Once we’ve finished with all the activities, we’ll return to Cusco. Drop-off will be at your accommodation or Plaza de Armas if requested.
Important Note:
- If you wish to have a more intimate and exclusive experience, please contact your travel agent. You can take the Humantay Lagoon trail on a private tour with Viagens Machu Picchu.
- Our team is highly capacitated to assist you in case of any inconvenience. In case you’re feeling any altitude sickness symptoms, make sure to talk to any of our guides so they can assist you right away.
- The day before the trek, our team will give you a briefing about the activity ahead. You’ll also be provided with a walking stick and an identification vest for the trip.
If you wish to experience this trek to its fullest, we have the perfect adventure for you. Keep in mind that you can organize your trip according to your interests, we are here to help you with any inquiry you may have, including assistance during your travel planning process.
The Humantay Lagoon Trek is included in some of our travel experiences. However, if you want to include it in your customized travel itinerary, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our local expert team will make sure to optimize your time and adventure with a tailor-made travel plan for you.
Likewise, we care to provide top-quality services to every one of our passengers, which is why we count on certified drivers, professional guides, and an all-time monitored car fleet with GPS tracking.
- Duration: 14
- Entrance: All entrance fees are included in our travel packages.
- Included: Transport, entrance fees, two English-speaking guides, pick up at the hotel, breakfast, buffet lunch, identification vest, walking stick, oxygen tank, first aid kit.
Viagens Machu Picchu cares to provide everything you need to have an authentic adventure through our country. Get to know all the special offers we have in Peru travel packages and start planning the trip of your life!
Our country holds many adventures and we'd love to show you everything about them! Luckily for you, here we have gathered some of the best treks in Peru so you can choose which one is right for you.
