How to Get to Humantay Lake From Cusco
Humantay Lake is currently a popular tourist destination in Peru. Perfect for unwinding and taking in the splendor of nature, it is a photographer’s paradise. Surrounded by icy glaciers, the green lagoon glows like a mirage. There aren’t many places on Earth as stunning as this one. that’s the reason that we wrote this article about how to get to Humantay Lake
The lake is accessible on a day trip or as part of the Salkantay Trek. However, there are tourists who would rather not have a tour guide and find their own way to the destination and back. If you are considering this, continue reading for advice on how to achieve the greatest results.
How to Get to Humantay Lake Without Taking a Tour
We suggest that you leave early in the morning so you can get back the same day. 6 am should be good. To get from your place to stay in Cusco to Arcopata, you’ll need to take a taxi. Since it’s still in the city, this shouldn’t take long.
To get to Mollepata from Arcopata, you need to take public transportation. You could try to get a taxi, but the small buses are much less expensive. This part of the trip is likely to take about 2 hours.
Once you get to Mollepata, you can find small restaurants where you can get a quick breakfast or snacks and water if you need them. From there, you’ll have to figure out how to get to the vans that take you to Soraypampa, which is where the trail to Humantay starts. This will take about another hour. When you leave Mollepata, you’ll have to pay 20 Soles entrance tickets to Humantay Lagoon.
When you reach Soraypampa, you can start your hike. If you go slowly, which is what we suggest, it will take about an hour and a half to climb. Most people stay at the top for 30 minutes to an hour, taking in the amazing views and taking pictures. Then you’ll have to walk about an hour or more back down.
Once you get back to the base, you’ll need to take a van or taxi back to Mollepata, where you can take the same local transportation back to Cusco. You should get back to Cusco in the evening.
How to get there with a travel agency
Because the Humantay Lagoon is so popular, you can take thousands of tours there, but not all of them are as complete as these:
If you don’t want to waste time looking for a way to get to Soraypampa, the best thing to do is hire a tour that goes straight to the Humantay Lagoon. This way, you won’t have to worry about how to get back to Cusco or wherever you’re staying during your trip.
But if you like mountains and trekking and want to go to other famous places besides Humantay, like Machu Picchu, you might also like the longer and more complete Salkantay trek. The package for these trips includes guided tours, transportation, lodging, and even meals, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Things to remember
Humantay is easy to get to on your own for the day if you are well-prepared and plan ahead. Think about these things to make the day as fun as possible.
The Heights
Even though the hike up doesn’t look too hard or long, it can take a long time and be hard on your body because of how high it is. Spend a few days in Cusco before you take the trek, and always have a small bottle of oxygen and some coca tea, leaves, or candies with you.
Food and Drink
When you go on a tour, remember that food is part of the trip. But if you’re going by yourself, you’ll need to make plans ahead of time. You can get breakfast in Mollepata, but it’s best to bring snacks and sandwiches to eat in Soraypampa or even at the lake when you get back down.
Timings
This trip will take all day, so you should leave early in the morning, around 6 am is good, or even earlier if you can. This is because it gets harder to find a ride back from Soraypampa as the day goes on, and you don’t want to get stuck without a way to get home.
Weather
After a few minutes of standing still at the top of the lake, it will be very cold. Even if the morning looks bright and sunny, it can start to rain. Because of this, you should bring clothes that won’t get wet and sun protection.
Entrance Fee
We’ve already told you in the text that Humantay Lake costs 20 soles per person to get into, but there are a few other things you should know.
First, you have to pay the price at the official checkpoint, which is Mollepata. Mollepata is also the farthest you can get from Cusco. Boleto Turistico does not cover the fee to get into Humantay Lake.
If you booked the tour, your ticket to get into Humantay Lagoon should already be included, so make sure before you book.
If you take a taxi, a colectivo, or a rented car on your own, make sure you have small bills.
Enjoy Your Hike
Now that you know how to get to Humantay Lagoon, you can plan your trip whenever you want and enjoy the one-day or two-day trek, where you’ll see beautiful sights you’ll never forget.
