Laguna Humantay: A Beautiful turquoise Lake in Cusco
Laguna Humantay is a stunning glacial lake located in the Cusco region of Peru. Its crystal-clear turquoise-blue waters are nourished by the nearby snow-capped Nevado Humantay. Nestled among the diverse mountain peaks of the region, this place stands out.
Laguna Humantay is a stunning glacial lake located in the Cusco region of Peru. Its crystal-clear turquoise-blue waters are fed by the nearby snow-capped Nevado Humantay. Among the varied mountain summits that grace the area, this spot truly stands out as one of the nation’s most captivating locales.
Laguna Humantay is renowned for its stunning beauty as one of the most picturesque spots along the famed Salkantay Trek, an exhilarating Machu Picchu trail that leads trekkers through the shadow of Mount Salkantay, the highest peak within the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Many people are unaware that it’s possible to visit the humantay lake as a day trip from the city of Cusco. If you dont have the time for the multi-day Salkantay trek, consider visiting Laguna Humantay as a day trip. It offers stunning views, beautiful natural surroundings, and allows you to return to Cusco the same day.
The best way to visit Laguna Humántay is through a guided tour starting from Cusco. From there, the journey to the trailhead takes approximately two and a half hours, including a brief stop for breakfast. The vast majority of tours leave around 5:00 am and return to the city between 6:00 pm and midnight. Additionally, it’s feasible to combine this journey with additional local attractions or a trip to Machu Picchu.
Humantay Lake
Best Time to Go to Laguna Humantay
The ideal time to travel to Peru depends on which parts of the country you plan to visit. Laguna Humantay is located in the Peruvian highlands, where it generally has two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The rainy season in Perus highlands occurs from December through March, whereas the dry season lasts from April through November. To avoid unfavorable weather and muddy trails, its recommended to travel to Cusco during the drier months when possible.
Before you depart.
While not an exceptionally difficult trail in terms of terrain, the hike to Laguna Humántay takes place at over 4, 200 meters (13, 000 feet) above sea level, making it challenging for those who are not used to high-altitude hiking. Due to this reason, it is crucial to ensure that you are adequately prepared before embarking on this hike. If traveling from coastal cities like Lima, its recommended to stay for at least two days in Cusco to adjust your body to the high altitudes before attempting the challenging hike to Laguna Humantay. Its recommended to have coca leaves handy and learn about proper altitude sickness management in Peru prior to your trip.
Hiking:
Hike to Laguna humantay.
Tours to Laguna Humantay usually start early in the morning because it generally takes about an hour to reach the trailhead. Numerous tours to Laguna Humántay make a stop at Mollepata, which is about two hours from Cusco, for a light breakfast before heading to Soraypampa, where the trail begins.
The hike to Laguna Humantay usually takes around 1-2 hours, varying by fitness level. If you encounter difficulties completing the hike on foot, horse rentals are available. Locals who live in the area ride their horses and lead them on foot, thus avoiding the need for advanced riding abilities from you.
Once you arrive at Laguna Humantay, you’ll find ample opportunity to bask in its serene beauty as you explore this enchanting natural oasis. Capture memorable moments through your camera lens, or engage with local traditions by participating in a traditional offering dedicated to Pachamama, the Earth Mother deity revered in the Andean region. After experiencing the full immersion at Laguna Humántay, youll hike back to Soraypampa. After that, most tours will make a stop at Mollepata for lunch before proceeding to Cusco, where youll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening.
What to bring to laguna humantay.
- Dont forget to bring a lot of water. Ensuring proper hydration is essential for preventing altitude sickness.
- Put on a suitable pair of hiking footwear. No sneakers!
- To stay warm on your trip, wearing several layers of clothes, such as a hat, gloves, and scarf, is recommended. The weather at high altitudes can be chilly, yet youll hike strenuously, necessitating adaptability by removing clothing as needed for comfort.
- Carrying a hiking pole or stick can be beneficial, especially on muddy trails.
- To ease the effects of altitude sickness, its recommended to pack some coca leaves.
A day trip to Laguna humantay.
Laguna Humántay is a breathtaking short hike located in Peru, renowned as one of the most picturesque spots in the nation.If you plan to visit Cusco, this is one of the top recommended day trips, and its regarded as an excellent option.Youll appreciate visiting this serene glacial lake, hidden among the towering Andes Mountains.
