Where is Humantay Lake Peru?

Where is Humantay Lake Cusco Peru?: Visitor Guide.

In this article, you will know where is Humantay lake. Humantay Lake Peru, also known as Laguna Humantay Cusco, is a verdant beauty set in the Andes of Peru. It is a popular day excursion from Cusco due to its proximity to the city and its stunningly colored water, which is a mix of green and blue. In the following lines, you’ll find every piece of data you need to discover this undiscovered treasure.

Details of Humantay Lake Cusco Peru:

• Travel time from Cusco by car: 124 km (77 miles).
• The one-way driving time is three hours.
• Twelve thousand seven hundred feet (3850 meters) above sea level is the starting point.
• A trek of moderate to high difficulty.
• Round-trip hiking distance is (4.5 miles / 7 kilometers)
• Rent a horse for the first 212 hours for just 80 per person (one way)
• Getting to the lake will take you around an hour and a half on foot. Thank you, 01H, for returning.
• Highest point: (4200 meters above sea level; 13,800 feet)
• The average time lasts between 12 and 13 hours.

WHAT IS THE HUMANTAY LIKE?

To the northwest of Cusco, around 75 kilometers, and to the south of Machu Picchu, you’ll find this stunningly beautiful lake. There are two mountains that frame Humantay: Humantay and Salkantay. When hiking the Salkantay Trail, a more picturesque alternative to the Inca Trail is a popular side trip. Humantay is in the midst of the Vilcabamba Mountains.

The turquoise and emerald hues of Humantay Lake’s water stand out against the lake’s backdrop of snow-covered mountains. The melting glaciers in the Humantay and Salkantay Mountains provide the minerals that give the runoff its amazing hues.

WHERE IS HUMANTAY LAKE LOCATED?

It is situated in the Mollepata district of the Anta province in the Cusco region, 124 kilometers (77 miles) to the northwest of Cusco.

WHY IS THE HUMANTAY LAKE TURQUOISE?

The abundance of mineral flour or dust carried by the freezing waters is thought to be a major contributor to the turquoise hue seen not just in Humantay Lake but all over the world. It’s impossible to find those little mineral flours at the lake bottom. The gorgeous turquoise hue is a result of the combination of sunshine and the presence of microalgae (Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria).

Humantay Lake Cuso Peru

IS HUMANTAY WORTH IT?

Indeed, the pictures of Humantay Lake prove that the trip to Humantay is well worth it. You shouldn’t miss the fantastic views from the left bank viewpoint if you get the chance to do so. For the simple reason that there is a picture-perfect vantage point from which to capture the breathtaking panorama of the valley below.

CONSIDERATIONS IN LEADING UP TO ALTITUDE SICKNESS

You should spend at least two nights in Cusco to acclimate properly. In general, getting to the lake shouldn’t be too much of a problem for any reasonably fit tourist or occasional athlete. On the other hand, anyone can get altitude sickness. Now, obviously, not everyone gets sick at high altitudes, and it is difficult to foresee who would be severely impacted by it. Common symptoms include a headache and feeling lightheaded, which often go away within a day or two.

In a time crunch? Consult your doctor about the life-saving meds to bring on your trek. Coca tea, a herbal tea that helps with altitude sickness, is also extensively consumed by locals and can be a good way to deal with the effects of altitude. You can find one of these in nearly every eatery or hotel in Cusco. Although it is nearly impossible to completely avoid altitude sickness, you may lessen its impact by taking these measures.

What is the ideal time of year to hike Humantay Lake Peru?

In the Cusco mountains, the weather may change on a dime. However, the months of May through early October, when the weather is dry, show a marked increase in tourist traffic. This is the best time of year to go hiking if you want to avoid heavy rain. The lake seems most vibrant and beautiful on those days when the sun shines brightly. While Humantay Lake is open all year, you’ll find fewer tourists there during the wetter months.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON HUMANTAY LAKE?

The mornings during the dry season can be rather chilly, but as long as you have the right gear, you should be OK. Those visiting Cusco in the wet season who find themselves unable to avoid Humantay

Upon reaching Lake Peru, you may expect warmer weather, a probably muddy trail, but mostly bright skies as the dark clouds gradually dissipate to expose stunningly spectacular vistas. Temperatures in Cusco often fall between 32 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (0 and 20 Celsius).

DO YOU KNOW IF THERE ARE BATHROOMS ALONG THE WAY?

The trailhead bathroom may be found towards the beginning of the trek. Within another half an hour, there will be another place to use the bathroom. You should bring toilet paper with you just in case you end up using the bathrooms that cost S/ 1.00 to use. There are no other bathrooms on the way to Humantay Lake. Put them to good use right away.

Briefly Guided Walks to Humantay Lake Cusco Peru

Booking a trip is the most convenient option for seeing Humantay Lake. Either a day trip or an overnight hike will suffice for a short trek.

Humantay Lake day tours begin with an early morning pickup from your accommodation and a three-hour journey to the lake’s nearest settlement, Soraypampa. The journey there will take you on a twisting, often not dangerous route through towering mountains. Hike up to the lake from Soraypampa, where you may rest and take in the beautiful surroundings. After that, you’ll head back to the starting point to catch the ride back to Cusco, getting to your hotel in plenty of time for supper.

This trek will be combined with a stay at one of the nearby campgrounds in Soraypampa to make a full overnight excursion. You may go with the tried-and-true method of tent camping, or you can try something new and stay in one of the numerous glass dome cottages available in the region. You may spend the night gazing at the sky from your glass shack.

Be sure to ask ahead of time whether any meals or snacks are included in the price of the tour you’re considering booking.

WIDE-RANGE HIKE WITH A GUIDE

Hike the Salkantay Trail to Humantay Lake for a more difficult adventure. Starting in the little Andean community of Mollepata, this walk continues for four days until arriving at Aguas Calientes, near the foot of Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Pass is a particularly treacherous part of the journey, with elevations of up to 4,400 meters (14,700 ft). While visiting these isolated mountains may not be a priority for most vacationers, those who do make the trip will be rewarded with stunning views.

Meals are typically included in the price of multi-trek tours. Tell the host if you have any special dietary needs.

TRAIL-SIDE MULETAIRES

Hikers at Humantay Lake have their pick of a select group of mules that have been penned in behind barbed wire. These mules are put to service because of their ability to withstand harsh conditions at high altitudes. It’s worth noting that the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu uses only mules as pack animals. When you get to the Soray pampa camp, you can count on seeing a steady stream of mule carts being hurriedly driven back and forth by muleteers. After three days of hard labor, these mules are finally making their way back to the stable. bells that jingle and clang around their necks. The rest will be working the same number of hours, transporting gear like tents and food for trekkers on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF HUMANTAY LAKE AS A POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTION

Let’s rewind a bit to the time when the popular Inca route was clogged with too many tourists. Well into the XXI century, a team of two professional mountain guides headed out through the Salkantay pass and the valleys behind to establish the path to Machu Picchu. Thus, the Salkantay journey was sanctioned as an alternate route for those seeking to reach Machu Picchu.

Travelers will hear a lot about Humantay Lake from the villagers along this route later on. They’d tell you to look for it behind the moraine not too far from the Salkantay base camp. Once people started going there, they started taking pictures, much as they did at Rainbow Mountain.

When and how did Lake Humantay come to be?

Masses of ice cut and cleaned the earth as they slowly retreated fewer than 20,000 years ago, leaving moraines in their wake. Now the valley between the lateral and terminal moraines is filled with melting waters from the remaining ice on Humantay Peak, and a lake with the same name as the mountain above has formed in Peru.

WHAT KIND OF DANGER EXISTS ON THE TRAIL?

Even though you’re probably concerned about potential hazards, the route is actually rather simple to navigate. You should watch where you put your feet since there may be sharp rocks sticking out of the ground. Not to mention, it may get slippery. As we were discussing mules, we should probably move out of the way to prevent getting kicked in the face. Large avalanches or rock slides are extremely unlikely to occur. There are avalanches, but they aren’t strong enough to cross the valley; instead, they’re confined to the highest, snowiest summits.

Where do cell phone signals stand?

Due to the absence of a mobile tower in the area, a wireless internet connection is not an option. There is no way to use your GPS or perform any other task that necessitates an online connection. You may rent a USB Wi-Fi signal for a few minutes from the general store back at base camp if you’re in a need. On the whole, you won’t need it because you’ll have access to the web when traveling back.

Insightful Details of Humantay Lake Cusco Peru

• Leaving Cusco early will allow you to beat the crowds to the lake.
• In fact, behind Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake is the third most popular destination in all of Peru.
• There is a strict no-swimming policy in effect for the lake.
• We advise you to go on a sunny day when the colors will be at their brightest. The lake’s signature blue hue often fades in wet or foggy weather.
• Keep in mind that the horse and mule rentals are only available for the ascent.
• Health and safety should always be your top priority. Do not continue the hike if you have any of the following symptoms: lightheadedness, nausea, headache, or fatigue.
• It’s an easy two-hour drive from Cusco on a paved route.
• There has always been a sense of awe and reverence for Humantay and Salkantay as a holy mountain to the people of this area.
• Tourists may choose from a number of campsites at Soraypampa, including the increasingly popular geodesic dome tents, from which they can watch the stars all night long.
• While the mules solid footing is helpful, the rugged terrain is no match for them.

WHAT TO BRING ON A DAY TRIP TO HUMANTAY LAKE

• Hiking to Humantay Lake Cusco in Peru requires the same level of preparation as any other high-altitude hike. Due of its early morning start time, you may want to bring the following:
• Something warm to wear in the morning, and something to wear in case it rains a down coat and an umbrella.
• Gloves, in this case. Don’t let the early chill numb your digits.
• Sunglasses and a hoodie or tent. – To ward against the early morning chill and the midday sun.
• Good footwear for the trail. – You can go to the lake with sneakers, but it’s recommended that you wear something more substantial.
• To protect yourself from the rain, bring a poncho if you plan on traveling during the wetter months.
• Trekking poles. In case you want to hike with the aid of poles, don’t forget to pack them. This practice is beneficial for your equilibrium as well.
• Camelback or water bottle, please. – If you’re suffering from low oxygen levels, drinking water can assist.
• UV rays are very harmful at high altitudes, so don’t forget your sunscreen.
• Snacks. – energy supplements in case you need that little bit more.
• Photo equipment. – In case the batteries die, you should bring more.
• Money. – You never know when you might need a mule ride, and if you do, you’ll need to be able to pay for it and buy some munchies. The identical applies to using the facilities there.

Time to hit the trail!

Anyone visiting Peru would be wise to include a trek to this alpine lagoon in their schedule. If you’re searching for a tough day walk or a relaxing stroll, Humantay Lake in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the perfect destination.

If you’re interested in a guided journey across Peru, contact us right away to get the planning process underway.