Humantay lake
Cusco region offers many attractions that simply Will leave you amazed withg the history behind each one. As you konw, Humantay Lake is one of the beautuful wander; it is a amazing turquoise color lake that simply cannot go unnoticed by nature lovers.
If your plan trip is Machu Picchu, or other attraction in Cusco región, and if your itinerary has some days off, then Humantay Lake is the best option for nature hike on the andes mountrains next to Humantay glacier.
What is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is a glacier wáter that was defreeze from Huamnatay mountain (Humantay mounatian, 5,473 m) and is considered one of the sacred Mounatain located next to Salkantay Mountain in Cusco. Its turquoise waters with the snow-capped mountains of Humanrtay (5,473 m) in the background and near to Machu Picchu, whisper directly to you the reason why it is so popular.
There many tourist, who make day trips to the lake, and there are more extreme adventurous tourists who like to go on the “Salkantay Trek by 4 days or 5 days“to Machu Picchu and during which they can visit this lake at their leisure and camping near by.
How to get to Humantay Lake?
Tourist can reach Humantay Lake from Cusco City, tourist must travel about 120 km by road or 3 hours, through Limatambo and Mollepata town, til you reach Soraypampa Community that is Trail heads to start the hike to Humantay Lake.
Once you arrive to Soraypampa, we start an gradual uphill for about 30 minutes then a steep uphill for 1 hour or a litle more acording your own pace. until we reach the lake. If you are traveling with a tour package, transportation is included as well as breakfast and lunch in the town of Mollepata. ¿Are you travelling alone? Don’t worry! Below you will find the full route places to by snaks.
¿Can I arrived to the lake on my own?
Yes, you can.
You have take colectivo transport from the city of Cusco to Mollepata town. The mini vans leaves from the Arcopata stret and costs around 23 soles (5 USD).
Once you arrive in Mollepata, you will need to take a shared taxi to Soraypampa commnunity, the taxis are going to leave you at the end of the route.
You are not be able to find one of these shared taxis, so you will have to take a conventional taxi. For the latter case, the taxi can cost 80 soles (approximately 25 USD).
Finally, once you are in Soraypampa, you have to hike to Humantay Lake. As we mentioned before, it is 30 minutes gradual uphill hike and then steep uphill, depending on how fit you are, it can take between 1 to 2 hours. It is a very beautiful senery and amazing experience, but we recommend traveling to the lake on your own only if you are used to this type of tour, since the trip can be exhausting at 4,200 meters above sea level.
What is the cost for entrance ticket to the lake?
The entrance ticket for 2023 have to be paid is paid Mollepata town and gives access to the Soraypampa camp, where the lake is located. The ticket for foreign visitors is 20 soles (5.3 USD) and for Peruvian visitors it is 10 soles (3.5 USD).
What should I do in Humantay Lake?
If you want the complete experience in Humantay Lake, you can do some activities that the town has to offer.
Observe the ceremony
In Humantay Lake a thousand-year-old ceremony is held in honor of Pachamama, Mother Earth. Once you arrive at the lake, you can participate in the ceremony by placing stones to express your gratitude for arriving at the lake safe and sound.
The story of Humantay Lake is the legend of 2 brothers, whose names are Salkantay and Ausangate. It is said that both brothers decided to undertake a journey to unknown lands in order to obtain food and put an end to the famine of their people.
Go camping
If you want to to camp by this trip, Soraypampa has many camping áreas with Salkanrtay and Huamantay glaciers view, where you can enjoy the magical experience of witnessing the sunrise and sunset, and you will have time to explore the most fascinating corners of the Peruvian highlands.
It is recommended to bring special warm gear for very cold conditions in case you go camping. This is due to the low temperatures experienced in the lake throughout the day.
Horseback trek
The inhabitants of the community of Soraypampa offer a horse rental service at the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake. This service is only available for uphill treks and has an approximate cost of 80 Peruvian soles (23 USD).
Humantay lake tours
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Reviews for Humantay Lake
Had a great time exploring Machu Picchu and the sacred valley with Elvis from Kenko Adventures. We also did the short Inca hike and Huayna Picchu hike. My boys and I loved the hikes. July is a great time to go with good weather. Elvis was very knowledgeable, reliable, with very good English and accommodating to our needs with suggestions. All ride connections and transfer of bags was smooth. No problems. I would highly recommend Elvis and… ...
Our experience with Kinko Adventures on the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, culminating with a hike up Huayna Picchu, was truly exceptional, thanks to our incredible tour guide, Elvis. From the start, the trip was well-organized and seamlessly executed, allowing us to focus on the breathtaking journey ahead. Elvis's expertise and passion for the history and culture of the Inca civilization made the trek not just a hike but an educational… ...
I had a really great time on my hike to Machu Picchu, the pain is totally worth it. Not only when you see the first glimpse of Machu Picchu but also the incredible landscape on the way. Elvis is a really great guide who makes sure you’re safe and take enough brakes. On top of that he is also really good at taking pictures, which is very rare!
...Free warm jacket for my litle friend!
Kenko Adventure Peru founder decided to add a social proyect in all Our tours that means, if you are booking a tour with Us, you automatically are donating a warm jacket for Our litle kids that have very hard living in very cold conditions near by the Andes Mountain