Travel Guide to Laguna Humantay 2024: Tips and Useful Information

Laguna Humantay, located in Cusco, stands out as the most stunning lake in the region, surprising us every day with its captivating turquoise color nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains. This dazzling lagoon takes shape thanks to the melting of the Humantay Mountain, a prominent extension of the well-known Salkantay Mountain.

What makes Laguna Humantay unique is its natural color, without the abundant presence of marine flora that characterizes other lakes. Its hue is indescribable in words but entirely understandable to the naked eye.

This place forms an unparalleled landscape, becoming the goal of travelers seeking to immortalize ideal moments with their cameras, capturing the wonder and magic interwoven in this environment. Laguna Humantay is a highly visited destination for tourists exploring Cusco, offering a unique and captivating experience.

Currently, Laguna Humantay is positioned as one of the most coveted destinations in Peru. It is a scenery that awakens the admiration of photographers and provides an idyllic setting for anyone to disconnect and simply delight in the authentic beauty of Mother Nature.

This place seems like it’s out of a dream, with the turquoise lagoon shining in contrast to the snowy backdrop of the glaciers. You’ll hardly find such breathtaking landscapes elsewhere.

Exploring Laguna Humantay can be part of an exciting one-day tour or a unique experience in the Salkantay Trek hike.

About Laguna Humantay

This extremely photogenic lake is about 75 miles northwest of Cusco and just south of Machu Picchu. Humantay is comfortably situated between Humantay Mountain and Salkantay Mountain. In fact, it’s a popular hike when traversing the Salkantay Trail, an incredibly scenic alternative to the Inca Trail. Humantay’s fall runs along the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Lake Humantay is best known for its incredibly bright blue and green waters and its backdrop of snow-covered mountains. These fantastic colors come from the runoff.

History of Laguna Humantay

Let’s remember the history of what happened when the classic Inca Trail began to fill up with tourists. Knowing that the number of people entering the Inca Trail had exceeded the limit, it was necessary to find a way to access Machu Picchu on foot. Thus, in the first decade of the 21st century, a team led by two experienced mountain guides ventured to cross the Salkantay pass and the valleys behind to trace a trail. Thus, the Salkantay Trail became the alternative route to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Later, on the way to Machu Picchu, visitors learned from the locals about the existence of Laguna Humantay. They pointed out that there was a lake behind the mountains and that it was near the Salkantay base camp. As a result, like the 7-color mountain, visitors posted numerous photos on social media, making it a major tourist destination in the Cusco region and becoming the best full-day experience in Cusco.

How Was Laguna Humantay Formed?

When the glaciers began their final retreat less than 20,000 years ago, the ice masses carved and scraped the terrain as they slowly advanced, leaving “moraines.” The meltwater from the Humantay mountain glacier filled and continues to fill the depression between the lateral and terminal moraines, hence the origin of Humantay, named after the mentioned mountain.

Popularity of Laguna Humantay

Laguna Humantay is a relatively small lake, but what makes this body of water popular is that, on a good day, visitors can enjoy its incredible turquoise color. This lagoon is 100% glacial in origin.

Why Are the Waters of Humantay Turquoise?

One of the reasons for the turquoise color, not only of Laguna Humantay but of water bodies worldwide, is the presence of mineral particles carried by melted ice flowing down from snow-capped mountains. When these small mineral particles reach the lake’s waters, they never sink to the bottom. Additionally, the presence of microalgae (Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria) and the reflection of sunlight give the lagoon its turquoise color.

Is it Worth Taking the Tour to Laguna Humantay?

The photos of Laguna Humantay speak for themselves, and the answer is yes; it is worth visiting. If possible, climb to the viewpoint on the left of the lagoon, walk there, and you won’t regret it, as it is the perfect angle for the best photos, and the view of the entire valley below is also incredible.

How to Get to Laguna Humantay Short Hike to Laguna Humantay

The easiest way to visit Laguna Humantay is to join a tour. For a short hike, you can do a one-day trek.

With a full-day tour to Laguna Humantay, you will be picked up from your hotel before dawn and driven approximately 3 hours to the trailhead in Soraypampa, the nearest town to the lake. The trail to Laguna Humantay is steep and winding through the high mountains, so make sure you are prepared for the adventure! You will walk from Soraypampa to Laguna Humantay, take a break there to enjoy the scenery, and then return to the starting point and drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel before dinner.

The town of Soraypampa is at remarkable altitudes, being a popular camping spot. This high-altitude camp in Soraypampa is the starting point for both hikers heading to Lake Humantay and those undertaking the challenging Salkantay Trail.

Important: If you decide to book a tour, make sure to check what meals and snacks are included before departing.

Guided Long Hike to Laguna Humantay

If you’re looking for a greater challenge, you can see Laguna Humantay while walking the Salkantay Trail. This hike involves a full 4 days of walking, starting in the small Andean village of Mollepata and ending in Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. It’s a quite challenging hike, with altitudes reaching 14,700 feet when crossing the Salkantay Pass. However, the remote mountainous landscape is definitely worth it if you have time during your vacation.

Note: Multi-day hiking tour operators usually include meals. Make sure to notify the operator if you have any dietary restrictions.

Self-guided Hike to Laguna Humantay

If you’re more of an independent traveler, it’s also possible to reach the lake on your own. From Cusco, you’ll need to hire a taxi for the whole day. (Not just one way, or you’ll have to walk all the way back)! The driver will take you to the trailhead and wait for you to return, then drive you back to your hotel. A full-day taxi can cost between 300 and 400 soles (between 85 and 120 US dollars), depending on your Spanish and bargaining skills.

However, like any other hiking excursion, make sure to inform others where you are heading and what time they expect your return. The trail is quite busy, but it’s always good to have someone checking on you just in case.

Note: Pack your own snacks and lunch before setting out. There are snacks available at the trailhead, but they are much more expensive than in Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions How many hours is it from Cusco to Laguna Humantay?

By car, it’s about 2 hours, then you’ll have to walk for approximately 1 hour.

How long is the hike to Laguna Humantay?

The hike takes about 1 hour, depending on your pace; it may vary.

At what altitude is Laguna Humantay?

This lagoon is located at 4,200 meters above sea level.

Is it necessary to have trekking poles for the Laguna Humantay Tour?

For the Laguna Humantay tour, trekking poles are usually not necessary since our route is not too complicated. However, if you have any knee issues, it’s highly recommended to have trekking poles.

For what age is it recommended to do the hike to Laguna Humantay?

The temperature on the Laguna Humantay Tour is very close to the Salkantay Snowy, and intense cold is felt. Therefore, the appropriate age for the Laguna Humantay Tour is for adults. In the case of having minors, they can take the tour under the responsibility of an adult.

Can I find internet on the Laguna Humantay Tour?

The internet service during the hike is nonexistent. However, in the town of Soraypampa – Salkantay, it is possible that your cellphone can capture Wi-Fi signal. If you need the internet for some important reason, you will have to pay for the service since the modem is managed by community members, and the payment is 20 to 30 soles per hour.

Note: The internet or Wi-Fi signal is not very good because it is in a remote area.

Do I need travel insurance to do the Humantay tour?

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended, whether for visiting Lake Humantay, Salkantay, or another hike. Because in the event of an incident on the route, if you have travel insurance, it allows support arrangements between different institutions to be made as soon as possible, and the cost will be covered by your travel insurance.

If I want to do the hike to Laguna Humantay, do I need to acclimatize?

Due to the altitude at which Laguna Humantay is located, acclimatization is necessary. It is suggested to arrive in Cusco 2 to 3 days before the tour; this will help with symptoms of altitude sickness.

Is there a place to leave things I don’t need for the Laguna Humantay Tour?

Most hotels in Cusco have a space to leave belongings while their guests take their tours. In case the hotel you chose does not have this service, don’t worry because you can leave your suitcases and things you don’t need for the trip at our agency, at no additional cost.

Do you have any doubts or questions about this destination?

Feel free to contact us; at Inka Trail, we will be happy to help and guide you in everything you need for a hassle-free visit.

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