Cusco and Peru never cease to surprise us. In every place you can find tourist wonders worth admiring, this is the case of the Humantay Lake, a little-known natural attraction that has an impressive natural geography formed over time.
But did you wonder why so much beauty in this place? The explanation is because most of the lagoons in Peru are characterized by having a dark blue color, however, the Humantay Lake has a particular color, turquoise. This color is due to the glacial bottom of the basin in which its waters rest due to the melting of the Humantay mountain.
Without a doubt, a destination that you cannot miss and that will surprise you, a new alternative for travelers who want to enjoy nature and a perfect excuse to escape from the city. Below, we will provide you with more information about this place, where it is located, how to get there, difficulty and more.
Where is Humantay Lake located?
The Humantay Lake is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range, at the foot of the Humantay mountain above 5,473 m. above sea level, in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco.
How to get to Humantay Lake ?
For travelers on foot who wish to discover this destination, the tour begins by leaving Cusco by transport to the town of Mollepata (2,900 meters above sea level). The duration of the trip is 1 hour: 40 minutes approx. In this place it is usually advisable to have a light breakfast, and then go to the main square of the town, where you will have to hire the services of a taxi to take you to the town of Soraypampa at (3,900 meters above sea level), the starting point of the walk.
The walk to reach Humatay Lakelasts approximately 1 hour: 30 minutes. The route is a bit complicated, semi-flat and steep, so it is recommended to acclimatize a day before in Cusco. For this walk, it is advisable to carry coca leaves, lemon sweets and/or chocolates in your backpacks and, above all, water to hydrate. Reaching the top you will be able to see the Humantay lagoon, the end point of the route and where the Salkantay and Humantay apus will give you a great welcome with all the natural beauty.
Difficulty of the hike to Humantay
The route to the Humantay Lakehas a relatively medium difficulty, the height and the cold will be the greatest difficulties, however the harmony of nature, the calm and relaxing landscape make the walk pleasant, during the journey you will be able to learn more about the place, the world Andean and Peruvian culture, you will undoubtedly be delighted, we assure you.
Tips for visiting the Humantay Lake
You are probably wondering why visit Humantay? The wonder of the area, its geographical location and its richness in minerals make it a visual spectacle to enjoy, it is an unmissable destination without a doubt.
On the other hand, we advise you to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and trekking clothing, depending on the weather, carry a raincoat just in case, the climate in Cusco is quite irregular during the day and the path is characterized by be a very particular path with flora, fauna, peaks, valleys and rivers that descend from the snow-capped mountains.
Data of interest
As a fact of interest, due to the mysticism of the area, the Lake is visited by shamans and tourists from all over the world to leave offerings to Pachamama, a deity that represents Mother Earth in the Inca culture. By placing stones (apachetas), an offering is made to the Pachamama thanking her for having successfully reached the Lake, as well as asking her to accompany them on their journey.
According to the residents, the Humantay snow-capped mountain is the youngest son of the Apu Salkantay; these two snow-capped mountains are in charge of rationalizing and distributing the water that comes down from its snow to the populations that live on its slopes.
Amazon Rainforest Tours
- 5-Day Upper Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick & Sandoval Lake
- 4-Day Upper Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick & Sandoval Lake
- Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick 2 Days
- Tambopata Macaw’s Clay Lick 5 Days with Sandoval Lake
- Tour Tambopata Sandoval Lake Parrots Clay Lick Yacumama Lake 5 dias
- Tambopata Sandoval Lake & Monkey island 4 Days
- Tambopata Jungle Adventure Tour 4 Days
- 3 Day Tambopata Sandoval Lake Monkey island
- Sandoval Lake Tour and Monkey Island 2 Days
- Tambopata Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour
- Tambopata Chuncho Macaws and Parrots Clay Lick Full Day
- SANDOVAL LAKE & CACHUELA PARROTS CLAY LICK
- BEST Piranha Fishing in the Yacumama Lake Half Day
- Canopy Zip Linning + Kayak Monkey island full Day