The capital of Inca culture holds within it a range of fantastic destinations that emerged through the grace of nature. One of these spaces, which captures the imagination and captivates all travelers, is the Humantay Lagoon.

This lake is a unique option and one of the most beautiful in Cusco, and it undoubtedly surprises us more and more every day. It is a turquoise lake located in the middle of the Andes Mountains.

The Humantay Lagoon is formed by the melting of the Humantay Mountains. This mountain is part of the famous Salkantay Mountain, which can be seen from the Soraypampa campsite.

What sets the Humantay Lagoon apart from other lagoons is its natural color, as it lacks much marine flora in its waters. Its color is indescribable in words, but understandable to the eye.

However, it remains a unique landscape, where travelers seek to capture the perfect moment with their cameras, capturing views of a wonderful and magical environment.

All this and more makes Humantay Lagoon a popular spot for tourists visiting Cusco.

It’s important to note that swimming is not permitted in the lagoon, as its waters are used by locals for various activities.

Our tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m., followed by a 3-hour drive to the village of Soraypampa, at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level/12,795 feet.

During the route, we’ll enjoy beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the Cusco Valley. We’ll also have views of Salkantay Mountain (peak) at an altitude of 6,271 meters/20,574 feet, several high Andean villages, and extensive areas of potato and corn crops. We’ll pass through Mollepata, at an altitude of 2,900 meters/9,514 feet, a small town along the route, to stop for last-minute shopping (ponchos, batteries, sunscreen, etc.). We’ll continue our journey to the village of Soraypampa, where we’ll have breakfast.

We’ll begin our hike with energy and optimism. This journey is no more challenging than Mount Vinincunca. However, don’t take it lightly.

After breakfast, we will head uphill toward Humantay Mountain for an average of 1.5 hours. Remember that altitude and weather will be factors to consider for this journey. Although it is not particularly difficult, we will take it slowly and patiently to reach our destination, the Humantay Lagoon, at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level/13,779 feet.

SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL includes a saddle horse in your package for any emergency that may arise during the journey.

Your guide will be available at all times to assist you with any eventuality that may arise.

After walking approximately 2 km/1.24 miles, you will arrive at the Humantay Lagoon, popular for its location and beautiful turquoise waters. Take your time to enjoy this unique landscape. Your guide will provide information about the area, and then you will decide to descend to the village of Soraypampa. Time will be of the essence, as our chef will be waiting for your arrival, ready with lunch.

After a well-deserved rest, we will board our private transportation back to Cusco.

• Difficulty level: Medium.
• Total distance: approximately 2 km/1.24 miles.
• Hiking time: approximately 3 hours (both sections).
• Altitude of Mollepata: 2,900 masl/9,514 ft.
• Altitude of Soraypampa: 3,900 masl/12,795 ft.
• Altitude of Humantay Lagoon: 4,200 masl/13,779 ft.
• Humantay Mountain Height: 5,917 meters above sea level/19,412 feet.
• Salkantay Mountain Height: 6,271 meters above sea level/20,574 feet.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snack.
• Accommodation: *** Hotel in Cusco (own expense).

SAMIN EXPEDITIO: Will ensure your return to your hotel.

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide.
• Private transportation:
  • • Pickup from any hotel in Cusco.
• First aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank.
• Breakfast at the trailhead.
• Freshly prepared hot lunch at the end of the hike.
• Admission to the Humantay.
• Snacks.
• Drinking water.
• Cook.
  • • Dining tent, chairs, and tables.
    • Private bathroom.
    • Emergency saddle horse.
• Taxes.

• Additional expenses you may have on the route.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if you booked as a student).
• Immigration card (given at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water storage: A reusable water bottle is recommended.
• Light jacket. – It will be cold in the morning, and in case of rain, you can bring a rain jacket.
• A pair of gloves. – Don’t let the morning chill cloud your fingers.
• Sunscreen.
• Poncho and rain gear in case of rain.
• Cap, hat, gloves, sunglasses.
• Windbreaker, hiking pants.
• Shoes with good soles; waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
• Camera.
• Snacks.
• Extra money.

Toiletries

• Sunscreen.
• Facial moisturizer.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toilet paper.

Inside Your Backpack

Backpacks can be any size, but we always suggest the smaller the better.

• Water: Our private transportation will always have water bottles available for refilling.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit.
• A hat for sun or rain, depending on the season.
• Rain gear.
• A rain poncho and a hat.
• Camera.
• Music (cell phone).
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.

How was Humantay Lagoon formed?

When the glaciers began their final retreat less than 20,000 years ago, the ice masses etched and scraped the terrain as they slowly advanced, leaving «moraines.» Meltwater from the Humantay glacier filled and continues to fill the depression between the lateral and terminal moraines, hence the origin of Humantay, which is named after the aforementioned mountain.

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lagoon?

The hike is not as difficult as the Rainbow Mountain. It takes approximately one hour, depending on the tourist’s physical condition. It is not dangerous and requires moderate physical effort.

Can pack animals or horses be hired on the route?

Near the Soraypampa campsite, there is a small group of horses, housed in wire mesh and wooden fences, fed and used to work on the road, carrying visitors to Humantay on their backs.

What is Humantay Lagoon?

It’s a turquoise lagoon located in Cusco.

How far is the hike to Humantay Lagoon?

The hike takes approximately 1 hour, but it can vary depending on your pace.

How high is Humantay Lagoon?

This lagoon is located at 4,200 meters above sea level/13,779 ft.

Do you have any questions or concerns about this destination?

Don’t hesitate to contact us. At SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL, we’ll be happy to help and guide you with everything you need to get to know this place without any complications.