Is Humantay Lake worth it? 10 reasons it’s one of Peru’s top destinations.
Ultima actualización en 2 December, 2024 por Waman Adventures
Last Updated on 2 December, 2024 by Waman Adventures
Many wonder, is Humantay Lake worth it? Despite the challenging hike, the breathtaking views and the stunning turquoise water make it a truly rewarding experience. Visiting Humantay Lake is quite a challenge, as to reach it, you need to do a hike that’s neither too easy nor too difficult. The Humantay Lake is located at the foot of the snow-capped mountain of the same name, at 4,200 meters above sea level.
Open to tourism since 2014, the Humantay Lake, like the Rainbow Mountain, gained significant attention thanks to social media. Many people wonder if Humantay Lake is worth it. The answer is absolutely yes—its stunning beauty and serene atmosphere make it a must-see destination. But how far is Humantay Lake from Cusco? It’s about a 3-hour drive, making it a feasible day trip for travelers staying in the city. If you’re wondering how to get to Humantay Lake, guided tours will take you there, ensuring you have a safe and memorable experience.
View of Humantay Lake.
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Unique Beauty
Yes, when you arrive at the lake, you’ll discover a very different scene from the path you’ve walked before. Reaching and seeing Humantay Lake for the first time is incredible; its turquoise color changes with the sunlight and is very striking. You might be wondering, Is Humantay Lake worth it? The answer is absolutely yes—it’s one of the most breathtaking sights in the region. For those planning to visit, how far is Humantay Lake from Cusco? It’s approximately a 3-hour drive. If you’re curious about how to get to Humantay Lake, there are guided tours available that will take you directly to this stunning location.
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Warm and Cold Weather
When visiting Humantay Lake, you’ll feel the climate change three times:
Hotel Pickup: The pickup from your hotel is very early, around 5 a.m. During the trip, the cold is intense, so it’s recommended to be very warmly dressed.
Mollepata: The first stop where breakfast is served. Since it’s part of the valley area, the climate is much warmer, although in the morning, you can still feel the cold as the mist evaporates.
Soraypampa: Here, the weather is cold since it’s at a higher altitude than Cusco and Mollepata, marking the beginning of the hike. Although you’ll warm up during the hike, it’s important not to undress or remove your clothing, because if you’re not used to this type of altitude, it can harm you, causing vomiting and headaches.
Photos at Humantay Lake: Is Humantay Lake worth it?.
3. The Second Most Beautiful Lagoon After Laguna 69
Laguna 69 is one of the 40 lagoons located in the Huascarán National Park, considered one of the best destinations in the Ancash region and Peru. During the trek to Laguna 69, you’ll see several snow-capped mountains, as well as other lagoons. It’s a 6-hour hike round trip; although it may seem like a complicated route, it will be worth it.
If you want to visit the lagoon, you can do it in one day or on a 5-day trek where you’ll explore part of the Cordillera Blanca. You might be asking, is Humantay Lake worth it? While the trek to Laguna 69 is beautiful, Humantay Lake offers a unique experience with its striking turquoise color. If you’re planning to visit, you might wonder, How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco? It’s a few hours away by car, making it an ideal day trip. To get there, how to get to Humantay Lake? There are plenty of guided tours that will take you to the lake, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
Some people choose to visit Humantay Lake because of the strong resemblance between the two lagoons, as both have turquoise waters. What many tourists say about Humantay Lake is that it’s perfect for nature lovers, but Laguna 69 is for true adventure enthusiasts.
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Entry is Affordable
All Peruvians can visit Humantay Lake for just S/ 15 ($3.90), and foreign visitors pay S/ 25 ($6.50). The fees paid by tourists to visit Humantay Lake help maintain the trails.
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Making Offerings to Pachamama
It’s a tradition that when trekking and reaching high points, an offering is made to Pachamama (Mother Earth) as a thank you to the mountain for allowing a safe arrival to Humantay Lake. This offering or thanks is made by the tour guide, as they have more experience. You might wonder, is Humantay Lake worth it? Many travelers say that the experience of arriving at the lake and participating in this tradition is truly rewarding. As for how to get to Humantay Lake, there are guided tours available that will take you directly to the lake, ensuring a smooth journey.
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Instagrammable Spot
Being such an exceptional place, Humantay Lake is perfect for the best photo posts. Although it’s a single attraction, there are several spots around the lake that are ideal for photos.
When Are the Best Photos Taken?
In the dry season, as the Humantay snow-capped mountain is clear and the sunlight perfectly illuminates the lake. It’s recommended to bring a good camera and battery to capture the best moments.
Instagrammable photos at Humantay Lake.
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If you don’t like walking, you can rent mules.
Some people are not used to walking at higher altitudes, so it is highly recommended to use horses during the ascent. The good news is that, before starting the hike, you can rent a mule to take you up to the lake. If you’re wondering, is Humantay Lake worth it, Many people find it a unique experience due to its breathtaking beauty and the cultural significance of the trek. As for the distance, how far is Humantay Lake from Cusco? It’s about a 3-hour drive, which makes it accessible for a day trip. To get there, how to get to Humantay Lake? There are several tour options available that will take you straight to the lake.
Note: Mules are only rented for the ascent; the return must be on foot.
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Camp with a view of the Salkantay Glacier
In the village of Soraypamapa, you can camp, and on clear nights, you can observe the stars and the impressive Salkantay Glacier. If you want to camp, you can bring your tent and sleeping bag, or you can rent a dome, which is a small lodging option. To rent the domes, you can do it through your travel agency or directly with the company that rents them.
Note: Most people who camp in Soraypampa are independent travelers, but they also request their travel agency to reserve the lodging.
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Observe the Salkantay Glacier.
One thing that catches a lot of attention is the presence of the imposing Salkantay Glacier, which is the main attraction of the Salkantay Trek route. From the exit of Cusco, you can see the Salkantay Glacier. If you’re wondering, is Humantay Lake worth it, Many travelers find it just as impressive as the glacier due to its stunning beauty and tranquil atmosphere. And if you’re asking how to get to Humantay Lake, there are guided tours that can take you there with ease. (one of the most important mountains in Cusco).
When you arrive at Soraypampa (the start of the hike), you can see the Salkantay Glacier, and it’s an incredible view, perfect for taking photos.
View of the Salkantay Glacier.
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You can visit without travel agencies.
Many travelers organize their trips based on their own time and experience with independent travel. Humantay Lake is a great option to do on your own, and like any solo expedition, it has its pros and cons.
- Some recommendations for traveling without an agency.
- Find out which public transport can take you to Mollepata, where you can find colectivos to the Soraypampa community.
- Bring your own food, although you can find food in Mollepata, it may be more expensive than in Cusco.
- Always bring a rain poncho, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and repellent.
- Bring cash, preferably soles.
- It’s better with your own vehicle or a rented one, as there is very little public transport from Soraypampa to Mollepata for the return.
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING HUMANTAY LAKE
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What is the best season to travel?
If you want to see the bright Humantay Lake and the glacier, the best season is between April and October. Many wonder, is Humantay Lake worth it? Given its striking beauty, it certainly is for those who enjoy nature and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re coming from Cusco, you might ask, How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco? It’s about a 3-hour drive, making it an easy trip. To reach it, you can easily find tours that will explain how to get to Humantay Lake.
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Does the travel agency include all services?
Yes, when you travel with a travel agency, it includes several services, so you don’t have to worry about them, such as:
- Round-trip transportation
- Professional guide
- Breakfast and lunch
- Poles
- Entry to the lake (optional; if you wish, you can make the payment directly at the Soraypampa community)
Things not included in a tour with an agency
- Mule rental
- Water
- Snacks
- Rain ponchos
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Are there mosquitoes on the route?
Yes, although Humantay Lake is at a high altitude, there are mosquitoes. It’s highly recommended, especially if you’re allergic to bites, to use repellent.
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What should I bring?
- Water or an energy drink.
- Hat to protect from the sun.
- Jacket for the cold.
- Gloves
- Hiking shoes
- Snacks
- Cash, preferably soles.
- Sunglasses, repellent, and sunscreen.
- Rain poncho (for the rainy season)
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Are there restrooms?
Yes, there are restrooms at the restaurant in Mollepata and also in the village of Soraypampa, which is the start of the hike. After the village, there are no more restrooms.
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How much is the mule rental?
The price varies from 70 to 90 soles; this depends on the place where you rent the mule.
At Waman Adventures, we care about your well-being and safe travels through our country. We are a company specializing in organizing trips, always seeking quality service in every one of our tours, with the passenger being the true protagonist of the excursions.
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