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Located in the Cusco region at an elevation of 4,200 meters above sea level, Humantay Lagoon offers a stunning destination for adventurers seeking to combine the best of Peru’s most popular treks. This crystal-clear lagoon is a key stop for those undertaking the Salkantay Tour, a 5-day trek to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the vibrant turquoise waters from the top of a nearby mountain and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
An Unforgettable Experience!
Hourly Itinerary (Humantay)
Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. A private transfer will take you approximately two and a half hours by car to the village of Mollepata in the Anta province, where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast and stock up on necessary provisions.
After breakfast, the trip continues with an additional hour and a half by car along a dirt road (trocha) to the community of Soraypampa, situated at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level. During the drive, you’ll be treated to beautiful landscapes and the impressive Salkantay Glacier.
From Soraypampa, you’ll embark on a 2 km hike. The trail is ascending and will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. As you hike, you’ll witness panoramic views of snow-covered mountains, stunning natural landscapes, and a diverse array of flora and fauna until you reach the “Humantay Lagoon” at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level.
Humantay Lagoon boasts turquoise waters due to the minerals at its base, reflecting the sky above. Fed by mountain glaciers, the lagoon is considered a natural gem. In addition to admiring Humantay Lagoon, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of surrounding mountains like the sacred Salkantay Glacier, a millennia-old site honoring Pachamama, Mother Earth.
Upon reaching the lagoon, you can participate in a ceremony by placing stones to express gratitude for your arrival at this magical place. Your guide will accompany you around the lagoon, sharing fascinating information. After your visit, you’ll descend on foot back to Soraypampa and board transportation to Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a delicious Andean lunch.
After lunch, the return journey to Cusco begins, concluding the one-day Humantay Lagoon trek around 6:30 PM.
“Illapa Peru Trip” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “Illapa Peru Trip,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “Illapa Peru Trip,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “Illapa Peru Trip” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Illapa Peru Trip” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“Illapa Peru Trip” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
The Humantay Lagoon Tour is a full-day excursion from Cusco that takes you to a crystal-clear lagoon nestled in the Andes, surrounded by impressive mountains and natural landscapes.
The tour lasts a full day, departing early from Cusco and returning in the evening. The hike to the lagoon takes between 1.5 to 2 hours uphill and approximately 1 hour downhill.
Humantay Lagoon is situated at 4,200 meters above sea level, which can be challenging due to the altitude.
The hike is of moderate difficulty, featuring a steep ascent that can be demanding due to the altitude. However, it is manageable for most people in good physical condition.
It is recommended to bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, trekking boots, water, and some snacks for the journey.
Yes, it is advisable to spend a few days in Cusco or another high-altitude area to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness during the hike.
Most organized tours include breakfast and lunch, but it’s best to verify the tour details before booking to ensure inclusions.
Yes, prior trekking experience is not required, but having moderate physical fitness is important to handle the altitude and the hike.
The optimal time to visit Humantay Lagoon is between March and December when the weather is drier and the trails are more accessible.
No, swimming in the lagoon is prohibited to preserve its ecosystem and maintain the purity of its waters.
General Travel Guide for the Humantay Lagoon Hike
Maintain a Positive Attitude and Prepare for Altitude:
Approach the trek with optimism and be prepared for high-altitude conditions. Acclimatizing in Cusco before the trip will enhance your enjoyment of the experience. It is recommended to join an organized tour for greater safety and comfort.
Climate at Humantay Lagoon
The climate at Humantay Lagoon varies by season. From March to December, conditions are drier and more favorable for hiking. Mornings are typically cold, while midday temperatures can be warmer. Nights can become quite chilly.
Useful Tips for the Hike
How to Dress for the Humantay Lagoon Hike
Dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes:
Restrictions on the Hike
Physical Preparation for the Hike
Being in moderate physical condition is recommended due to the steep ascent and altitude. Here are some preparation tips:
Health Recommendations During the Hike
Altitude Tips for Humantay Lagoon
Altitude can cause discomfort such as headaches or dizziness. Take breaks as needed and breathe deeply to improve oxygen intake. Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea can also help alleviate altitude symptoms.
Recommended Gear for the Hike
In addition to water and snacks, pack a small backpack with an extra jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a flashlight or headlamp if hiking during shorter daylight hours.
Environmental Responsibility During the Hike
Always collect your trash and respect the natural surroundings. Do not disturb the ecosystem and stick to established trails to prevent soil erosion and environmental degradation.
Conclusion
The Humantay Lagoon Tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventurous trekking. Proper preparation and adherence to recommendations will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders.
