Humantay Lake, a beautiful, clear lake that is located in a Sacred Peruvian Valley close to Cusco. Humantay Lagoon is sacred to many and is considered one of South America’s most beautiful and important lakes. Here are some interesting facts about the Humantay lagoon.
Humantay Lake may be more familiar to Spanish-speaking locals as Lago Humantay, or Laguna de Humantay. It is worth visiting during the dry season, May to September. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped Andes peaks which create a stunning backdrop for photos.
Vital Fast Humantay Lake Facts
- Laguna Humantay is located roughly 75 miles (122 KM)to the northwest of Cusco
- Machu Picchu and the Inca trail are located to the south of this sacred lake
- The surrounding mountains, Humantay Mountain and Salkantay mountain are part of the greater Vilcabamba Mountain range which includes Macha Picchu
- Spanish is the local language of Peru
- Sol is the currency of Peru. 1 sol = 24 US cents (0. 24c)
- You can travel to the lake without tour guide
- The cost of entry to the Lake National Park is 10 soles ($3) entry fee (per person)
- The blue and green coloration of the lake is due to the mineral high run off from the surrounding glaciers
- The lake is located in the mountains at an altitude of 4,200 metres or 13,780 feet
- The Lake was considered sacred by the Incan people and to this day is visited by Shamen and other spiritual healers.
- The tradition is for travelers is to leave an ‘Apacheta’ or stone offering at the lake edge, balanced on top of other offerings and offer a thank you to Pachamama for safe passage to the laguna and return travels
- Due to the altitude it is recommended to acclimate in the town of Cusco for at least two days prior to attempting the assent hike
- Humantay lake is a cold area all year round. Yearly averages are between 4-12 degrees Celsius
- Summers are humid and rainy, while winters are chilly and bright. From November through March, it is bitterly cold. Between April and October, summer arrives.
Where is Humantay Lake?
I for one like to have a sense of my bearings and developing a basic understanding of my tour destination. This is much more valuable than hiring a professional guide. This knowledge will help you to understand the area and what to look out for on your sacred camino to Lake Humantay.
The lake trail head at Mollepata/Soraypampa takes about an hour from Cusco. It is followed by a steep but short hike to the holy lake. To reach Mollepata, you can take a bus or taxi. Or you can take an organized tour.
The lake is found on the Salkantay Trail, near the glacier with the same name. It runs between the mountains Salkantay & Humantay. You will be walking a trail that is woven into the fabric of Incan culture and Peruvian culture. In this peaceful, tranquil area, spirituality and history abound.
What are the coodinates of Humantay Lake?
The coordinates are 13. 5164deg S, 71. 9766deg W
Should I Hire a Taxi and Go On Your Own?
There are benefits to taking a taxi, like being in charge of your own time and getting to the lake before the hordes arrive in bus convoy from Cusco. If you are traveling alone, the tour is a better choice. You can share the experience with other like-minded travelers.
If you’re traveling with more than one person, it is a good idea to hire a taxi to take you back from Cusco to the drop-off point. While you walk to the lake, the taxi driver will drive you back to Cusco.
How Much Does A Taxi to Humantay Lake Cost?
Like most other poorer nations, the price is negotiable. Although you don’t want a man to make a day of work for nothing, it’s a good idea to negotiate and not take the first offer. In the region of 250 soles ($75 USD) is the normal price for the trip.
When you arrive, you will be charged a fee of 10 soles ($3 per person)to enter the national park where the trek begins.
How Much Does a Tour To Lake Humantay Cost?
A group tour to Humantay Lake is 80 soles ($25 USD) person and this does not include your 10 soles entrance fee. The buses leave very early in the morning, which can or may not cause any inconvenience depending on how many beers or moonshines you have drank. At the end of each day, you have the option to choose between a taxi or a bus. However, you will be able to spend more time with less people and enjoy fewer crowds.
Best Tour To Humantay Lake
There are hundreds of tour companies in Cusco. For the best price, choose a company that has many reviews and feedback such as Andean Trails of Peru Treks.
You can also book ahead with GetyourGuide.com, who work with many local tour guide around the globe. This is the most popular tour for those who visit the lake.
When to Go to Humantay Lake?
This is another very important question. This is a very important question. It is always a good idea to have someone with you on the trail for safety reasons.
The dry season is May-September, although it is hot. However, you will be able to enjoy a great hike in the rainy season (March to May) and freezing cold (November to March). Before you decide to hike, make sure to check the weather forecast. Too much rain could make it impossible and the cold can become unbearable.
All About the Humantay Lake Hike
It’s all uphill the whole way from the start of the trail. Use the toilets at the trail’s beginning and Leave No Trace.
The hike itself is like climbing up stairs for 45 minutes straight. Some sections are steep and slippery. It was an amazing experience once you’ve seen it. It’s hard to rush while you’re on such an important trail.
What to Bring With You When Hiking Humantay Lake?
A lot of these things go without saying for any experience traveler and hiker but use it as a checklist if you need to. For general advice on self-care and what to bring, see my guide to hiking alone as a woman.
- Cash for your entry to the Humantay Lake National Park
- Cash for use of the restrooms at the trail head
- Sunscreen as the rate of burn is much higher at altitude
- Water – You’ll need at least 1-2 litres of H2O for the hike up. Bear in mind that with altitude you may need to drink more water than you are accustomed to
- Layer of clothing – don’t get caught out. The weather changes quickly up here so have a base layer and various layers to load on or peel off as required
- Loo paper – Toilet paper is rare commodity up at the lake so make sure you bring your own supply
- Good hiking shoes – I’d be lost without my Merrels – check out mine here
Can you Swim in Humanatay Lake?
No. It is considered a holy place and therefore highly frowned upon.
You may be tempted to let others swim in the waters. It’s not right to inspect the waters and stop swimmers from entering them. Be sure to bring warm clothes. Instead of sitting on the shore, take a deep breath and enjoy the beautiful waters of Humantay.
Tips and What to do at the Humantay Lake
If you are with an organized tour, you will not have time to hike around the perimiter of the lake. You can enjoy the lake and its emerald waters by walking your own route.
Bring your own snacks, especially if you are not on a tour. Although tours provide food, you might still need something after a strenuous hike.
Bring nuun, an electrolyte substitute in your water. They have been a great way to increase my water intake and I use them in every sport. Hydration is something that I struggle with!
If you’re taking a tour, get to bed at night. The majority of tours depart Cusco between 4 and 5 a.m.
Conclusion
All in all this is a fabulous trip to undertake in the Cusco region and ever so rewarding to see the sacred lake. You will be able to see Peru if you take a trip to Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu.
Let us know about your trip in the comments and any more Humantay lake facts which I may have missed out on. Let me know if you would like the number of the taxi driver that we used.
