Humantay Lake: Peru's Breathtaking Turquoise Gem in the Andes

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

For local Quechua communities, Humantay Lake isn't merely a beautiful natural formation—it's a deeply sacred site:

• The lake is considered an important 'apacheta' (sacred place) connected to the mountain deity (apu) Salkantay
• Local communities have performed offerings and ceremonies here for centuries
• The waters are believed to have purifying and healing properties
• It forms part of a network of sacred water sources in Andean cosmology

Dry Season (May to October)

• Ideal Months: June through August offer the most reliable weather conditions
• Advantages: Clear skies with better visibility of the glacier and mountains
• Trail Conditions: Drier paths make hiking easier and safer
• Considerations: Peak tourist season means more visitors sharing the experience

Shoulder Seasons (April and November)

• Advantages: Fewer crowds with still-reasonable weather probability
• Photography: Lush green surroundings with good chances of clear views
• Considerations: Occasional rain possible but often short-lived

Rainy Season (December to March)

• Advantages: Dramatically fewer visitors and vibrant green landscapes
• Considerations: Frequent cloud cover may obscure views of the mountains
• Trail Conditions: Muddy, slippery paths require proper footwear and experience
• Safety: Occasional trail closures during extreme weather for visitor safety

Day Trip from Cusco with Salas Travel

Our most popular option follows this timeline:

• Early Morning: Departure from Cusco (4:00-5:00 AM)
• Breakfast Stop: Mollepata village (2.5 hours from Cusco)
• Soraypampa: Arrive at trailhead (3,900m/12,795ft)
• Hiking: 1.5-2 hour ascent to the lake
• Lake Experience: 1-2 hours exploring and photography
• Return: Back to Cusco by 6:00-7:00 PM

Two-Day Humantay Experience

For those seeking a more immersive experience with better acclimatization:

• Day 1: Morning departure from Cusco, lunch in Mollepata, afternoon arrival at our exclusive mountain glamping site in Soraypampa with short acclimatization hikes
• Evening: Stargazing program and traditional dinner
• Day 2: Early morning hike to catch sunrise at the lake, extended time for photography and exploration, return to Cusco by afternoon

Salkantay Trek Integration

For trekkers, Humantay Lake is often visited as part of the greater Salkantay Trek:

• First acclimatization day of the classic 5-day Salkantay to Machu Picchu route
• Less crowded morning visit before other trekking groups arrive
• Enhanced experience with professional trekking guides who share deeper insights

Trail Description and Difficulty

The hike to Humantay Lake presents moderate challenges:

• Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 miles) round trip from Soraypampa
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 meters (1,312 feet)
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours ascending; 1-1.5 hours descending
• Starting Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) at Soraypampa
• Maximum Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) at the lake