Humantay, the most beautiful lagoon in Cusco
Humantay Lagoon is one of the most impressive tourist destinations in Cusco and Peru, making it a must-see for all travelers. In this iMachuPicchu article, we’ll share all the information you need about how to get there, what to bring, the best time to visit, and more. Don’t miss it!
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What is the Humantay Lagoon?
Humantay Lagoon is a stunning destination notable for its beauty and one of the most popular spots among travelers. If you don’t visit it, your trip will be incomplete. This lagoon is located in the town of Soraypampa, in the Mollepata district, Anta province, in the Department of Cusco, at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level.
Its name comes from the nearby Humantay snow-capped mountain, which was worshipped by the Inca Empire because it provided water to its population, which is why they considered it an Apu (deity).
How to get to Humantay Lagoon?
How to get to Humantay Lagoon from Cusco?
To make it simple and easy, both travel agencies and independent travelers follow the same route to reach Humantay Lagoon.
- Step One: Leave Cusco by land transport heading to Mollepata, which will take approximately two and a half hours.
- Step two: Once you arrive, head to the community of Soraypampa, which will take about an hour by land transportation.
- Step three: Upon arrival, begin the hike to Humantay Lagoon, which will take approximately an hour and a half.
- Step Four: Now that you’ve arrived, all that’s left to do is enjoy this incredible tourist destination. And don’t forget to take those souvenir photos!
You can take public transportation from the bus terminals in Arcopata, near Cusco’s historic center, for a fare of approximately 15 soles to Mollepata. However, there is no public transportation available from Mollepata to Sorayapampa, so you will need to hire a private taxi service. It is advisable to negotiate the price and hire a service that will pick you up in Cusco and return you by the same means.
How far is Humantay Lagoon from Machu Picchu?
The distance between Humantay Lagoon and Machu Picchu is approximately 24.4 km as the crow flies, according to Google Maps. However, there is no direct road, trail, or rail line between the two locations, making the trip longer.
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu from Humantay Lagoon, you should first head to the Ollantaytambo train station, which will take about 4 hours. From there, you can board a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), which takes approximately 2 hours.
Is it possible to visit both places in one day? Due to the distance and travel time, this option isn’t feasible. It’s best to dedicate a full day to each of these destinations.
When is the best time to visit Humantay Lagoon?
What is the peak season to visit Humantay Lagoon?
The best time to visit Humantay Lagoon is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. During these months, the weather is more favorable, with little to no rain, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views without interruption.
What if you’re booking during the rainy season? Don’t worry! If that’s the case, your mission will be to pack the right gear to protect yourself from the rain and move around comfortably. With the right equipment, your trip will be a success, and you’ll be able to overcome any challenges you encounter along the way.
Is it advisable to visit Humantay Lagoon during the rainy season?
Many travelers do not recommend visiting Humantay Lagoon during the rainy season due to the intensity of the rainfall, which makes the terrain muddier and more difficult to ascend. If not careful, there is a risk of slipping and injury.
As for Machu Picchu, the rains are also intense during this season. If you don’t choose a suitable time for your visit, you could find the site covered in fog and not see anything. Be careful! Make sure to coordinate well with your travel agency to avoid any negative impact on your experience.
Despite the weather conditions, a considerable number of travelers choose to travel during this time, as long as they bring good rainproof gear and take advantage of the increased flora during these months.
What to bring to Laguna Humantay?
What clothing is appropriate for visiting Humantay Lagoon?
When visiting Humantay Lagoon, it’s essential to avoid wearing formal or urban clothing or footwear. Why? Wearing this type of clothing will cause discomfort while walking, limiting your mobility. Furthermore, inappropriate footwear could cause injuries that would hinder your journey.
Ideally, you should travel light and wear comfortable clothing. Choose long-sleeved polo shirts, a waterproof jacket, a hat, hiking pants, or a sweatshirt that allows you to move easily. Finally, don’t forget good hiking shoes, which will provide the necessary support and help you maintain your well-being during the hike.
What to bring to Humantay Lagoon for trekking?
As a traveler, it’s important to know that a good backpack should hold only the essentials. Why? Because carrying too much weight can mean you don’t use everything you packed, which will increase the weight of your backpack and cause discomfort.
Below, I’ve shared a short list of some items you might consider bringing:
- Identity documents and/or passport.
- Camera.
- Sunscreen.
- Hat.
- Light clothing.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Trekking shoes.
- Snacks.
Trekking experience to Humantay Lagoon
Is trekking to Humantay Lagoon difficult?
The hike to Humantay Lagoon is considered moderate in difficulty. Why? Because to reach this lagoon, you’ll have to walk approximately two hours one way. The route is steep, so physical demands are inevitable.
Another factor that makes it somewhat complicated, but not impossible, is the lagoon’s altitude, located at 4,800 meters above sea level. This can be a challenge for some travelers, especially those who haven’t previously acclimatized in Cusco.
How long does it take to get to Humantay Lagoon?
The estimated time to reach Humantay Lagoon varies depending on the departure point. If you depart from Cusco’s historic center, the tourist transportation will take you to the town of Soraypampa, which can take around 3 hours if no stops are made along the way.
From Soraypampa, the hike to the lagoon begins. It can take between 3 and 4 hours round trip. This time is approximate, as it will depend on your walking pace, and it’s important not to overexert yourself physically to enjoy the experience.
Tips for a successful trip
How much does a tour to Humantay Lagoon cost?
The cost of a tour to Humantay Lagoon can range from approximately $30 to $150. Why this difference? Travel agencies offer both group and private tours, and the price also depends on the level of comfort they provide.
If you prefer to travel alone with family or friends, a private tour might be the ideal option, although it will generally be more expensive than a group tour, where you’ll share the trip with people you don’t know. Keep these details in mind!
What to do after visiting Humantay Lagoon?
After visiting Laguna Humantay, it’s best to take a short half-day trip to allow your body to recover before continuing your exploration. Peru offers a wide variety of tourist destinations that you might consider for your next trip. In Cusco, you can enjoy popular attractions like the Rainbow Mountains, or take half-day tours like the City Tour or the South Valley. If you haven’t yet visited Machu Picchu, this is a must-see destination.
If you’ve already explored much of Cusco, you might consider traveling to the jungle, such as Iquitos or Madre de Dios, where you can experience the region’s rich flora and fauna. There are also options to visit destinations in other departments such as Arequipa, Ica, Puno, and Lima, among others.