Humantay Lagoon Cusco

WHY IS LAGUNA HUMANTAY POPULAR?

The Humantay Lagoon is a relatively small lagoon, but what makes this body of water popular is that, on very sunny days, visitors can appreciate its impressive turquoise color. This lagoon is 100% glacial in origin.

WHERE IS THE HUMANTAY LAGOON LOCATED?

It is located 124 km northwest of Cusco, in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta.

WHY IS HUMANTAY TURQUOISE?

One of the widely accepted reasons for the turquoise coloration, not only for Humantay Lagoon, but around the world, is the presence of mineral meals or particles carried by melting ice as it descends from the snowpack. When these tiny mineral meals finally end up in the lagoon waters, they never sink to the bottom. In addition, the presence of micro algae (Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria), and the reflection of sunlight, give rise to the turquoise color.

IS IT WORTH VISITING THE HUMANTAY LAGOON?

The photos of the Humantay Lagoon speak for themselves, and the answer is yes, it is worth going. If possible, go up to the lookout point on the left side of the lagoon, walk up there and you won’t regret it, because that’s the perfect angle for the best photos, and the views of the whole valley below are amazing as well.

PREPARATION FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Do not neglect a proper acclimatization, before going to the Humantay lagoon spend at least a couple of days in the city of Cusco. People who exercise regularly or are in good shape should have no difficulty in completing the walk. However, altitude sickness could affect anyone.

In fact, altitude sickness does not affect everyone, and it is sometimes difficult to know who is likely to be affected. For most travelers, it is nothing more than a headache and a feeling of discomfort that disappears over a period of one or two days.

If you are short on time, consult your family doctor about which medications to take for mountain hiking. Additionally, you can counteract the symptoms of altitude sickness with a few sips of mate de coca; this coca tea helps with altitude sickness and is very popular among local people in the countryside.

Coca tea is offered by hotels and lodges as a complimentary beverage. Sometimes it is difficult to combat the effect of altitude sickness, but at least you can counteract it, even if it is just a little with this coca tea.

WHEN IS THE BEST SEASON TO GO TO THE HUMANTAY LAGOON?

The weather in the highlands and mountains is a bit unpredictable, however, we can see a fairly increasing number of travelers visiting Cusco during the dry season which runs approximately from May to mid-October. This season undoubtedly offers full days with solar illumination for perfect photos and even more so when it comes to Humantay, you can see its turquoise-blue color with greater clarity. However, the Humantay Lagoon is accessible all year round and of course in the rainy season you will find fewer visitors at the lagoon.

WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE IN THE HUMANTAY LAGOON?

The weather in the dry season is frigid especially in the mornings, but as long as you are prepared everything will be fine. In the rainy season the weather is a little mild, but if there is rain you will walk on the ground and the road is muddy and this is not only on the Humantay route but it is the same for the other hikes as well. Moreover, during the day the sunlight always comes out and the mist clears a little to enjoy the scenery. The average temperature is from 0° C to 20 ° C.

ARE THERE RESTROOMS ON THE ROAD TO LAGUNA HUMANTAY?

The restrooms are at the beginning of the road to the lagoon and further on after a 30 to 40 minute walk there are also some. It is important to know that for the use of these bathrooms you pay 1 sol. As you get closer and closer to the Humantay Lagoon you will no longer find any restrooms so be sure to use them at the beginning.

THE VIEWS TO THE SNOWY SALKANTAY AND HUMANTAY MOUNTAINS

As you approach the Soraypampa camp, traveling on a dirt road, you will have your first glimpse of the 6,273 m high Salkantay mountain. Seen from this route the Salkantay is behind the 5 334 m Humantay mountain. and then when the weather is good both mountains manifest an impressive view, a grandiose spectacle high in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

MULETEERS ON THE ROAD

In the surroundings of the Soraypampa camp there is a select group of mules placed in a wire fence and wooden fences, feeding and these are destined to work on the road, carrying visitors to Humantay on their backs.

These animals are used for their strength and resistance to heights. Mules are also the exclusive beasts of burden on the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Once you arrive at the Soraypampa camp, you will surely find mules being rushed back and forth by muleteers. Well, these mules are coming back after three days of work. Bells hang from their necks and ring to the rhythm of the trot. The others will be waiting their turn to work the same amount of time carrying supplies, tent equipment, etc. for the hikers to Machu Picchu.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• The sooner you leave Cusco, the better, as you will reach the lake before anyone else.
• The Humantay Lagoon is actually the third most visited place after Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain.
• It is not permitted to take a dip in the lagoon waters in any way.
• We recommend that you visit on a sunny day when the colors become more vivid. When it rains or it is foggy, the lake tends to lose its turquoise color.
• Please note that there are horse / mule rentals for the ascent only.
• Don’t forget that health and safety always come first. If you begin to feel dizzy, nauseous, have a headache or feel tired during the hike, do not continue and return to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
• The first two hours driving from Cusco is on a paved road which is the same road that leads to the capital Lima.
• Humantay and Salkantay have been known as sacred mountains since time immemorial in this part of the region.
• Soraypampa camp hosts several campsites, with geodesic dome tents popular today offering touristy views of the starry sky all night long.
• The terrain can become quite rugged, but the mules are sure-footed.

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