Tips on Hiking to Humantay Lake

Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Humantay Lagoon is a beautiful and popular destination for travelers visiting the Cusco region. Often visited as a day trip from Cusco or as part of the famous Salkantay, Humantay Lake is a must-see destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Peru.

If you’re planning on visiting Humantay Lake, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Consider the altitude

Humantay Lake is located at an altitude of 5,473 meters (17,956 feet) above sea level, which is higher than Cusco. If you are not used to high altitude, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, it is important to give yourself plenty of time to acclimate to the high altitude before attempting the hike.

Book a Trek to Humantay Lake

There are several tour operators in Cusco that offer day tours to Humantay Lake. These tours typically include round-trip transportation from Cusco, a local guide, breakfast and lunch, and sometimes a visit to Rainbow Mountain as well. If you are not comfortable driving or do not have your own transportation, a tour is a good option.

Start early

The hike to Humantay Lake takes about 1.5 hours one way, and it can get quite hot and sunny during the day. To avoid the heat and the crowds, it is a good idea to start your hike early in the morning. This will also allow you to catch the beautiful sunrise over the near snow-capped mountains.

Wear the right shoes

The trail to Humantay Lake can be quite rocky and uneven in places, so it is important to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes. Hiking boots or trail runners are a good choice. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, as they can be slippery and won’t provide enough support.

Take it slow

The hike to Humantay Lake is not particularly difficult, but the high altitude can make it feel more challenging. Take your time and take breaks as needed. The views from the top are worth it!

Overall, Humantay Lake is a beautiful and rewarding destination for hikers and nature lovers. If you are planning a trip to Cusco, be sure to add it to your itinerary. Whether you visit as part of a group tour or as a day trip from Cusco, you won’t be disappointed.

Additional details

Before embarking on a tour to Humantay Lake, there are some additional details you will need to consider:

• Inca Trail: If you are planning on hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake is a great destination to add to your itinerary. The trek to Humantay Lagoon is a great way to acclimate to the high altitude before attempting the more challenging hike to Machu Picchu.
• Day trips from Cusco: If you are not planning on hiking the Inca Trail, you can still visit Laguna Humantay as a day trip from Cusco, Peru. Many tour operators offer day trips that include round-trip transportation, a local guide, and sometimes breakfast and lunch. These tours usually leave early in the morning and return to Cusco in the afternoon.
• Tour operator: When booking a tour to Humantay Lake, it’s important to choose a reputable tour operator. Do some research and read reviews from other travelers before booking. Make sure the operator includes transportation, a local guide, and meals in the price of the tour. It is also a good idea to check what is included in the tour and what is not. Some operators may charge extra for things like entrance fees or bottled water.