Humantay Lagoon Tour Full Day | CUSCO

🧭 Description

Humantay Lagoon is one of the most impressive natural destinations in the Cusco region. Located at 4,200 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Salkantay Mountains in the Vilcabamba mountain range, it amazes travelers from all over the world with its intense turquoise waters, a product of glacial melting.

The Humantay Lagoon full-day tour is perfect for those seeking adventure, moderate trekking, and a connection with the Andean worldview. In addition to enjoying the scenery, many visitors participate in ancestral rituals of offerings to Pachamama and the construction of apachetas (stone mounds as a sign of respect and gratitude).

Location and Access

• Region: Cusco, Peru.
• Province: Anta.
• District: Mollepata.
• Distance from Cusco: 123–128 km (~3 to 3.5 hours by car).
• Trekking starting point: Soraypampa (3,875 m).
• Lagoon altitude: 4,200 m.a.s.l.
• Ascent: Approximately 325 m.a.s.l.

Physical Characteristics

• Maximum depth: 20 meters.
• Color: Intense turquoise with high visibility (up to 8 m), a product of minerals and solar reflections.
• Environment: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.), one of the most sacred mountains in the Andes.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

• Daytime temperature: Between 0°C and 10°C (mornings and evenings below zero).
• Dry season (May–October): clear skies, firm trails, and clear landscapes.
• Rainy season (November–April): more humid and with a lower probability of rain, with fewer tourists.

Experience Humantay Lagoon

The trek to Humantay is of moderate difficulty, but achievable for most travelers with breaks. Along the way, you can observe high Andean fauna (alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, birds) and spectacular panoramic views of the mountain range.

The visit is not only an encounter with nature, but also with Andean spirituality, as many travelers perform rituals of gratitude to Pachamama, following local traditions.

Cultural and Sustainable Importance

• Considered a sacred lagoon for Andean communities.
• Promotes sustainable tourism by benefiting local families in Mollepata and Soraypampa.
• Connects visitors with the ancestral spirituality of the Andes.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

The tour to Humantay Lagoon is designed for you to enjoy a safe, comfortable, and complete experience high in the Andes. Everything is carefully organized so you only have to worry about enjoying the scenery. Below, we detail what this one-day adventure tour includes:

✔️ Round-trip tourist transportation

Modern tourist vehicle, with all safety protocols, air conditioning, and comfortable seats. Transfers are from Cusco to Soraypampa and back to the city.

✔️ Pickup from your accommodation

We pick you up between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. From your hotel or Airbnb located in the historic center of Cusco or easily accessible surrounding areas.

✔️ Andean breakfast in Mollepata

Includes a full meal with hot options, herbal teas, fruits, and artisan bread, ideal for starting the trek with good energy.

✔️ Buffet lunch at a local restaurant

You will enjoy a typical buffet lunch with a variety of local dishes, vegetarian options, and hot drinks.

✔️ Professional tour guide (bilingual)

A certified guide in English and Spanish will accompany you throughout the trek. They will provide you with cultural, geographical, and spiritual information about the lagoon and the Andean Apus.

✔️ First aid kit and oxygen tank

To ensure your safety, your guide carries an emergency kit and oxygen in case of altitude sickness.

✔️ Trekking poles (optional, check availability)

Some services include the loan of poles to facilitate the ascent. Please inquire in advance.

❌ What’s not included?

Although the tour is quite comprehensive, there are certain services and personal expenses that are not included in the package. It’s important to know these so you can better plan your experience:

✖️ Entrance to Humantay Lagoon and Soraypampa

Official entrance fees included. You don’t need to worry about making additional payments upon arrival at the checkpoint.

✖️ Assistance horse (optional)

During the hike, you can choose to rent a horse with a local muleteer if you don’t want to hike up. This service is paid directly to the local resident and costs between 60 and 100 soles per leg, depending on the season.

✖️ Voluntary tips

Tips for the guide, driver, or local residents are not included and are at your discretion. They are appreciated as a courtesy and as a way to support rural tourism.

✖️ Additional Drinks or Personal Snacks

Although the tour includes breakfast and lunch, bottled drinks, snacks, or additional water are the passenger’s own expense. It is recommended that you bring your own reusable water bottle to reduce plastic use.

✖️ Appropriate Clothing or Personal Equipment

Raincoats, rain ponchos, personal trekking poles (unless otherwise stated), backpacks, sunglasses, or sunscreen are not included. You must bring these items.

✖️ Travel or Medical Insurance

The tour does not cover personal accident insurance. It is recommended that you have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.

🎒 Recommendations for the Humantay Lagoon Tour

Trekking to Humantay Lagoon is an unforgettable experience, but also challenging due to the altitude and terrain conditions. To ensure you enjoy the hike to the fullest and safely, here’s a list of practical tips:

🥾 1. Prepare physically and acclimatize

• Humantay Lagoon is located at over 4,200 meters above sea level, so it’s essential to have spent at least two days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize.
• If you’re not used to hiking at altitude, you can take short hikes in the city or to nearby sites like Sacsayhuamán or Tambomachay before the tour.

💧 2. Stay hydrated

• Hydration is key to avoiding altitude sickness. Bring a reusable water bottle and drink water in small amounts throughout the hike.
• Coca infusions before the tour also help improve oxygenation.

🎒 3. Bring a small backpack with the essentials

Pack only what you need to avoid carrying extra weight:

• Water, light snacks, and fruit.
• Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Gloves, a wool hat, and a scarf.
• Raincoat or poncho (the weather changes quickly in the Andes).
• Layer warm clothing (it’s cold in the morning and hot when walking).
• Toilet paper and bags for your trash.

👟 4. Wear appropriate trekking footwear

• It’s essential to wear hiking shoes or boots with non-slip soles.
• Avoid new shoes or those with poor traction. The trail may have loose rocks and steep sections.

🧘 5. Walk at your own pace

• It’s not a race. Take short breaks when you need them and listen to your body.
• The altitude can affect everyone differently, so it’s best to go slowly and enjoy the scenery.

🐎 6. Consider renting a horse if necessary

• If you don’t feel up to completing the hike, you can rent a horse from a local muleteer.
• Do this at the beginning of the trail to ensure availability and avoid risks mid-hike.

📸 7. Respect the nature and spirituality of the area

• Humantay Lagoon is a sacred space for Andean communities.
• Do not enter the water or leave any waste. If you wish, you can participate in a small offering to Pachamama, guided by your local guide.

📅 8. Avoid weekends or holidays

• For a more peaceful experience, it is recommended to take the tour during the week, as weekends are more crowded with tourists.

🌤 9. Check the weather before the tour

• Although the tour departs every day, the months of April through October are the best, as the weather is drier and the views are clearer.
• During the rainy season (November through March), it is important to bring good waterproof gear.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Humantay Lagoon located?
   It is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range, in the Mollepata district, Anta province, about 3.5 hours from Cusco.
2. At what altitude is the lagoon?
   It is approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
3. What is the difficulty level of the hike?
   It is moderate to challenging, due to the altitude and the constant ascent. Prior acclimatization and good physical condition are recommended.
4. Can I rent a horse?
   Yes, in Soraypampa you can rent a horse to ascend, paying directly to the local community.
5. Can the tour be done year-round?
   Yes, but the best time is between April and October, during the dry season, when the skies are clear and the lagoon is at its most sparkling.
6. Is it suitable for children or seniors?
   Yes, but with caution. If walking is difficult, you can rent a horse. It is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions.