The Humantay Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Cusco region of Peru. It is located at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, in the Andes Mountains, and is surrounded by impressive mountains and glaciers.
Humantay Lake is especially known for the intense turquoise color of its waters, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding rocky and glacial landscape. Many visitors choose to take a swim in its cold, crystalline waters, while others prefer to simply admire the natural beauty of the place and enjoy a picnic on its shores.
Humantay Lake is one of the main tourist attractions in the Cusco region and is highly recommended for those who enjoy nature and hiking.
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Humantay Lake Location
The Humantay Lake is located 124 kilometers from the city of Cusco, in the district of Mollepata in the province of Anta, Cusco region, Peru.
The turquoise color of the Humantay Lake
The intense turquoise color of the Humantay Lake is due to the presence of fine rock particles and sediments that are suspended in the water. These sediments have seeped into the lagoon over time, either by natural erosion of the surrounding rocks and soil, or by geothermal activity in the area.
Together, these factors make Humantay Lake an intense and strikingly beautiful turquoise color, making it one of the main tourist attractions in the Cusco region of Peru.
Formation of the Humantay Lake
The Humantay Lake was formed thousands of years ago during the glacial period, when glaciers stretched across the Andes region of Peru. The lagoon was formed from glacial meltwater that accumulated in a natural depression in the terrain, surrounded by the surrounding mountains.
Over time, the lagoon has been maintained by a combination of factors, such as rain and snow precipitation in the region, glacial melt, and the rivers and streams that feed the lagoon. Despite being a relatively small body of water, Humantay Lake is an important water supply for the region’s flora and fauna, as well as for the local communities that depend on it for their livelihoods.
The weather in Humantay Lake
The weather in Humantay Lake is typically cold and dry due to its location in the Peruvian Andes Mountains, at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. The average daytime temperature is between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, although it can be cooler at night and in the early morning. During the rainy season, which runs from November to March, there can be frequent rainfall and the temperature can drop further due to humidity and strong winds. During the dry season, which runs from April to October, the weather is more stable and dry, with sunny days and warmer temperatures during the day, although nights remain cool.
How to get to Humantay Lake
There are several options to get to Mollepata from Cusco
- By public transportation: It is possible to take a public bus from the Cusco bus terminal to Mollepata. Buses leave regularly during the day and the trip takes approximately 4 hours.
- By cab: It is possible to take a cab from Cusco to Mollepata, which will save you time and give you the flexibility to stop along the way to take pictures or enjoy the scenery. However, the cost will be higher than public transportation. Once in Mollepata, you must take a vehicle to Soraypampa, which is the starting point of the hike.
- By organized tour: with a local tourist agency in Cusco, which will include transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa, breakfast and lunch buffet services along with guide and entrance fees. This is the cheapest way to get to Humantay.
Important facts about the Cusco – Mollepata road (Humantay Lake)
Due to the improvement works of the Rio Blanco – Mollepata road, the route to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake are having opening and closing hours of the road.
Questions and answers of the Humantay Lake
What month is recommended to go to Humantay Lake?
The best time of the year is during the dry season from April to October, the other months the presence of rainfall occurs sporadically on weekdays.
Can I go with children to Humantay Lake?
Yes, it is recommended to go with children over 7 years old and if you consider that the height could be a problem for the child, the ideal option would be to rent a horse to save the demanding hike. Therefore, it is not recommended to go with babies and children under 6 years old.
Is it possible to swim in the Humantay Lake?
No, it is forbidden to swim in the waters of Humantay Lake.
What is the cheapest way to go to Humantay Lake?
The most economical way is definitely through a tour, this will save you time and budget.
How to prevent altitude sickness in Humantay Lake?
It is recommended before doing the tour to the lake, to stay a few days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude.
Are there horses to Humantay Lake?
Yes, before the beginning of the hike you will find horses, the price ranges between 70 to 100 soles one way, if you want a horse half way the cost is the same. It is recommended to rent at the beginning of the hike.
Are there restrooms on the way to Humantay Lake?
No, the only restroom is at the entrance gate, it is recommended to use it before the hike.
How much does a tour to Humantay Lake cost?
The price of the tour to Humantay Lake varies between 20 to 40 dollars, this varies according to the type of service.
Is it possible to make a payment ceremony to the land in the Humantay Lake?
Yes, this option can be contracted with your tourism agency.
What agency is recommended to go to Humantay Lake?
Without a doubt, Ukumari Peru Travel agency has the best prices.
