When we think about the deeply-rooted mysticism in Cusco, we realize why the Incas believed this was such a sacred location to settle. By only looking at the majestic Humantay Lake, you can see and actually feel the everlasting energy of these beautiful lands. For that reason, we’d like to share this adventure with you.
The Humantay Lake is located at the Vilcabamba mountain range, flanked by imposing snow-capped peaks like the Salkantay and the Humantay mounts. This natural wonder has been the most popular attraction near the Imperial City of Cusco and here we’ll tell you why you shouldn’t miss it.
This turquoise-water lagoon is as impressive as you’ve seen in the pictures and the trek can be considered as a moderate to challenging adventure since it is located at 4,200 meters above sea level.
However, all that hard work is paid off step by step thanks to the natural scenery that surrounds it. Besides, if you’re the adventurous traveler type, then you’d be glad to know that Lake Humantay is included in one of the best alternatives to get to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek.
If you’re looking for the best day trips from Cusco, then you definitely can’t leave this one behind during your adventure to Peru. Continue reading and learn everything about this Andean experience!
Hike to Lake Humantay: Step by Step
If you’re eager to hike all the way up to this natural beauty, you must be aware that it sits on a high elevation, as we mentioned above. Therefore, it is wise to spend some time in Cusco to properly acclimate before committing to this physically demanding trek.
You might be wondering why we highlight this so many times, and it’s because most travelers tend to underestimate the effects of Altitude Sickness, a condition that affects most people that live below 2,500 m.a.s.l.
Once you’ve gotten used to the altitude in Cusco, you can easily join this trek though it doesn’t mean that it will make it like an easy stroll around your hometown. The trail is very steep and starts at 3,800 meters of altitude, taking up to 2 hours to complete.
But don’t worry, that’s enough time to get to the top and our guides will be there to help you in case you have any inconvenience on the trail. Keep in mind that you can also get a horse ride up to the top with an extra cost.
If you’re feeling adventurous, then this trek will definitely exceed your expectations, and trust us, the views of the lake are totally incredible! Here’s the detailed itinerary of this adventure:
04:30h – 05:00h | Pick up from the hotel
We’ll pick you up early in the morning. Keep in mind that you should be well rested and under any circumstances do not drink alcohol the day before the trek, otherwise you could end up feeling sick without even having started the trek.
We encourage you to be prepared for the cold in layers of clothes, even though the trek will take you over 4,000 meters of elevation, the sun and physical activity will get you all warmed up so you might want to think twice if you were planning to dress up as if you were visiting the south pole.
Likewise, it is highly recommended to drink plenty of water throughout the trek since the higher you go, the more prone you’ll be to the effects of altitude sickness. Having that in mind, you’ll be set and ready to start your adventure to Humantay Lake.
07:30h – 08:30h | Breakfast stop
We’ll make a stop on the way to the starting point, so you can have some delicious Andean breakfast and a cup of tea to get you all warmed up and ready for this adventure.
We have included a buffet restaurant in the itinerary, where you’ll find a variety of food to delight your palate. Remember to have a light but high-calorie diet, the altitude increases our need for fuel and it’s best to listen to our body rather than ignore it.
Once you’ve recharged your energy, it’s time to head right to the starting point of the trek, which is located in Soraypampa. From here, we’ll have sweeping views of the nearby mountains and the snow-capped peaks looming from the distance.
09:45h – 11:15h | Humatay Lagoon Trek
Once we reach the starting point, our guide will give some recommendations so you can do the trek safely. Keep in mind that the adventure will start at 3,800 m.a.s.l. and will reach 4,200 meters of altitude.
As we mentioned above the trek has a moderate to challenging difficulty since some parts of the trail are very steep and the altitude is certainly a factor that can’t be ignored. However, you’ll have plenty of time to complete the trek camly, since we’ll give you about 2.5 hours to finish it.
Keep in mind that in case you’re feeling bad during the activity, our guide will be there to assist with any eventuality. We want you to have a fun but also safe experience so make sure to follow our recommendations!
Besides, all that effort will be paid off as you are making the way to the lagoon, and especially, when you arrive!
11:15h – 12:15h | Free time to explore
You’ll surely be captivated with the awe-inspiring scenery of the Humantay Lake, so take your time to take some pictures and take in this beautiful natural landscape and the energy that surrounds it.
As we said before, this emerald lake holds a great mysticism to the Andean people, which is why you’ll notice some rocks piled up near the lake, a way to show gratitude to Mother Earth.
Once you’ve taken the best pictures of the lake, our guide will explain everything about these ancient beliefs. You will also get to pile up some rock and coca leaves to thank this imposing natural wonder and the spirit of the earth itself.
You’ll have about one hour to explore and enjoy the views of the lake before we head back to the buses for a well-deserved rest and lunch.
12:15h – 13:00h | Return to the buses
As you head back to the buses, you’ll realise how all that hard work has been paid off! Now it’s just time to say goodbye to this natural beauty as we make our way down to the parking lot.
Luckily, the return will be a lot easier than climbing up. Once everyone’s back on the transport, we’ll go to a buffet restaurant where you’ll get to experience the best of our gastronomy.
14:00h – 15:00h | Buffet lunch
We know how hungry you’ll be after this adventure, which is why we’ll take you to a buffet restaurant so you can taste much more of our culinary art.
15:00h – 18:30h | Return to Cusco
Finishing our lunch break, we’ll head back to Cusco so you can continue exploring the beauty of the city or go to bed before you start your next adventure through the Andes.
Important Note:
If you wish to have a more intimate and exclusive experience, please contact our travel agents. You can take the Humantay Lagoon trail on a private tour with Viagens Machu Picchu.
It is worth highlighting again that our team is highly capacitated to assist you in case of any inconvenience. In case you’re feeling any altitude sickness symptoms, make sure to talk to any of our guides so they can assist you right away.
The day before the trek, our team will give you a briefing about the activity ahead. You’ll also be provided with a walking stick and an identification vest for the trip.
Altitude Sickness: How to Prevent and Deal With It
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, you surely have heard of the so-called “Soroche,” a condition that affects most tourists and residents that travel to places that surpass the 2,500 meters of elevation.
Therefore, some travelers may experience dizziness, tiredness, shortness of breath and headaches upon arrival to these high-altitude places, those are the most common symptoms of altitude sickness.
We’d like to highlight that this condition may affect anyone, including those who have lived over 1,000 meters above sea level. For that reason, we highly recommend taking things slowly on your first 2-3 days in Cusco before committing to a physically demanding activity.
Luckily for you, we have gathered some tips that will help you prevent and deal with altitude sickness:
- Keep yourself hydrated
The water will be your best ally to fight and prevent this condition, so make sure to drink enough liquid throughout your stay. Higher altitudes are associated with dehydration as a result of dryer air and more rapid breathing, causing a greater loss of bodily fluids. - Avoid alcohol and smoking at all costs
Yes, we know this is hard and even worse if you’re on vacation but trust us, it’s best to wait at least 48 hours before drinking alcohol or smoking. These could worsen dehydration and shortness of breath if ingested on your first days in Cusco. - Drink Coca tea or chew Coca leaves
The Coca plant is a medicinal herb used since pre-Columbian times. It is known for helping to ease any altitude sickness symptoms and improving acclimatization. You can either drink tea or just chew on the leaves. - Eat a light but high-calorie diet
Higher altitudes increase our need for fuel, which is why it is best to have a calorie-based diet. Make sure to eat healthy snacks including lots of whole grains in your meals. - Take it easy
The key to everything in life! Don’t rush yourself, take the necessary time to get used to the altitude and don’t do any physically demanding activities during your first days. In the meantime, you can take a walking tour through Cusco’s old town or visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
If you’re experiencing any altitude sickness symptoms, make sure to follow these tips:
- Stop and rest wherever you are.
- Don’t go any higher during the next 24 to 48 hours.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or exercise.
- Drink Coca tea, known for helping with acclimation.
If you’re wondering if there are any medicines that can help you with the altitude sickness symptoms, you could buy Diamox or Soroche Pills from any drugstore in Peru. However, we recommend consulting with a doctor first before taking any of these medications.
What to Bring for the Trek?
As you already know, Lake Humantay is located at 4,200 meters above sea level, which is why it tends to be really cold up there, even if the sun is out. Here we have prepared a packing list with all the essential things you should bring with you for this trek:
- Water. As we mentioned above, you will need this to prevent any altitude sickness symptoms and clearly because you biologically need it.
- Be prepared for the cold. Make sure to bring warm clothes and to be prepared in layers. As you walk up the mountain you might want to take a layer or two off.
- Bring snacks for the way. Although you’ll have breakfast and lunch, it’s good to pack plenty of healthy snacks.
- Rain poncho. If traveling during the rainy season (December – April), make sure to bring this in your backpack since it can either snow or rain up there.
- Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers. Although hiking boots should be the go-to option, not everyone is doing many treks during their adventure through Peru. If you do, then you can either rent or buy them from any trek gear shop in Cusco. Otherwise, some good sneakers will do the job!
- Small Backpack. Bring a daily pack with you, you’ll want to have your hands free during the hike, or at least just to take pictures.
- Sun protection. Make sure to bring sunscreen and to apply it every 45-50 minutes. Also, don’t forget your sunglasses and sun hats at the hotel! The sun can be really aggressive at this elevation.
If you’d like to know what’s the best place to rent trekking gear, make sure to ask our travel agents, they’ll provide you with the best options to do so!
How to book the Humantay Lake Trek?
Cusco is the main travel destination of Peru since it comprises so many natural and historical attractions. For that reason, there is a sea of tour operators that offer this and other excursions in the Cusqueñan region.
Keep in mind that there are hundreds of companies that offer this trek, which is why we recommend doing proper research before choosing one. That’s because not all of them are reliable or may not include the things we’ve mentioned before.
Going cheaper isn’t always the option, remember that you’ll get the service that you’ve paid for, no more no less. Going with a compliant tour operator will make things a lot easier, and you’ll feel safer while walking over 4,000 meters above sea level.
Luckily for you, we have prepared this itinerary so you can experience the trek without any rush and with total safety. If you wish to include it to your travel itinerary, make sure to contact our team and we’ll take care of all the details so you can just worry about having fun.
Also, if you’re looking for similar activities to include in your adventure through Cusco, don’t miss the chance of visiting the 7 Lakes of Ausangate or the Rainbow Mountain. Learn everything about these natural wonders while you’re here.
Peru is undoubtedly one of the perfect travel destinations in South America and we’d love to show you everything about it. In case you’re planning a trip to our country, check these travel packages and live an authentic experience with Viagens Machu Picchu.