Visiting Humantay Lagoon in Peru
Getting up to Humantay Lagoon is an experience, sitting high in the Peruvian Andes at over 4,200 meters (about 13,780 feet). This kind of altitude is common in the mountains here and it’s what makes the views around the lagoon so amazing and unique. Because it’s so high up, you really need to be ready for soroche, or altitude sickness – it’s a real challenge for many travelers. Taking it easy and letting your body get used to the height is super important.
The trek up to the lagoon starts down in Soraypampa at an elevation of 3,875 meters (around 12,713 feet). There’s often a spot halfway up where people take a breather, located around 4,125 meters (about 13,533 feet), before the final push to the lagoon itself at that 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) mark.
What’s Humantay Lagoon Like?
Humantay Lagoon is this stunning body of water right in the Andes. People know it for its incredible turquoise color and the dramatic natural setting. It’s surrounded by seriously big mountains and you can find different plants and animals around the area.
Where is Humantay Lagoon?
You’ll find Humantay Lagoon in the Cusco region of Peru, specifically in the province of Anta. It’s tucked away in the Andes mountains. The nearest town is Mollepata, which is at an altitude of about 2,803 meters (around 9,196 feet). The lagoon is northwest of the city of Cusco (sitting at about 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet), roughly 128 kilometers (about 80 miles) away.
How the Lagoon Got There
The lagoon forming took a really long time, like thousands of years, through some complex natural processes. It’s mainly linked to glaciers and how the land is shaped in the Andes.
Think way back, during ice ages. Huge amounts of ice, glaciers, moved across the land. As they moved, they carved and smoothed out the ground, creating valleys and dips in the mountains. When the climate got warmer, these glaciers started melting. The water from the melting ice collected in those carved-out basins, and over time, places like Humantay Lagoon were formed. The rocks and dirt left behind by the glaciers also helped shape the area. So, the lagoon’s existence depends on meltwater from the mountains filling up these natural bowls. It’s a kind of delicate balance between the snow and ice melting and how well the land holds that water.
Sitting Below Big Mountains
This beautiful lagoon is found right at the base of the snowy Mount Salkantay. Salkantay means “Wild Mountain” in the local language, and it’s a huge peak. It stands next to the impressive Humantay Mountain, which reaches up to 5,450 meters (about 17,881 feet). The lagoon gets its water from the melting snow and ice off these big mountains. When you’re there, it feels like you’re breathing in just the pure mountain air.
The location in the Andes, northwest of Cusco, especially in the area of Soraypampa in Mollepata district, is pretty stunning. The contrast between the towering snowy peaks and the vibrant color of the lagoon is really something else.
Getting to Humantay Lagoon
Most people start their trip to Humantay Lagoon from Cusco. It involves driving and then hiking.
- Starting from Cusco: You’ll likely begin your day in Cusco city.
- Driving to Mollepata: From Cusco, you take a road trip to the town of Mollepata. This usually takes about 2 to 3 hours by vehicle. You can join a tour or arrange private transport. Some people grab breakfast or snacks here.
- Mollepata to Soraypampa: After Mollepata, you continue by vehicle to Soraypampa. This is the spot where you start walking to the lagoon.
- Hiking to Humantay Lagoon: The walk from Soraypampa to the lagoon is about 7 kilometers (around 4.3 miles) round trip. It generally takes maybe 3 to 4 hours total for most people, depending on how fast you walk.
- Handling the Altitude: Since the lagoon is high up at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), giving yourself time to get used to the altitude is crucial to avoid getting sick. Hanging out in Cusco for a couple of days before the hike is a smart move for acclimatization.
- Things to Bring: You’ll definitely need layers of clothing for the cold and changing weather. Water is essential, snacks are a good idea, and a walking stick can really help on the uphill parts. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must because the sun is strong at this height.
- Tour Options: Lots of companies in Cusco offer organized tours. They handle transport, guides, and sometimes food, which can make things easier if you don’t want to figure out the logistics yourself.
Weather at Humantay Lagoon
The weather up at Humantay Lagoon is often quite cold and can change fast.
- Cold Temps: Because it’s so high up, temperatures are usually low. During the day, it might be around 12°C to 18°C (about 54°F to 64°F), but it gets much colder at night, possibly dropping below freezing.
- Daytime: When the sun is out, it can feel warm, but if clouds roll in or the sun goes down, it cools off quickly.
- Seasons:
- Dry Season (April – October): This is generally considered the best time to visit. There’s less rain, so the trails are usually better. However, nights can be colder during these months.
- Rainy Season (November – March): Expect more rain during this time. It can make the trails muddy and sometimes affects visibility. Daytime might be a bit warmer, but it’s still chilly.
Can You Swim in the Lagoon?
Even though it looks super tempting to jump in because the water is so clear and beautiful, swimming in Humantay Lagoon is not allowed. The water from the lagoon is actually used by the communities living nearby, so they need to keep it clean.
What to Pack for Your Visit
Like many places in the high Andes, the sun can be intense, but when it’s not out or it gets dark, the temperature drops fast. You need the right gear to stay comfortable. Here’s a list of things that are good to have:
- A warm jacket for travel
- Comfy clothes you can hike in
- A hat (to protect from sun and cold)
- Sunscreen (seriously, apply often)
- Sunglasses (for the bright sun)
- Walking sticks (helpful for the uphill and downhill)
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
- Water (stay hydrated!)
- Coca leaves or lemon candies (travelers often use these to help with altitude symptoms)
- A raincoat or poncho (just in case the weather turns)
When’s the Best Time to Go?
Most people agree the best time to visit Humantay Lagoon is during the dry season, which runs from April through October. The weather is usually more stable then with less rain, making the hike more enjoyable and the views clearer.