Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake
5
About
Located over 2.5 miles above sea level in the Andes mountains, Humantay Lake is one of Peru’s most unique natural wonders. With turquoise water you’d expect from the Caribbean and beautiful rugged terrain, it’s a favorite amongst photographers and outdoors enthusiasts. Don’t forget to keep an eye out while hiking to the top as you might see condors flying above. You can hop on a day-long private tour from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to reach the lake, or opt to complete the Salkantay Trek, which will take you from Humantay all the way to Machu Picchu. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • DanielMtz90
    Monterrey, Mexico458 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the walking
    Laguna Humantay is a gem nestled above 4,200 meters, offering an awe-inspiring sight of turquoise waters set against rugged Andean beauty. The journey to this natural wonder is not for the faint-hearted, with a 6 km uphill trek and a 5 km descent that can be quite challenging. But those who undertake this adventure are rewarded with one of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. The excursion starts early and includes facilities at the mountain’s base, but it’s important to come prepared with sunscreen and layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures. The effort to reach Laguna Humantay is a testament to the majestic allure of the Peruvian highlands, where every step brings you closer to nature’s masterpiece. It’s a highly recommended experience for those willing to embrace the trek. Even tho if your not willing to walk you can rent a horse that will take you to a close point.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 20, 2024
  • Gonza S
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Uruguayan birthday at Humantay Lagoon
    We went to the lagoon on my wife's Lucy's birthday, when we arrived she was very excited to spend her special day there! Victor and Rafa's group was wonderful, together with the group we were with, a phenomenal family was formed! From Uruguay to the world, thank you very much guys!
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 20, 2024
  • Katiana N
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Humantay Lagoon, simply beautiful
    The views are beautiful and incredible. The path is a little difficult to climb but you have the option of getting there on horseback. The views along the way are beautiful: you cross streams, flowers everywhere, you see animals, beautiful vegetation and above all the imposing and impressive snow-filled mountains of Humantay, Salkantay. The lagoon is a beautiful and mystical place surrounded by these mountains and nature is seen in all its splendor. Our guide Johnny was simply spectacular. Very kind, patient, and above all, he taught us to love and be grateful for so many beautiful gifts like this one that Pachamama gives us. It was an extremely beautiful experience.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 24, 2024
  • FarAway15290297254
    Florianopolis, SC17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Humantay Lagoon
    For lovers of adventure, challenges and overcoming, this is a good suggestion. You have the opportunity to stay near the lagoon or travel from Cusco. The route from Cusco is 132 km, on a winding road, if you get easily sick on roads like this, don't forget to take medication for this situation.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 13, 2024
  • ManuCdelaE
    Pasto, Colombia101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Lagoon
    This is definitely a place on your visit to Cusco that you cannot miss, it is necessary to hire a tourist package which picks you up at the hotel, normally the departures are early between 4 to 6 in the morning depending on the location of your hotel. I recommend doing this tour after acclimatizing a little in Cusco. Since departure is early, ask your hotel to pack breakfast to go. Lunch is normally included in the tour package to the lagoon, make sure of that before hiring. Bring water. Apply sunscreen Don't stray too far from your guide Stamp your passport upon entry to Humantay at the kiosks upon entry Go at your own pace, the guides give you enough time to go and return without any rush.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 20, 2024
  • Alvaro Enriquez
    Spain1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The truth was it was an excellent excursion
    As a family we leave very satisfied and grateful with their welcome and the human warmth of the Terra Quechua Peru team, the love and sense of belonging with which they carry out their work is evident, La Laguna Humantay, It is a very beautiful place, from the walk to being able to reach the lagoon and the animals of the region that make up a set of landscapes that you will not be able to see anywhere, the population with their traditional dresses, It was a wonderful experience to know Peru and its magic, and it was much better to do it with a local agency. A 10 out of 10 experience.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 21, 2024
  • Gilianne F
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Challenging trail
    Getting to the lagoon is quite a challenge! There are hours of walking on rocky terrain, with steep climbs and the altitude as another obstacle. It is a hiking trip. I saw people giving up along the way. From the parking lot to the starting point of the trail we walked for 1 hour. After that it took me another 2 hours. It's certainly relative, people with more resistance will arrive faster, however even the most experienced confirm that it is a difficult trail. The view is undoubtedly unparalleled, the landscape is beautiful. There is the option of going up and/or going down on horseback (70 soles).
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 22, 2024
  • Aatira B
    55 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great views ; High altitude
    Added this to my agenda at the last minute. Hence booked it through GA adventures. The experience was nothing short of incredible. GA adventures guides (I don’t recall their names ) were very great. I think the breakfast and lunch can be improved.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 11, 2024
  • Ksenia E
    Miami Beach, Florida173 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Instructions for those who drive their own car
    I’ll write how to get there on my own in my own car, because I couldn’t find information anywhere either on English-language or Spanish-language resources. 1. Road. After the turn to Molepata there is excellent new asphalt with markings and reflectors. Immediately after Molepata, a gravel road begins, along which you need to drive 20 km. The first 8 km to the toll point are more or less rough, the road is shaking, the gravel is small, there are practically no potholes. After the toll point, the quality of the road drops, potholes appear, and at the end the road becomes completely nasty. We were driving at a good time (I will write below), there were 5 cars coming towards us, not a single one in our direction. On the way back we didn’t meet anyone at all. The road is quite narrow at times, there is nowhere to pass, but you can turn back and let it pass without any problems. There were no special cliffs to make it scary when you drive away. But still, swallowing dust from the cars in front and passing oncoming traffic is not for the faint of heart. The road ends at -13.399959 -72.572655. and although Google shows that the road goes further, they don’t let you in there. You grab yourself and walk. 2. Time. I read on the only English-language resource that the best time to start the trek is at 11-12, because all groups will already be descending at this time. And so it turned out. We left Cusco at 8. We arrived at 11.30. Crowds of people were walking towards us, only two were walking with us. We walked for 1.5 hours. At 13 we came to the lake, there were about 10 people there. It’s hard to imagine what’s going on there when all the people who met will be at the lake. We left back at 13.30. at 14, a second group of people was walking up the slope, though not so many anymore. In addition, the sun falls better in the afternoon. 3. The cost is 20 soles, and they also charged for the child, although they didn’t charge on the rainbow mountain 4. Rainbow Mountain seemed easier to me, despite its height. There is a very steep slope here, fine gravel under your feet, it is easy to slip, especially on the way back. We walked in regular sneakers - nothing, although trekking boots would have been better.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 12, 2024
  • Rodrigo Guilherme
    Indaiatuba, SP477 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Challenging but exceptional
    We bought the tour at an agency on Av. El Sol in Cusco. It cost 140 soles per person, plus 20 for the entrance fee which was paid on site. The tours that I had seen in advance cost at least 240 soles. And there are many companies that offer this tour, there will certainly be a place to buy one day in advance in Cusco. They picked us up at 4:15 am at the hotel, and picked up other people, which took another 20 minutes. There were 13 of us in a sprinter minibus. The driver drove two hours to mollepata, where we had a simple breakfast. Then he drove another hour to the base of the mountain. There you can buy water, snacks and go to the bathroom (2 soles). Bring some cash in soles, the bathroom doesn't accept cards for example. We took an initial walk on slightly steep terrain with the guide, taking around 30 minutes. The group was young and there was no one with reduced mobility. And at the bottom of the mountain, there is another point where you can buy water and snacks and there the guide gave instructions and let each person follow their own pace. There is the possibility of renting a horse. But the fun is the challenge. It took us 57 minutes on this steepest stretch, we were physically prepared, but I confess it was very difficult. And many, many times we stop to breathe when our heart rate is around 160 bpm. And we challenged ourselves to complete it in one hour. There are people who did it in less or more time, everyone can continue at their own pace. When we got there, we stayed there for an hour, took photos, looked around and returned. The return is not easy either, you need to be careful not to slip and hurt yourself. After waiting for the whole group, we made the return journey, stopping for lunch included. The return is a little quicker because the van went down the mountain, but the traffic in the center of Cusco was terrible, and we got out of the center and went on foot.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Sophie Rebekah
Huddersfield, UK1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
A short but challenging hike with the acclimatisation/altitude being no joke and definitely something to consider.

In relation to the tour itself, I found it to be incredibly organised with little/no stress involved whatsoever. The day before the tour itself, we were sent a WhatsApp message with a list of instructions/itinerary for the day, and on the day of pick up (yes it’s an early one), we were called 15 minutes prior to being collected and asked to wait outside of our hotel, which overall helped to minimise delays and keep everything running smoothly.

The journey to get there is a long and windy one so I would definitely recommend taking some travel sickness tablets if this is something that you struggle with (you’re looking at about 3hrs there and 3hrs back with a couple of breaks thrown in-between for breakfast and lunch which is a buffet style restaurant with relatively okay food).

Even though the hike is relatively short (recommended time 1hr 30/45), the hike due to the altitude is HARD and this is coming from an avid hiker. This can be done in an hour however depending on your level of fitness/speed of walking etc. There are options for you to take a horse however if hiking isn’t your thing, or you’re happening to struggle (unsure of pricing).

The view at the top itself is absolutely beautiful however, be aware that you only get to spend a short amount of time up there being able to explore it on your own before you are asked to group back together again. Granted, the lake is a very crowded place however, there are ways to work around getting photographs/videos without others in, and there are definitely some spots up there quieter than others.

Things to take into consideration:

- You will have to pay an entrance fee in addition to the initial payment already paid (this is 20 soles however so, around £4 on top of that).
- The hand/altitude sickness sanitiser they offer you has a STRONG smell of cannabis to it and so if you work in an industry where you have the potential to be drug tested, then I would recommend avoiding and using your own just as a precaution. (I cannot confirm as to whether or not this is the case as I did not question this, and there was no labelling on the bottles however, just something to consider if you are thinking about using).
- A lot of the time whilst up at the Lake is spent as part of a group where the guide will try and promote other tours not in relation to the Lake. I completely understand the need and process of promotion however, I also found this quite long and unnecessary, in addition to something that could’ve been done on the long transfers as it took a huge amount of time away from being able to explore the Lake for ourselves and so, going forward, I would skip the group interaction at the top if you feel comfortable with this, and make your own necessary arrangements with the guide and meet them back down by the bus for the agreed meeting time to make the most of your time up there.
- Please take sensible footwear, a couple on the tour had flip flops/sandals and the walking terrain/ground is very rocky, dusty and steep with minimal gripping opportunities so, just something further to take into consideration if you happen to book.

Overall a great day, with enthusiastic and organised guides, and definitely a must of things to do if you’re visiting Peru.
Written October 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MAIARA P
Pouso Alegre, MG12 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
The landscape is beautiful, who is a nature lover and loves a little adventure will love it! But it takes a little physical preparation and disposition, the tours leaving from Cusco, are around 4am and return at 18h+-! After a trip of 3h, by very winding stretches , usually in a not very comfortable Van, with a stop for a coffee, the walk to the foot of the mountain , of approx 30min!
At the foot of the mountain one can choose to climb to the horse, cost of $80 soles adc, or continue for more 1h approximately walking , the landscape is surreal and will have 30/45min to enjoy it +-, until you need to descend to return to the starting point, after 1:30h walk and all in the Van, the next stop will be for lunch and return to the starting point , hotel or Plaza de armas generally ! It sells a lot on the route, the terrain is very dry and has a lot of dust, the horses go up slowly and guided generally, I recommend for those who like adventure and enjoy beautiful landscapes, for those who want comfort do not try to go , will hate ! Those suffering from labyrinthitis pay attention to the route made by the Van and already take a medicine, the drivers are experienced and make the way fast like no one! Tip : Muna's tea and the bullets, for me and my husband, were great to open the lungs and give a gas on the rise !
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Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ignacio G
Nunoa, Chile90 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
The Humantay Lagoon is a must-see destination for nature and hiking lovers. Located more than 4,000 meters above sea level, it offers a unique and challenging experience.

The hiking trail is demanding due to the height, but you can choose to do the horseback riding for those who prefer it.

We hired a tour in Cuzco that included:

- Comfortable and safe transfer
- Specialized and knowledgeable Guide to the place
- Nutritious and delicious breakfast and lunch

The Humantay Lagoon is a place of great scenic beauty, with breathtaking views and a unique natural environment.

We recommend visiting it for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes."
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Written September 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JonathanN
48 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
Did this at our last day in Peru and started in Cusco. Left at 4.30am, had to drive for about 2-3 hours before having breakfast, then went about an hour further and started hiking. Easy hike of 45-60 minutes, we arrived before all of the other tourists so we got up a bit higher on the left bank which gave us a superbe spot. Magnificent views, even saw a few condors. While sitting there we saw many (and I mean, MANY) tourists arrive. It is crazy overcrowded. I think if you stay nearby and have to drive for 30-60 minutes, it might be worth it. If you take the Salkantay hike, it is worth seeing. But a whole day trip to see this lake and being in the tourist bus for about 7 hours (which is the standard tourist trip) is just not worth it.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

An2ni
San Diego, CA5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Magnificent lake and guided tour. Tour guide was very patient and accommodates our need. SUCKS!!! 3 hour coaster van ride 20 seater van with NO AIR -CONDITIONED on a 22 Celsius weather. 19 people in the van feels like 30 Celcius sauna inside, sweaty comin from a hike. Everyone was breathing each other breaths, go figure...Closed to call an uber drive back to Cusco...
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rob from Peoria
Arizona36 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
If you go, find a time where 300 to 400 of your closest friends are not going at the same time. In other words, all the tours arrive at the same time and everyone (300 to 400) hike and view the lake at the same time. This makes for a less than desirable outing and takes away from the natural beauty of the environment. Either go earlier or later and avoid the crowd. The park / government need to better regulate this natural resource to improve the experience - I would not recommend going with the standard tour.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrea Camila B
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
A thousand thanks to our guide Jorge Cosio and Rafa, for their patience and for taking care of us all the time, we lived through experiences such as a landslide on the road, a lot of rain, but with their experience they gave us a lot of peace of mind. Furthermore, Jorge allowed us to go at our own pace, no one in the group got altitude sickness and there was always a lot of willingness on his part. Also my respects to Rafa, a great driver, very calm in the face of the entire situation we experienced on the road. On the other hand, we really liked the food, both breakfast and lunch. The only thing I can say is that it is worth every peso and the physical effort involved.
Google
Written February 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cynthia Amaral
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Family
The Quechua Terra Peru led us to discover the Humantay Lagoon in a way we will never forget. From the first sight to the last farewell, every detail was cared for with love and passion for nature and the Andean culture. I highly recommend this agency to all travelers seeking an authentic and enriching experience in the Peruvian Andes
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Written September 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lucas A
Salvador, BA34 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
The place has the potential to offer a good walk, but it is far from having the structure and security necessary to receive tourists. The road is large, steep, dangerous and lacks signage. The guides are poorly prepared and abandon the tourists, leaving them to fend for themselves. Added to this is a rainy day with low visibility due to fog, resulting in a disaster. It rained most of the route; We only saw the guide at the beginning and the end. The group was not informed of the necessary precautions. There was a lot of mud, horse poop, and slippery patches all along the trail. Upon reaching the lagoon, practically nothing could be seen. On the way back, I slipped down the hill and almost got seriously injured. Other people in the group cut themselves. In total, it was 8 hours of travel plus 3 hours of round trip hiking to see nothing and put yourself in danger. There is a lack of infrastructure, a lack of security and a lack of seriousness. The place should be closed when it rains, but unfortunately, money is more important than the tourist who brings it. Regrettable!
Google
Written November 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gabriela M.
Brasilia, DF70 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
Leaving Cusco at 4am, staying several hours on the road, walking 2h on a sloping mountain, reaching a beautiful landscape crowded with tourists. Enjoy the site for 30 to 45 minutes. Get all down and make several hours of travel. Arrive in Cusco between 19h-21h (depending on traffic). Really think if it's your roll.

For those who have conditions, I suggest overnight stays in the Salkantay cabins to be able to climb the mountain before the tourists arrive, in addition to avoiding the tiredness of the transfer from Cusco.

Horse indispensable for those who are sedentary or have some health condition. It costs from 80 to 100 soles (you must negotiate the price at the hour). But it makes a lot of pity on the animals =/
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Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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HUMANTAY LAKE (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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