Laguna Humantay hike in Cusco

Description Humantay Lagoon Hike in Cusco

With the Laguna Humantay Trek, you will appreciate the impressive and beautiful natural landscapes of the mountains and glaciers of the snow-capped Apu Humantay and Apu Salkantay, you will observe the peaceful turquoise waters of the Humantay Lagoon and the exotic flora and fauna of the Andean Cordillera. In addition, during the hike, you will be able to breathe the pure icy air of the Andes and also feel the peace and tranquility of the area.

The route will be divided as follows:

• Asphalt road from Cusco – Mollepata: 98.5 km – By Bus
• Carriage road from Mollepata – Soraypampa: 22 km – By Bus
• Road from Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon: 2.5 km – Hiking

The difficulty of the hike is medium to moderate, first we will climb a wide inclined slope, then it winds through a rocky slope; finally we will descend to a small gorge where the calm and cold waters that are born of the Humantay Lagoon flow.

The turquoise water of the Humantay Lagoon is due to the melting of the snow and fills the hole to form a lake. The erosion action of the glacier pulverizes the minerals in the rock over which it passes and the minerals form the sediments at the bottom of the lake and together with the micro algae of the species Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria give it its turquoise blue color. This impressive coloration is very vulnerable to the action of man, for this reason, it is forbidden to enter inside the lagoon.

Machu Picchu is the main destination visited by everyone who comes to Peru, and the Humantay Lagoon is also becoming one of the most visited places in Cusco, so we recommend you after your tour to Machu Picchu to reserve a space for the walk to the Humantay Lagoon with us.

Hotel pick up – Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay

• 04.00 – 04.50 hrs We will start the pick up at your hotel.
• 05.00 hrs Departure from Cusco in our transport to Mollepata, there we will stop for breakfast. Then we will move on to Soraypampa.
• 09.00 hrs Arrival to Soraypampa – start of the road to Salkantay located at 3,880 meters above sea level.
• 09.30 hrs We will start the hike to the Humantay lagoon.
• 10.30 hrs Arrival to Humantay Lake. Beginning of the guided tour, our guide will illustrate why many come to its crystal clear waters to escape from the bustle of the city and routine. And those who want to breathe the 100% pure air of the Andes and observe nature in its wildest state.
• It is known according to local tradition that the Apu Humantay, is the youngest son of the Apu Salkantay. And both are in charge of rationalizing and distributing the water that descends from its eternal snows to the many populations that live in its foothills. For this reason, the local population venerates this lagoon as a deity that represents the Pachamama.
• In the surroundings of the lagoon you will observe innumerable apachetas (stones superimposed one on top of the other that are placed in sacred sites) that have been placed by the local population and by travelers as offerings of gratitude to the Pachamama or for having successfully reached the lagoon, and also to ask for protection on their journey.
• 12.00 hrs After enjoying this unique and unforgettable experience in its natural environment. We will return to Soraypampa and board the bus to Mollepata.
• 13.00 hrs Here we will renew our energies, having a delicious lunch.
• 14.30 hrs In our transport we will start our return to Cusco.
• 17.00 hrs Approximate arrival to Cusco, we will leave you near the main square.