Visiting Humantay Lake, in Peru, is discovering a turquoise lake in the Vilcabamba mountain range, formed by the melting of the Humantay (5,473 m) and Salkantay (6,270 m) glaciers.
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| Humantay Lake Peru |
It is one of the natural wonders of Cusco, accessible by a short walk in a beautiful environment among llamas, alpacas, hills and streams.
If Humantay used to be visited only by those who made the trek to Salkantay today you can be reached in one day from Cusco, the same as the Mountain 7 Colors and Mountain Palccoyo.
To help you organize your visit, I have gathered in this guide all the information about the walk to the Humantay Lake.
You will find details on how to go on your own or with a tour, but also what you need to know about the altitude and my tips to make the most of the place.
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| Humantay Lake Peru |
What to see in Humantay?
The road is as beautiful as the destination, since you will pass through a beautiful typical landscape of the Andes between hills, high mountains, llamas, alpacas and vicuñas.
The climb is not easy, but the reward is a fantastic view of the turquoise lake that contrasts with the snow of the glaciers.
Around the lake you can see small stone towers: they are the apachetas in honor of the lake and the mountains that are elements considered sacred by the local communities.
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| Humantay Lake Peru |
Here also offerings are made to the Pachamama, often with three coca leaves, a set called Kintu that represents the three worlds of Inca mythology.
How do I get to Humantay?
Humantay Lake is located an hour and a half walk from the community of Soraypampa, northeast of the city of Cusco.