Table of Contents
- Humantay Lake: Fast Facts
- How Do I Pronounce Humantay?
- How do you get to Humantay Lake from Cusco?
- What is the Humantay Lake Elevation?
- What’s the Significance of the Humantay Lake Peru Area?
- Why Should I Visit Laguna Humantay?
- Things to Know Before You Go
- How is the Weather of Humantay Lake?
- How is the Humantay Lake Hike Difficulty?
- Peru Travel: Add Lake Humantay to Your Itinerary
During peak trekking season, as many as 6,000 people a day visit . Many visitors make their journey along the famous , while others prefer the more scenic (and less crowded) .
Another bonus of making the ? The chance to visit stunning along the way.
(And if long treks aren’t your thing, don’t worry: You can even take a from to see this dazzling .)
What’s so great about ? Why should you visit it, and what do you need to know before you go?
Read on for your travel guide and learn why belongs on your must-see destination list!
: Fast Facts
(or Laguna Humantay to the locals) is a hidden gem beneath the peak of Mount Salkantay. Here’s a quick introduction to this natural wonder.
1. How Do I Pronounce Humantay?
First things first: Let’s make sure you know how to say it. Although it looks similar to the word “Humanity,” the Spanish pronunciation is quite different.
Drop the “H” at the beginning and change the “tay” sound at the end to a “tie” instead. When you’re saying “Oo-man-tie” you’re saying it right.
2. How Far is from ?
lies about 80 miles (130km) northwest of .
3. How do you get to from ?
It takes about 3 hours to reach by road if you visit on a from . You start by taking either a bus or van to the village of Soraypampa and then starting the . If you’re taking the , you’ll pass the on your first day.
4. What is the Elevation?
Humantay isn’t only breathtaking because of its beauty. The glacial sits at an impressive elevation of 13,779 feet (4200m) above sea level-likely much higher than most places you’ve visited before.
Even though it’s a relatively short to the , you’ll want to make sure you’ve acclimated for a few days in before you venture out. This will minimize your chances of developing .
5. What’s the Significance of the Humantay Lake Peru Area?
Not surprisingly, the was considered a sacred place to the Incas. They believed that the surrounding mountains were home to deities, and even now the area has tangible positive energy.
The spectacular turquoise color of the combined with the breathtaking scenery is the perfect setting for spiritual contemplation and reflection. Shamans and other spiritual pilgrims frequent the , often leaving an “apacheta” (small offering) for the Incan Mother Earth, Pachamama.
When you visit, you’ll see many cairns (stacked rocks) around the shores. If you want to leave your own apacheta, say a prayer of thanks to Pachamama for your safe arrival before you add your rock to the stack.
6. Why Should I Visit Laguna Humantay?
If your jaw drops when you see photos, just wait until you see this in person. The electric-blue water beneath the snowcapped peak of Salkantay is a memory you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.
Unless you regularly at high altitude, you’ll also walk away with a wonderful sense of accomplishment. It’s no easy feat to at such an elevation, so you’ll love that “King of the World” feeling that only comes from a serious alpine . If you’re feeling up to it, you can also explore the surrounding area via bike or go paddleboarding through the clear waters.
You might have the chance to witness a local ritual, such as an offering to Pachamama or a traditional Andean wedding ceremony.
Chances are, though, that you’ll have most of the lakeshore to yourself. is still largely undiscovered by most tourists, so you need to come and see it before the secret gets out!
Things to Know Before You Go
Signing up for a is the easiest and safest way to visit . You’ll have a knowledgable guide to bring you there and ensure your safety on the , meaning all you have to do is enjoy the scenery!
How is the Weather of ?
Still, the high-altitude alpine climate is unique, and it’s best to be prepared before you embark on your journey.
The weather can change drastically and quickly in the mountains, so you’ll want to bring plenty of layers (including a waterproof outer layer). The rainy season lasts from December to March and the temperatures can drop to freezing (or colder) from June through September.
Another factor many visitors overlook is the sun. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburned – in fact, your chances of sunburn increase at high elevation. Be sure to wear sunblock when you set out and reapply it throughout the day.
How is the Difficulty?
Given the remote setting, you’ll also want to bring plenty of water and snacks for your journey. You’ll burn through a lot of calories on the short up to the , so make sure you have enough food to replenish your energy level.
And even if you don’t feel thirsty, make sure you’re drinking enough water. At this elevation, experts recommend an extra 1-1.5 liters of water on top of the normal recommended amount.
Our last piece of advice is to take it slow, at your own pace, and stop to enjoy the views along the way. This might be the most beautiful place you ever visit, so you’ll want to soak up every second of the experience.
Travel: Add to Your
Most lagoons like require a lot of time and effort to reach.
The great thing about is that it’s possible to visit on a from . You’ll have all the rewards of visiting a remote glacial -with only a fraction of the effort.
Are you ready to add this dazzling to your travel ? Would you like to combine your visit to with a or other sightseeing options?
Fill out our online booking form and let’s discuss your upcoming .
Humantay Lake FAQs
Can you swim in Humantay Lake?
Yes, you can find people swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and paddleboarding in Humantay Lake.
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