TOUR TYPE:
History and Adventure.
DURATION OF THE TOUR:
01 Day
AVAILABILITY:
All year
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
4200mt.
DIFFICULTY
Easy
The Humantay Cusco Lake is surrounded by imposing glaciers that are part of the Andes Mountains, among these the majestic Salkantay and Umantay that melting gives rise to the splendid lagoon, just seeing it transforms your way of seeing nature, enjoying the flora and fauna that will be recorded in your wonderful photographs in the place with the fresh air that your body will thank you.
ITINERARY
Cusco – Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay
The trip starts at your hotel in Cusco, our transfer will visit you between 04:00 and 05:00 in the morning, we will make a trip of two and a half hours by car to the town of Mollepata, where we can have breakfast and stock up with the last provisions. After breakfast we will continue our journey for an hour and a half by car, the road we will take is dirt (trail) to reach the community of Soraypampa which is located at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level. During the trip we will see beautiful landscapes and the impressive snow-capped mountain "Salkantay". From Soraypampa we will start a 2 km hike. The road is ascending and will take us about an hour and a half to two, while we hike we will see a panorama of snow-capped mountains, stunning natural landscapes and a great diversity of flora and fauna until we reach the "Laguna de Humantay" which is located at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level.
The "Laguna Humantay" is turquoise due to the mineral found at the bottom, the lagoon is fed by glaciers of the mountain and is considered a jewel of nature, in addition to delight us with the Humantay lagoon we can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We will descend walking until we reach the community of Soraypampa where we can enjoy lunch. After lunch we will start our return trip to Cusco. Our tour ends at approximately 6:30 in the afternoon. Our last stop will be near the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, thus ending our 1 day hike to the Humantay Lagoon.
- Activities in the Laguna Humantay Tour
- Stunning mountain scenery
- Beautiful rock formations
- Flora and wildlife
- Visiting local villages
- Hiking on the Salkantay trail
- Visit to the majestic lake
- Recommendations before our Laguna Humantay full day tour
You will have a full briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your hike to the humantay lagoon. Your guide will meet with you to give you details about the 1 day adventure, you can ask questions and any final preparations before the hike.
The Humantay Lagoon is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Peru. It is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Cusco. Its turquoise waters crowned by the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain give it a unique beauty. Since the time of the Incas this lagoon was worshiped by the Andean inhabitants. It is the third most popular tourist attraction in Cusco, after Machu Picchu and the 7 Colors Mountain.
Laguna Humantay Tour
The Humantay Lagoon
What is the Humantay Lagoon and why is it popular?
- Humantay is the snow-capped mountain that gave its name to this impressive lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful and sacred of Cusco. Its fame is mainly due to its turquoise waters adorned by the white snows of Salkantay. In addition to visitors who take the 1-day tour to the lagoon, tourists who take the so-called 'Salkantay Trek' (5-day trek to Machu Picchu) have the opportunity to visit this lagoon.
Where is it located? At what altitude is it?
- The lagoon is located near the snow-capped Salkantay in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru. The lake is 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 ft).
How to go?
- To get to Humantay Lake from the city of Cusco, you must follow a road trip of approximately 120 kilometers, passing through the towns of Limatambo and Mollepata until you reach the community of 'Soraypampa'.
Once in 'Soraypampa' you will start an uphill hike of approximately 2 kilometers until you reach the lagoon. If you travel with a tour package, transportation is included as well as breakfast and lunch in the town of Mollepata. If you are traveling on your own, you must hire public transportation in the city of Cusco.
What makes the Humantay Lagoon Characteristic
What I could observe during the tour Humantay lagoon, is the color of this lagoon as it is a natural color that has not having much marine flora in its waters has an indescribable color in words, but understandable to the eye, forming a unique landscape when travelers seek to capture the ideal moment with their cameras that so many want to capture landscapes experiences and moments all this and more make it an ideal place to visit if you travel to Cusco Peru. However the geographical setting of this lagoon is also unique since it serves as the first camp on the Salkantay tour.
Why is it called Apu Humantay and Salkantay?
The term Apu is a Quechua word that has different meanings which are, "Mountain", "God", "Spirits that live in the highest mountains". We call Apu to a mountain or mountain because it is sacred, so we have the Apu Salkantay and another mountain or mountain we refer that it is an important and sacred place.
Laguna Humantay Tour
More information about the Humantay Lagoon
On what date is it advisable to go?
- The best time of the year to go to Humantay Lake is during the dry season (April to October), when rain is less likely. During these months the snow-capped peaks are more majestic as they are whiter and more imposing. The sun can be uncomfortable during the hike but reveals a splendorous landscape once in the lagoon.
Can I camp near the lagoon?
- It is not possible to camp next to the Humantay lagoon but it is possible to camp in the camping area of Soraypampa, 2 kilometers from the lagoon. Keep in mind that the cold is intense there so you should be prepared with warm clothes, hot water and a suitable sleeping mat. The cold by the lagoon is much more intense at night.
Can I come with children?
- Although it is a bit difficult for both parents and children, it is possible to go with children to the lagoon. The best option is to rent a horse to go up with children. Remember that the hike is demanding and at an altitude and temperature that can cause discomfort to the little ones. On the other hand, it is not recommended to go with babies to the lagoon. On the other hand, you can go to Machu Picchu with children or babies.
Can I swim in the lagoon?
- Currently it is not allowed to enter the icy waters of the Humantay lagoon. First, because the water is used for consumption by the people who live in the mountains. Second, human contact can alter the natural color of the lagoon. In addition, the water temperature is not recommended for visitors.
What is the most economical way to go to the lagoon?
- Definitely, the most economical way to go to the Humantay Lagoon is to hire an all-inclusive package tour. If you go on your own you will have to risk looking for transportation from Mollepata to Soraypampa, which is difficult and expensive. Therefore, choose the tour that best suits your budget.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
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