Humantay Lagoon: where it is, how to get there, altitude, and much more.
If you are planning a trip to Cusco, this is one of the must-see destinations that should be on your list.
Humantay Lagoon is one of the hidden treasures of the Andes that is well worth discovering.
With an incomparable color and wonderful landscapes, this lagoon has become one of the most visited places, as its beauty invites you to explore it.
In this article, we will tell you where Humantay Lagoon is, how to get there, and everything you need to know to fully enjoy this paradise.
Interesting facts about Humantay Lagoon
The altitude of Humantay Lagoon is 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Andes Mountain Range, 128 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
The lagoon is formed by the melting of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped mountains, and since it is located at the foot of these peaks, that is where its name comes from.
The lagoon boasts an unparalleled environment and also a characteristic color that makes it even more beautiful.
Its waters have a hue between green and turquoise, due to particles carried by the melted ice from the peaks of the snow-capped mountains down to the lagoon. When these particles reach the lagoon, they do not sink. Additionally, there are microalgae present in its waters. All of this, combined with the effect of sunlight reflection, creates the characteristic and special greenish-turquoise color.
Humantay Lagoon is of great importance to the local farmers, as several streams originate from it, irrigating the cultivated lands and ensuring good harvests for the population. For this reason, offerings are made to Pachamama, and homage is paid in her name.
Since the lagoon provides water to nearby farming communities, tourists are not allowed to swim in its waters.
What is the weather like at Humantay Lagoon?
The weather at Humantay Lagoon is somewhat unpredictable, as is the case with all mountain climates, and being in the Andean highlands, it is no exception.
However, in general terms, we can say that the climate here is divided into two seasons: the rainy season, which lasts from November to March, and the dry season, which lasts from April to October.
Temperatures, on average, range between 0°C (32°F) and 15°C (59°F). During the rainy season, they are slightly warmer, and during the dry season, they tend to be colder.
Since the lagoon is located at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level and at the foot of two large snow-capped mountains, temperatures drop significantly at night.
There are no specific weather-related restrictions for visiting the lagoon; in fact, it can be visited throughout the year.
It is worth noting that during the rainy season (November to March), the landscape can be appreciated with fewer travelers around you, as this coincides with the low season for tourism.
Nevertheless, it is recommended to visit during the dry season (April to October), as this is when the sun is more present, making the lagoon look even more radiant.
Thanks to the intense sunlight, the green and turquoise tones of the lagoon appear much more beautiful and vivid, allowing you to take spectacular photos of this stunning place.
The lagoon's water is absolutely pure and crystal clear, and since it comes from the melting snow, its temperature can be below 10°C (50°F).
Recommendations to avoid altitude sickness at Humantay Lagoon
Altitude sickness is an important factor to consider when taking tours in the Cusco area, especially when they require physical exertion.
The altitude of Humantay Lagoon is 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level, and hiking to reach it requires some effort. Therefore, it is always recommended to spend at least one day in the city of Cusco to acclimate beforehand.
In fact, on the first day in Cusco, it is recommended to rest and drink coca tea to prevent any discomfort. Coca tea is offered in all hotels and lodgings upon arrival. If symptoms appear, the best recommendation is to lie down for a few hours before engaging in any activities.
Symptoms of altitude sickness mainly include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Although altitude sickness does not affect everyone, it can impact both children and adults, regardless of their physical condition.
If you plan to hike to Humantay Lagoon with children, it is advisable to use a mule or horse to prevent them from being affected by the altitude during the ascent.
How to get to Humantay Lagoon?
If you want to know how to get to Humantay Lagoon, there is only one trail to reach it, but there are two ways to do so: by hiking or by renting a mule or horse.
The journey to the lagoon starts from the community of Soraypampa, located 120 kilometers from Cusco at an altitude of 3,875 meters (12,713 feet) above sea level.
The hike is of moderate difficulty, and the total walking time, including ascent and descent, is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
If you want to learn more about the difficulties that may arise during the hike to the lagoon, you can read our article: How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lagoon?
What to bring when visiting Humantay Lagoon?
A common question from tourists, besides where Humantay Lagoon is or how to get there, is: what do I need to bring for this trip?
Here are some essentials we recommend bringing:
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A warm jacket.
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Comfortable clothing.
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Trekking shoes.
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Poncho or raincoat.
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Gloves.
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Cap or hat.
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Sunglasses.
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Sunscreen.
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Water.
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Snacks.
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Hiking poles.
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Cash.
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Mini first aid kit.
If you plan to hike to the lagoon and also camp overnight, in addition to the mentioned items, you should bring all the necessary camping equipment and be particularly prepared for the cold.
Camping at the edge of the lagoon is not allowed, but in Soraypampa, the nearby community, there is a designated camping area where you can enjoy this beautiful landscape even more.
By camping here, you will have the pleasure of admiring both sunrise and sunset in the mountains. The experience is incredible. Additionally, camping allows you to take your time exploring different corners of the Peruvian highlands and immersing yourself even more in the adventure.
But remember, don’t forget to bring everything necessary for camping in a mountainous area like this.
Conclusions
There is no doubt that Humantay Lagoon is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Cusco. The landscape this place offers is difficult to find anywhere else. Moreover, reaching the lagoon is a moderate-level adventure tourism activity, making it an exciting hike that almost anyone can do.
If you are looking for the best way to get to Humantay Lagoon, we recommend contacting one of the sales advisors at Guru Explorers, who can provide you with all the information you need about our tours to Humantay Lagoon. We offer innovative and original options to enjoy this magical place and live an unforgettable adventure.