Humantay Lagoon: How to get there

Lake Humantay is located atop the Vilcabamba Mountains in Cusco, Peruvian Andes. The turquoise waters of Lake Humantay are surrounded by a beautiful natural setting. A trip to this secluded and mysterious lake is truly worthwhile.

How to get to Lake Humantay?

After arriving in Cusco, Peru, getting to Laguna Humantay is not that difficult. Several travel agencies offer trips to and from this mystical lake. The fastest and easiest way is by car, and you can book a tour. If you want to spend more time at the lake and have some hiking experience, self-guided tours are also available. However, if you are not experienced and familiar with the area, a guided tour is best, you can do it on a private tour.

What to do in Laguna Humantay?

When you take one of the guided tours of Humantay Lake, you will find that there are some activities that are quite common. After you reach the top, you will have a guided tour of the lake. Once completed, you will be able to enjoy some free time to take pictures and explore. Around noon, you will prepare to go down to Soraypampa, which will take about an hour and a half.

Some of the common activities on the guided tours include photography, hiking and exploration. For visitors who are brave enough to face the cold waters, some even swim in the lake. However, this is usually done in a warmer climate and while the sun shines. Visitors who stay longer than assigned on the guided tours can even find themselves doing activities such as standing paddle-boarding, but you have to bring your own board!

Best Time to go to Laguna Humantay

The best time to visit Peru generally depends on the regions of the country to which you plan to travel. Laguna Humantay is located in the mountainous region of Peru, so it is normally subject to two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season in the Peruvian highlands lasts from December to March, while the dry season lasts from April to November. To avoid unpleasant weather and muddy trails, it is usually recommended to travel to Cusco during the dry months if possible, and of course Laguna Humantay is recommended to visit in dry seasons.

What to bring to Laguna Humantay?

When undertaking an expedition of this caliber, it is prudent to ensure that you are properly prepared. Here are some noteworthy tips to help make your trip as enjoyable as possible

Bring water

Every time you do a prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors it is essential to stay hydrated. Carrying water and staying hydrated will help prevent headaches and other dehydration complaints.

Wear sunscreen and bring layers

Being at such extreme altitudes increases the risks of UV intensity, so you burn much faster. It is vitally important to protect your skin from the intense UV rays. The temperature is also much cooler at such a high elevation and can reach 0 degrees sometimes at night. Having the right layers and clothing for the elements is just as important. Be sure to check the local climate so you can plan accordingly.

Bring cash

There will be places where you will stop to get food or supplies. Some entrance fees and tips are not included in the cost of most tours. It is wise to have a little extra money for extra items or costs along the way.

Bring toilet paper

It is worth mentioning because sometimes it can be the furthest thing from your mind. When you need to use a bathroom, the only ones available are at the beginning of the walk. Usually, you won’t find any toilet paper there, so if you think you will need it, you should bring it.

Bring a snack

The walk is not extremely difficult but will make you work for your eyesight. It’s a workout and can take some of your energy away. Bring a snack to keep your energy levels up and to avoid hunger headaches.