Without a doubt, Cusco surprises us more every day, and now it shows us its natural wonder, the beautiful Humantay Lagoon. The turquoise lagoon, as it is also called, is the product of the melting of the Nevado Humantay, which in turn is part of a mountain chain known as Vilcabamba. What is peculiar about the Humantay Lagoon from other lagoons is that it has a turquoise color, because in its waters there is not much flora, in addition, it has a color that is difficult to describe, but understandable to the eye, forming a landscape and a contrast unique. All this makes Laguna Humantay a very popular place for all tourists who visit Cusco. What are you waiting for? This is the best opportunity to visit the third tourist attraction in Cusco after Machu Picchu and the Mountain of Colors.
Contents
What you need to bring for the Humantay Hike
Because the Humantay lagoon is located at 4,200 meters above sea level, you need to take precautions so that you arrive and do not have problems on the way. Below we will give you the items that you must take into account to reach the lagoon.
Small backpack: You only have to carry a small backpack since the tour is for one day and you will only have to carry what is necessary for the walk, such as a shawl, a hat, water, and a snack.
Clothing: The clothing you wear should be waterproof and light material. It is also recommended to use gloves, scarves, wool caps (chullos)
Trekking shoes: The path to the Humantay lagoon is uphill and very irregular for most of its journey, for which shoes with good grip are necessary.
Snacks: Carry some light snacks in your backpacks such as chocolates, caramels, and mineral water to recover your energy and keep your body active for the entire walk.
Sun hat: A hat will always be a good companion for you to take care of your skin and protect it from the sun’s rays.
Sunscreen: It is necessary that you bring good sunscreen since the sun of the Andes can be very strong and sometimes it can give you minor burns.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun with good ultraviolet glasses.
Medications: If you are undergoing any treatment, do not forget to take your medications with you. And if you have any heart problems or similar, it is better to consult your doctor since the tour requires considerable physical effort.
Camera: A good camera will be essential to be able to record those beautiful landscapes and the unique moments that you will live and show them to family and friends.
Extra batteries: During the journey, there are no sources of electrical energy so it is not a bad idea to carry extra batteries for the camera. You can also choose to bring solar chargers.
Additional Information
- The difficulty of the hike to the Humantay lagoon is rated as moderate, but at least one day of acclimatization in Cusco is recommended.
- The best time to travel to Humantay is during the dry season between the months of April to November. However, as we are experiencing climate change, cloudy days can sometimes occur.
How much does it cost to enter Laguna Humantay?
The entrance to the lake costs 10 soles for foreigners or 5 soles for Peruvians. Children under 12 years old also have a differentiated rate of 5 soles.
Can you camp in Humantay?
It is possible to camp in the surroundings of the lagoon since on the shores of the lagoon the temperature can reach -10° C.
Can you swim in Lake Humantay?
Swimming in the lagoon is prohibited because it is a source of water for nearby communities and for the animals that exist in the area.
Tips for visiting Humantay
- If you are thinking of visiting the Humantay lagoon on your own, we advise you to leave very early and make sure that you can take the round-trip bus.
- Do not forget to bring cash in soles since there is no system to accept credit debit cards or any other means of electronic payment.
- In Mollepata it is the only place where you can have your breakfast and lunch, the average cost is 10 -15 soles. There are several restaurants so choose the one that suits you best.
