Hello, I’m part of the Top Inka Travel team, and today I want to tell you about one of the most impressive places we have in Cusco: Humantay Lake. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, this destination cannot be missing from your itinerary.
Where is Humantay Lake located?
Humantay Lake is located in the Cusco region, within the district of Mollepata, on the route towards the Salkantay mountain. It’s a glacial lake, famous for its turquoise color that changes depending on the sunlight.
Many travelers ask us: Where exactly is Humantay Lake? It’s located about 3 and a half hours from Cusco, in a northwesterly direction, and is accessed by road to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.
Altitude of Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level (masl). This means the air is a bit thinner, so we always recommend acclimatizing for one or two days in Cusco before visiting.
This altitude of Humantay Lake means the climate is cold, especially in the mornings and at dusk, with temperatures that can drop to 0°C (32°F) during certain times of the year.
How to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco
If you’re wondering how to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco, there are two options:
- Organized tour – the most practical and safe way. At Top Inka Travel, we offer daily departures from Cusco that include transportation, a guide, and breakfast.
- On your own – you can take a bus or shared van to Mollepata, then a taxi to Soraypampa, and from there walk about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace.
The hike is short but intense, especially due to the altitude. Along the way, the views of the Salkantay mountain are spectacular.
Climate and temperature at Humantay Lake
The climate at Humantay Lake is cold mountain weather. During the day, temperatures can reach 15°C or 18°C (59°F – 64°F), but they drop quickly in the afternoon.
If you travel between May and September, you’ll find clear skies and more intense colors in the lake. Between November and March, it can rain, but the green landscape is equally beautiful.
We recommend bringing warm clothing, a windbreaker, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Distance from Cusco to Humantay Lake
The distance from Cusco to Humantay Lake is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles). The drive takes about 3 hours to Soraypampa, and from there a 1.5-hour hike will take you to the lake.
Many travelers combine this excursion with other nearby destinations like Machu Picchu or the 7-Colored Mountain, thus creating a complete experience in the Peruvian Andes.
A magical place for nature lovers
Visiting Humantay Lake, Peru, is a unique experience. Its turquoise color, the silence of the surroundings, and the snow-capped mountains around it make it a spiritual site full of energy.
At Top Inka Travel, we believe this lake represents the perfect connection between nature and Andean culture.
If you are planning your next trip, we invite you to experience the Humantay Lake tour with us. We assure you it will be one of the most memorable moments of your visit to Cusco.
Useful Information
- Altitude: 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level
- Location: Mollepata – Soraypampa, Cusco, Peru
- Distance from Cusco: 120 km (75 miles)
- Hike Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Climate: Cold mountain weather
- Best time to visit: April to September
Do you also want to see Machu Picchu or the 7-Colored Mountain?
Many travelers combine Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu, and the 7-Colored Mountain into a single trip. If you would like to do this, at Top Inka Travel we can help you plan it all, step by step.
