Humantay Lagoon
Discover the turquoise mirror of the Andes with the Humantay Lagoon tour, a day hike that takes you to one of Cusco’s most stunning landscapes. Nestled at the foot of the imposing Apu Salkantay, this glacial lagoon is fed by the melting snow of the mountain, creating an intense, surreal turquoise color that contrasts with the rocky high-mountain scenery. The trekking is challenging, but the visual reward and the sense of achievement upon reaching $4,200$ meters / $13,780$ feet above sea level are unparalleled. This tour is a revitalizing experience that connects physical effort with the contemplation of Andean majesty, ideal for travelers seeking striking natural postcards and a dose of adventure in the Peruvian highlands.
Vilcabamba Mountain Range (Cusco, Mollepata, Soraypampa), Apu Salkantay
Trekking, Nature, High-Altitude Adventure
Spanish and English
Small, Maximum 12 people
Itinerary
The day begins very early (approximately 4:30 a.m.) with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. We start a journey of approximately three hours in tourist transportation, crossing the fertile Anta Valley until we reach the picturesque town of Mollepata.Here, we stop to enjoy a nutritious hot breakfast, essential for tackling the day’s hike.After breakfast, we continue for one more hour until we reach Soraypampa ($3,900$ m / $12,795$ ft a.s.l.), the starting point of the trek.From Soraypampa, we begin the hike toward Humantay Lagoon. The trail is a sustained and moderate ascent, with the difficulty primarily residing in the altitude.The trekking lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the hiker’s pace. During the ascent, we are accompanied by the spectacular view of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.Once at Humantay Lagoon ($4,200$ m / $13,780$ ft a.s.l.), we have time to enjoy its mesmerizing beauty, take photographs, and participate in a small offering to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (sacred mountains).After a time of contemplation, we begin the descent back to Soraypampa.Finally, we board the transportation to return to Mollepata or an intermediate point, where a restorative lunch awaits us to celebrate the achievement. With renewed energy, we start the return journey to Cusco, arriving in the city in the late afternoon.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and group tourist transportation (round trip).
- Professional bilingual trekking guide (Spanish/English).
- Breakfast and Lunch (nutritious local menu).
- Entrance ticket to the Humantay Lagoon conservation area.
- Entrance ticket to the Mollepata Community (local fee).
- Assistance with a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank.
- Rental of horses or trekking poles (available in Soraypampa with cash payment).
- Extra beverages and snacks, in addition to the included meals.
- Gratuities for the guide or driver.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal hygiene items or unspecified expenses.
- Mandatory Acclimatization: It is strongly recommended to have spent at least 2 full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before undertaking this trek.
- Clothing: Use the layering system: Thermal wear, warm jacket, windbreaker/waterproof. Mornings are very cold.
- Footwear: Mid-cut trekking boots or shoes, waterproof and with good non-slip soles.
- Hydration: Carry at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water and energy snacks (chocolates, cereal bars).
- Health: Carry altitude sickness pills or chew coca leaves. Walk at a slow, steady pace, without rushing.
- Documentation: Bring your original passport or ID.
- Cash: Bring Peruvian Soles in small bills for horse rental or the use of restroom facilities.