Humantay Lake is one of the most famous Lakes in the world to visit. The best day trip that you can take in Cusco Peru to delight nature. The turquoise Lake of Humantay is a gorgeous body of water located at the foothills of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. Remember that you have to have a lot of energy and enjoy Nature. Otherwise, you won’t get your purpose to enjoy Humantay Lake.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT THE TURQUOISE LAKE HUMANTAY.
LOCATION AND ELEVATION:
It is located in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, and Cusco Region. At the same time, this Amazing Turquoise Lake is located at the bottom of the Majestic Glacier also called Humantay which is next to the Second Highest Glacier in the Cusco region, called SALKANTAY. These amazing mountains are located in the Cordillera of the Vilcabamba range.
Humantay lake elevation is 4,250 Meters ASL, 13,943 feet ASL. And Humantay glacier has an elevation of 5,473 meters ASL 17,956 feet ASL, however, it is not a problem to visit this amazing place.
The distance from Cusco city to this Amazing place of Humantay Lake is 120 Km, 74.5 miles. Two hours driving 95 km through the main highway to Mollepata. Afterward, 01 hours driving by the narrow road 22 km. Finally, 03 km hiking uphill toward Humantay lake.
HUMANTAY LAKE HISTORY:
The Turquoise Lake Humantay was born by the melting of the snowy mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. HUMANTAY means the head of gods, it is because Humantay Glacier is located above the jungle. People that used to make SALKANTAY TREK 05 days, they used to be the ones who visited The Turquoise Lake. However, 04 years ago this wonderful landscape became popular. nowadays there are many people who visit this Stunning Humantay Lake.
At the Pre-colonial times, Andean people used to leave different types of offerings. nowaday locals, tour guides, and spiritual people still are following this ancestral respect, leaving 3 Coca leaves offering or building the APACHETA which is a little tower built by stones. All these offerings to say thanks to Nature, Pacha Mama, and the Mountains, called in Quechua language APUS.
9 TIPS TO ENJOY HUMANTAY LAKE EXCURSION:
It is important to take into account these recommendations, otherwise, you can have a bad experience during the Humantay lake excursion:
Take Warm clothes:
If you are going for a day trip to Humantay, is recommendable to take a warm jacket and globes because up there will be chilly. Humantay Lake is located below big Glaciers.
Take sunscreen and sun hat:
it is important to carry these things, even when is cloudy you will feel burned your skin. The reason, because the elevation and the frozen together burn the skin. Especially if you have sensitive and white skin.
Sleep well:
One day before you start Humantay lake hike, you have to sleep early, because most of the Travel Agencies start this day tour at 04 am. If you are going on your own, to come back early to Cusco you have to start early as well. Therefore, you have to get energies a night before.
Take medicine for altitude sickness:
If it is your first time at this elevation, we highly recommend carrying Medicine for altitude sickness, the hike toward Humantay lake will be steep uphill. Frequently, people get nausea, headaches, vomits.
Bring snacks and wáter:
you can carry these things, but actually, nowadays local people they start selling through all the trek some snacks and water, you can find beer can as well.
Horse:
if you are not passionate about Hikes and high elevation, you will have the best chance to avoid the hike. Local people, they hire horses through all the way, especially for the Uphill, hence, you have this amazing option. Personally we don’t recommend horse for the way down. The price for a horse just uphill will be 20 to 25 USD.
Walking sticks: they are really useful for both ways, walking sticks will help you with the weight of your backpack during the uphill. The downhill will be useful as well. Because they will help your knees.
Use good hiking shoes:
If you are rookie hiking, the sneakers are not the best shoes for this kind of hikes. Hiking shoes will avoid the slippery parts.
Carry a raincoat:
According to the season at the Mountains, is really recommendable to take your raincoat. If you don’t have it, before you start hiking you can find Platic Ponchos one use.
Important:
This Breathtaking experience toward Humantay lake you can make on your own, getting information in this Peruvian institute called IPERU. There is an entrance ticket that you have to pay in Mollepata town, which is 10 soles.
There are many travel agencies around the main square that offer chipper Humantay Lake tour. However, not all these companies are recommendable, because they can offer you the stars, in the end, the worst experience you can get. Therefore, our company Kantu Peru tours we can offer you two types of services. PRIVATE HUMANTAY TOUR and GROUP SERVICE HUMANTAY LAKE. Our groups are not more than 18 persons. get more information with INCA MACHU PICCHU TOURS as well.
WEATHER ALONG THE YEAR
You have to know that temperature is an average in Humantay Lake, because through the Andes the weather can change so fast. it is much better to prevent instead of regret and complain
