Humantay Lagoon is one of Cusco’s most impressive natural destinations. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lagoon takes on a turquoise color that immerses you in a dreamlike landscape. Approximately three hours’ drive from Cusco, and a two-hour hike will take you to this paradise surrounded by vegetation. Discover the adventure and don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of Peru’s most beautiful tourist attractions.

• What is Humantay Lagoon?
• Where is the Humantay lagoon?
• How to get to Humantay Lagoon?
• Complete route: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lagoon
• What is the hike to Humantay Lagoon like?
• Characteristics of the Humantay Lagoon
• Tips for your trip to Humantay Lagoon
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourists in the Humantay Lagoon

What is Humantay Lagoon?

Humantay Lagoon is a water source formed by the melting of the Humantay snow-capped mountain, which also gives its name to this impressive lagoon. Its iconic status is due to its almost magical turquoise color, and the impressive snow-capped mountain behind it, allowing you to appreciate one of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru.

Your visit to the lagoon will be accompanied by a mystical atmosphere, given that for some Andean residents, the Humantay snow-capped mountain is sacred, which makes your trip even more symbolic in a place where nature provides us with a perfectly preserved and beautiful environment. Discover the tour to the Humantay Lagoon .

Humantay Lagoon

Humantay Lagoon Tour
A visit to Humantay Lagoon is a must-do during your visit to Cusco. The journey is long and requires a fair amount of planning, so to make your experience as comfortable as possible, it’s best to book a tour and avoid any setbacks. Remember that you can book it through our Boletomachupicchu website , where you can enjoy transportation , admission, a guide, buffet breakfast, and buffet lunch with complete safety. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this impressive natural wonder. Cusco and all its unforgettable attractions await you.

Where is the Humantay lagoon?

Humantay Lagoon is located in the community of Soraypampa, in the Mollepata district, a three-hour drive from the city of Cusco. To reach the lagoon, you’ll have to hike for almost two hours from Soraypampa. It’s one of the most impressive day adventures you’ll find on your trip to Cusco.

Its privileged location near the Salkantay snow-capped mountain also allows it to be a first stop before trekking to Machu Picchu.

How to get to Humantay Lagoon?

The journey to Humantay Lagoon begins in the city of Cusco, from where we travel approximately 120 kilometers to reach the community of Soraypampa. Along the way, we’ll be able to see towns like Limatambo and Mollepata, and we’ll also be able to contemplate how we enter the jungle edge of Cusco, which makes the adventure even more impressive.

From Soraypampa, we’ll embark on a hike that can take around two hours, along sections that are steadily ascending. We can choose two routes: one that allows us to reach the summit a little faster but is very steep; and another that is longer but has easier sections. Being acclimatized is essential to avoid altitude sickness on your trip to Humantay Lagoon.

Complete route: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lagoon

To reach the natural wonder of Humantay Lagoon, we’ll have an adventure that will take around 15 hours in total. It’s a full-day experience, so we’ll need to start very early.

• Start of the tour

  The tour begins at 4:00 a.m., with pickup at your hotel or residence (Humantay Lagoon Tour). After a journey of approximately two hours, we will arrive at the town of Mollepata, where it is customary to have breakfast and recharge our batteries for the hike ahead.

  We will then continue for another hour until we reach the Soraypampa camp (3,900 meters above sea level), from where we will begin the trek to the Humantay lagoon.

• Walk to the Humantay lagoon

  The hike can take around two hours, with sections that are constantly ascending, so some visitors may find it difficult. For this purpose, there is the option of renting horses, which will drop you off very close to the lagoon.

  There are two paths, one parallel to the other, to reach it. The path on the right takes us on a longer route, but with fewer steep climbs than the path on the left, which, while longer, can be more difficult due to its shorter and steeper paths.

  Arriving at the Humantay Lagoon will not only mark one of the best experiences you’ll have in Peru, but you’ll also be able to enjoy an unforgettable landscape that will seem almost magical.

• Return to Cusco

  At the end of the trip, on the return journey, we will stop again in Mollepata for lunch, after which we will travel directly to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:00 p.m.

What is the hike to Humantay Lagoon like?

The hike to Humantay Lagoon is considered of medium difficulty. We will ascend for approximately two hours from the Soraypampa campsite. Along the way, we will encounter dreamlike landscapes surrounded by mountains and the Humantay snow-capped mountain. We will also be able to experience the native flora of Mollepata, which also includes some of the flora typically found in the jungle’s edge areas.

The hike can be a bit demanding due to the altitude (4,200 meters above sea level), so we must remember to take it easy, appreciating every angle the landscape affords us. Throughout the hike, we’ll be able to see the Humantay snow-capped mountain up close, which will be an indication that we’re almost there, giving us greater inspiration to achieve our goal.

Depending on the season, we may experience a different landscape. During the rainy season (November–March), we’ll find much colder weather and more rainfall, but it also allows us to explore the area without heavy tourist traffic, which could provide a more immersive and peaceful experience.

During the dry season (April–October), we’ll experience a much more complete landscape, amid more pleasant weather. The number of visitors during these months is much higher, but that doesn’t stop you from enjoying the tour in a much more colorful setting.

Visitor heading to Humantay Lagoon

Characteristics of the Humantay Lagoon

Learn more about the geography of Humantay Lagoon to better prepare for this unique adventure through one of Cusco’s most iconic natural landscapes.

Tips for your trip to Humantay Lagoon

• Before embarking on your adventure to Humantay Lagoon, acclimatize for the first few days to avoid altitude sickness and better enjoy your trip.
• Taking a tour to Humantay Lagoon will enrich your experience by providing you with proper planning and safety.
• Bring warm clothing because you’ll be climbing to a high altitude. Comfortable trekking shoes are also essential.
• If you visit the lagoon during the rainy season (November – March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a poncho, as the weather can change at any time.
• Bring plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration. Drinking water is essential for a good experience on any trek or hike.
• Take advantage of your trip and relax from your routine amidst absolutely beautiful landscapes.
• Stay in a state of gratitude to the earth and Pachamama (Mother Earth) for allowing you to be safe on your trip, enjoying mystical places and totally unforgettable experiences.
• Visit Humantay Lagoon during the dry season (April to October) for the best weather, but if you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, any time of year is perfect.
• If you’re not in good shape, you have the option of renting horses to ascend very close to the Humantay Lagoon.
• Complementing your trip to the Humantay Lagoon with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best adventures you’ll find in Cusco and all of Peru.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the Humantay lagoon?

  Humantay Lagoon is a turquoise glacial lake formed by the melting of the Humantay snow-capped mountain.

• 2) Where is the Humantay lagoon located?

  It is located in the community of Soraypampa, Mollepata district, about 120 km northwest of the city of Cusco.

• 3) How do I get to Soraypampa and then to the Humantay lagoon?

  You must travel from Cusco. A land transfer of approximately two hours will take you to Mollepata, where a brief stop for breakfast is recommended. We will then continue for another hour by vehicle to Soraypampa, the starting point of the two-hour trek to Humantay Lagoon.

• 4) What is the duration and difficulty of the hike?

  The ascent from Soraypampa to Humantay takes approximately two hours, depending on your pace. It’s considered of medium difficulty due to the altitude (4,200 meters above sea level).

• 5) What is the best time to visit Humantay Lagoon?

  Any season is perfect for visiting Humantay Lagoon, but if you want to enter, the best option for you is the following:

  • Dry season (April–October): More stable weather and accessible trails, although with greater influx of visitors.
  • Rainy season (November–March): Fewer tourists and greener scenery, but be prepared for possible rain and wet trails.

• 6) Can I rent a horse for the hike to Humantay Lagoon?

  Yes, in Soraypampa you’ll find horse rental services to climb the entire route to a short distance from the lagoon.

• 7) Can I combine the visit to Humantay Lagoon with other tours?

  It’s common to include a trip to Humantay as part of a longer trek, such as the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu. Similarly, a visit to nearby communities or archaeological sites can be added on the return to Cusco.

• 8) What are the visiting hours for Humantay Lagoon?

  The Soraypampa checkpoint is usually open between 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. It’s recommended to leave early to take advantage of the best light and avoid the late afternoon hours, when the weather can become unstable.

• 9) Is there mobile phone reception during the hike to Humantay Lagoon?

  Coverage is intermittent and very weak for most of the route. Plan your trip in advance and do your research.

• 10) Is Humantay Lagoon recommended for children and the elderly?

  It depends on your physical condition and acclimatization. For children under 8 years old or people with reduced mobility, it’s recommended to consider alternatives, such as horseback riding.

Advice from people who have been there

Humantay Lagoon

By: Thomas P.

“Trip to the lagoon“

“The trip to the Humantay Lagoon was always recommended to me, but I didn't think it would be so impressive. The hike was not so difficult, I had good weather. I went with my partner, we really loved the place, it is perfect to take a break, the nature is very incredible.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 2, 2025