A hike through snow-capped mountains to Salkantay Lake

Cusco undoubtedly does not cease to amaze us because in it are the most curious and unusual landscapes sometimes we can even say almost interplanetary landscapes like the mountain of colors that you can find here that is the mountain of colors 

The Humantay lake is formed as a melting product of a large snowy mountain that in turn forms part of a mountain range called Cordillera de Vilcabamba.

What makes the Humantay Lagoon distinctive is the natural color that it possesses since it does not have much marine flora in its waters. It has an indescribable color in words, but understandable to the eyes, forming a unique landscape when travelers seek to capture the ideal moment with his cameras that he has so much desire to capture landscapes experiences and moments all this and more make it an ideal place that you must visit if you travel to Cusco Peru. 

However, the geographical environment of this lagoon is also unique since it serves as the first camp on the Salkantay Trek tour.  

Getting to Know Humantay Lake

To understand and enjoy the Humantay Lake Hike, it is necessary to go beyond its visual beauty and understand its origin and surroundings. Therefore, we will now learn what makes this place a natural sanctuary:

• What does Humantay mean?
  The name Humantay comes from the Quechua language and translates as "Head of the Gods". This title is not by chance; geographically, it is said that this mountain and its lake are located at the "head" of the slopes that go down toward the High Jungle, acting as a guardian between the Andes and the Amazon.
  
  
• The mystery of its turquoise color
  What impacts visitors the most is the tone of its waters. This beautiful turquoise mirror presented by Humantay Lagoon is the result of glacial melting combined with the presence of green microalgae (specifically the species Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria). When the reflection of the blue Andean sky and direct solar radiation are added, it creates that hypnotic visual effect that turns the lake into a magical and photogenic place.
  
  
• Climate and temperature on the mountain
  Since it is located at the foot of a snowy peak, the weather is cold and changing. The temperature at Humantay Lake varies according to the time of year, but as a general rule for this 2026, you should know that:
  → During the day: With the sun shining, temperatures are usually fresh and pleasant, ranging between 10 °C and 15 °C.
  → During the night: When the sun goes down, the cold intensifies drastically, dropping to values close to 0 °C or even less, a vital fact if you plan to camp in the Soraypampa area.

Location and Altitude: Where is Humantay Lake?

Reaching this water mirror requires entering the mountain range. Humantay Lake is located in the province of Anta, specifically in the district of Mollepata, within the Cusco region, Peru. Its location is privileged, as it rests at the feet of the imposing Humantay  Mountain and sits very close to the colossal Salkantay, one of the most important "Apus" or sacred mountains of the Andes.

Regarding its elevation, this destination represents a true challenge for the lungs: it is located at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters above sea level (masl).

Key geographical facts for your visit:

• Start point of the hike: Soraypampa (located at 3,900 masl).
• Route elevation gain: During the climb, you will go up about 300 meters in height on a relatively short but steep path.
• Natural environment: The lake is part of the Vilcabamba mountain range, an area characterized by its hanging glaciers and a rugged geography that takes your breath away.

How to get to Salkantay Lake

The hike along the Salkantay Trek route 5 days 4 nights allows you to get to know the Humantay Lagoon, it is one of the best adventure trekking routes that will allow you to visit the Inka citadel of Machu Picchu. The first day of the Salkantay Trek Lake, you can take advantage of the afternoon to visit the Humantay Lagoon (4200 masl), 2 hs uphill and 1 h downhill to the Soraypampa Camp (3850 masl) and spend the night there after our dinner. 

Salkantay Trek Lake 1 Day 

In the morning I pick up from the hotel at 4:30 a.m. approximately. From the city of Cusco we will transfer by bus to the village Mollepata where we will have a delicious breakfast, then continue with the trip until we reach Soraypampa, where we will have a short break, and then start with our walk of 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Laguna Humantay that is located at 4200 meters above sea level (Those who do not wish to walk can rent a horse at the beginning of the walk).

On the way we can appreciate the impressive snowy Salkantay and Humantay. Once we arrive at Laguna Humantay we will have free time to take pictures or relax. After our visit we will start the way back to Soraypampa, where our bus will be waiting for us to go to Mollepata where we will have our lunch, then we will return to Cusco arriving approximately 6:00 p.m. 

Trip to Humantay lagoon

The trip to Humantay Lagoon is an unparalleled experience that you can do on your own. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is a demanding hike and it is advisable to have a good level of physical fitness and hiking experience.

In addition, you can reach the lagoon by following a marked route from the town of Soraypampa, and the total round trip can take around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the walking pace; What's more, the climate of the area must be taken into account, as conditions can change quickly, so it is essential to bring appropriate clothing, provisions and water.

• Can I visit the lagoon by myself? 
  Yes, it is possible to go to Humantay Lagoon on your own, but you must keep in mind that it is a demanding hike and it is important to have a good level of physical fitness; Also, remember to follow the marked route from the town of Soraypampa and take the necessary precautions to guarantee your safety during the tour.
  
  
• How much does the entrance to the lagoon cost?
  In the town of Mollepata you must pay to enter the Soraypampa camp where the lagoon is located, so the cost for foreign tourists is 10 soles (3 USD) and the cost for Peruvians is 5 soles (2 USD). It is important to note that these prices may change, so it is advisable to check the updated information before your visit.
  
  
• How long is the walk? 
  The duration of the hike to Humantay Lagoon may vary depending on each person's pace and terrain conditions, but generally, the round trip from the town of Soraypampa takes around 3 to 4 hours. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is a demanding hike, with steep terrain and at high altitude, so the time may vary depending on the physical condition of each individual.
  
  
• What kind of clothes to wear? 
  For the hike to Humantay lagoon, it is advisable to wear clothing appropriate for the climate and terrain, due to the changing weather conditions in the area, so bring warm clothing such as a windproof jacket, hiking pants, breathable t-shirts, hat, gloves, sturdy trekking boots and comfortable socks. It is also important to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, and a comfortable backpack to carry everything you need during the hike.
  
  
• Can I get a tour once in Cusco? 
  Yes, it is possible to get a tour to Humantay lagoon once in Cusco. Since the city offers a wide variety of travel agencies and tour operators that offer packages and excursions to the lagoon; Therefore, you can search and compare different options to find the tour that fits your preferences and budget. However, it is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability and avoid setbacks during your visit.

Difficulty of the Hike to Salkantay Lake

It is essential to be realistic; the one-day hike to Humantay Lake has a medium to moderate difficulty. Although the distance is not long (about 3 km uphill), the altitude and the slope make the heart work faster. To start this trip, you first go toward Mollepata, a picturesque town where breakfast is usually served, and then continue to Soraypampa, the actual point where the hike begins.

The trail is hard, steep, and has loose stones, which requires a firm step and shoes with good grip. As we climb and get closer to the base of the imposing Salkantay Mountain, the temperature can drop sharply due to the freezing winds coming down from the glacier. For this reason, it is not just a scenic walk; it is a physical challenge where it is strictly necessary to bring warm clothing (layering system), gloves, and a hat to protect yourself from the cold at the top.

Some important facts about the Salkantay Trek Lake 

• The Humantay Lagoon is located at 4200 meters above sea level. 
• The tour starts at 5:00 am and returns around 6:00 pm. 
• Among the landscapes to see are Andean mountains, wide pampas, jungle brows and snowy mountains. 
• On the tour you will see the sacred snow of Salkantay. 
• You can take binoculars for a better view! You can wear a swimsuit in case you dare to dive into the waters of the lagoon. 
• You can extend your adventure and take the five-day route through the snowy Salkantay, Humantay Lagoon and Machu Picchu, known as the 5 day 
• Salkantay Hike, of medium to moderate difficulty.

Tourist attractions near Lake Salkantay

Salkantay Lake in Cusco offers a large number of tourist attractions in its surroundings. One of them is the impressive trekking to Lake Salkantay, a route that crosses spectacular landscapes and allows you to enjoy nature; Likewise, you can observe a wide variety of species of flora and fauna in the area. In addition, there are other tourist activities available, such as visiting nearby towns, where you can learn about the culture and traditions of the Cusco region.

• Trekking to Salkantay Lake

  Trekking to Lake Salkantay is an unforgettable experience for adventurers, since the route crosses imposing mountains, green valleys and crystalline rivers, offering spectacular panoramic views at every step of the way. Likewise, during trekking, you can enjoy the tranquility and peace that is breathed in the area, as well as the beauty of Lake Salkantay, surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains.
  
  

• Fauna and flora around Lake Salkantay

  The surroundings of Lake Salkantay are home to a diversity of flora and fauna species. Therefore, visitors can observe birds such as the Andean condor, the hawk, the Andean partridge and the hummingbird, as well as mammals such as vicuñas, alpacas and llamas. Additionally, the area has a wide variety of plants and trees, including orchids, bromeliads and a variety of native tree species.