Cusco is undoubtedly the most touristic city in Peru. So much so that more and more resources are being exploited in the ‘Imperial City’ and its surroundings.
There are some emblematic cases of this, such as the famous 7 Colors Mountain of Cusco, which -despite being today one of the symbols of Peruvian tourism- until a few years ago was only a remote hill without any interest for visitors.
This is also the case here: the Humantay Lagoon, which is on its way to becoming the third attraction of the Andean region. This was recently announced by the regional governor of Cusco, Jean Paul Benavente, after the presentation of the plan for the sustainable use of the natural attraction.
It would thus become the third most visited tourist destination in the region by domestic and foreign tourists, only after Machu Picchu and the aforementioned 7 Colors Mountain (aka Vinicunca).
According to what Benavente said to local media, Humantay Lagoon is visited daily by up to 500 visitors.
How to get to Humantay Lake
The access to the Humantay Lagoon is not easy, but the reward of finding a beautiful turquoise lake in the heights (4,200 meters above sea level) will be all we need to face with philosophy a climb of between one and a half and two hours of duration with gradual lack of oxygen and paved roads.
We have two options to get to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon, either by trekking Salkantay (5D/4N) that will demand a great effort and a long trekking; or leaving early in the morning (4’30 a.m.) from Cusco to the town of Mollepata (2,900 masl), which is located about 98 km from the city.
Once there, we will go to the village of Soraypampa (3,900 masl), from where we will begin an ascent to access the kingdom of the apus of Salkantay and Humantay.
Although it is possible to do this tour on your own for about S/. 10 in collective transport, there are agencies in the city of Cusco that make this trip in private transport for about US$ 40; perhaps a good way to not worry about it and let us be guided.
Can children go up to Humantay Lake?
Each organism is different and before answering you from our condition as bloggers, we recommend you to consult your pediatrician.
Children may feel nervous when they notice a slight headache or find it hard to breathe because of the altitude. When you go up as a family, remember to warn the children that they will have these symptoms and acclimatize at least one day in advance by eating chicken diets, drinking coca tea, coca candies or the popular sorojchi pils pills.
It is also important to bring warm clothes, comfortable trekking shoes, sun block for the hot Andean sun and water for the journey.
