Humantay Lagoon 2025 Review: Your Complete Visitor’s Guide

So, you are probably thinking about a trip to Peru, and a picture of this crazy blue lake has, like, totally caught your eye. That, you see, is Humantay Lagoon, and to be honest, it’s just as stunning in person. This place, you know, has become a very popular day trip from Cusco, right alongside Rainbow Mountain. We recently made the trip up there, and honestly, we learned a few things that could really help your own adventure go a little more smoothly. This guide, you see, is basically everything we wish we knew beforehand, so you can just focus on the amazing views and stuff. As a matter of fact, it’s a spot that looks like it’s straight out of a painting, but actually getting there involves a bit of effort.

What Exactly is Humantay Lagoon Anyway?

Basically, Humantay Lagoon is this pretty amazing glacial lake way up in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Its location is, more or less, near the base of the towering Humantay mountain. The water gets its mind-blowing turquoise-green color from the mineral runoff from the glacier, and honestly, it seems to change a little bit with the light throughout the day. For local Andean communities, this lake is actually a very sacred place. You know, they consider it a “paccha,” a sort of offering to Pachamama, or Mother Earth, and it’s right there at the feet of Apu Humantay, a powerful mountain spirit that, sort of, watches over the local people. So, when you visit, you’re actually stepping into a place with a very deep spiritual meaning, which is pretty cool. It’s not just a pretty picture; it is, in a way, a connection to an ancient culture that still reveres the natural world around them.

Planning Your 2025 Trip: Tour or DIY?

Okay, so you’ve pretty much decided you have to see this lake. The next question, then, is basically how you’re going to get there. You’ve really got two main choices: booking a group tour or, you know, trying to arrange it all yourself. Honestly, for most people, a tour is probably the easiest way to go. These tours, like, typically leave Cusco extremely early in the morning, around 4 or 5 AM. They usually include your transportation, a guide, plus breakfast and lunch, so it’s sort of an all-in-one package. The downside is that you are, of course, on their schedule and you will probably arrive at the lake with a bunch of other groups at the exact same time. Still, the convenience is pretty much undeniable.

On the other hand, going the DIY route offers a lot more freedom. You could, for instance, hire a private taxi from Cusco to Soraypampa, which is the starting point for the hike. This is, you know, a bit more expensive, but it means you can leave whenever you want. You could, for example, leave a little later to avoid the main morning rush, or even stay the night in Soraypampa to get an even earlier start before any of the tour buses arrive. Frankly, this gives you a better chance to have the lake more or less to yourself, which can be an absolutely magical experience. You’ll just have to handle your own food, water, and the entrance fee separately, so it takes a little more planning. Read our full review: [Humantay Lagoon Tour Options Full Review and Details].

The Hike Itself: What to Honestly Expect

Alright, let’s talk about the actual hike because, to be honest, this is the part that gets a little bit challenging. The trailhead starts at Soraypampa, which is already at a pretty high altitude of around 12,700 feet (3,870 meters). From there, the trail to the lake is just about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long, but it’s almost entirely uphill, and I mean, it gets seriously steep in places. You’ll gain about 1,200 feet (365 meters) in elevation pretty quickly, so your lungs will definitely feel it, you know? The path is sort of wide and well-trodden, but it can be rocky and slippery, especially if it has been raining. We saw people in all kinds of shoes, but you’ll definitely be happier with some sturdy hiking boots with good grip. The entire walk up, anyway, can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, just depending on your fitness level and how well you’ve adjusted to the altitude.

Now, if the thought of that climb makes your legs ache, there’s another option. As you start the trail, you will almost immediately see local folks with horses. For a fee, which is usually around 80-100 Peruvian Soles, you can actually rent a horse to take you most of the way up. Seriously, they can’t take you the final stretch to the lake’s edge, as it’s a bit too steep and rocky for them, so you will still have to do a small climb yourself. This is, you know, a very popular option, so don’t feel bad if you choose to take it. It lets you save your energy for enjoying the incredible view at the top. The payoff is, honestly, completely worth it. When you finally come over that last ridge and see the turquoise water with the massive glacier behind it, you just, like, forget all about the tough hike. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Humantay Lagoon Hike Reservations]).

Dealing with the Altitude: A Seriously Real Challenge

This is probably the single most important thing to prepare for, and I’m being completely serious. Humantay Lagoon sits at a dizzying 13,779 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. For context, that’s higher than pretty much any mountain in the continental United States. Altitude sickness, or soroche as they call it in Peru, is actually very real and can affect anyone, you know, regardless of your age or fitness level. Symptoms can range from a slight headache and nausea to, like, more severe issues like dizziness and shortness of breath. To be honest, ignoring it is a pretty bad idea.

So, what can you do? Well, the best thing is to give your body time to adjust. You should definitely spend at least two or three days acclimatizing in Cusco (which is at about 11,152 feet) before you even attempt a high-altitude hike like this one. During your time in Cusco, just take it easy. As a matter of fact, you could drink plenty of water and coca tea, which is what the locals have used for centuries to help with the altitude. You know, you can find coca leaves and tea bags pretty much everywhere. When you’re on the hike itself, just go slow. Seriously, it’s not a race. Walk at a pace that feels comfortable for you, take frequent breaks to catch your breath, and listen to your body. If you start feeling really unwell, it’s honestly better to turn back.

To be honest, the mountain will always be there, so there’s really no shame in prioritizing your health and safety. You just have to be smart about it, you know?

What to Pack for Your Humantay Lagoon Adventure

Figuring out what to wear and bring can be, sort of, a bit tricky because the weather in the Andes can change in a flash. You can literally experience all four seasons in a single day. The best approach, you know, is to dress in layers. You will probably start the hike feeling pretty cold in the early morning, but you will definitely warm up quickly as you start climbing and the sun gets higher. By the way, at the top, it can get very cold and windy again, especially right by the water. So, having layers you can easily add or remove is just a really smart move. Here’s a quick list of what we think you should absolutely bring:

• Layers of Clothing: You could start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece or mid-layer, and top it with a waterproof and windproof jacket. Honestly, you’ll be glad you have it.
• Sturdy Footwear: Just wear waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. The trail, as I was saying, is rocky and can be slick.
• Sun Protection: The sun at this altitude is incredibly strong. You really need sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. Seriously, don’t forget to reapply it.
• Water and Snacks: You have to stay hydrated, so bring at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water. And pack some high-energy snacks like nuts, fruit, or granola bars to, like, keep you going.
• Cash: You’ll pretty much need cash (Peruvian Soles) for the entrance fee, any snacks you might buy, using the restroom, and, of course, if you decide to rent a horse.
• Camera: Well, obviously! You will want to capture that amazing blue water. Just make sure your battery is fully charged, you know, because the cold can sometimes drain it faster.
• Small Backpack: You’ll need something to carry all this stuff in. A comfortable daypack is sort of perfect for the job.