Peru is a country of diverse and stunning landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast, from the desert to the mountains. One of the most impressive and beautiful regions of Peru is the Andes, where you can find some of the highest peaks in the world, ancient ruins, and hidden gems. One of these gems is Laguna Humantay, a glacial lake that shines with a turquoise color and is surrounded by majestic mountains.
Laguna Humantay is located in the Cusco region of Peru, near the Salkantay mountain, which is one of the sacred mountains or apus of the Inca culture. The lake is fed by the melting snow of the Humantay glacier, which gives it its distinctive color and clarity. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level, and covers an area of about 0.8 square kilometers (0.3 square miles). The lake is considered sacred by the local people, who believe that it has healing powers and that it is inhabited by a spirit that protects them and their animals.
To reach this lake, you have two options: you can either do a day trip from Cusco or join the Salkantay trek, which is a popular alternative route to Machu Picchu. The day trip to Laguna Humantay usually starts early in the morning, around 5:00 am, when you board a bus or a van that takes you to Mollepata, a small town about two hours away from Cusco. There you have breakfast and then continue to Soraypampa, which is the starting point of the hike. The hike to Laguna Humantay takes about two hours, depending on your pace and physical condition. The trail is not very steep or difficult, but it can be challenging due to the high altitude and the thin air. You should be well acclimatized before attempting this hike, and drink plenty of water and coca tea to prevent altitude sickness.
The hike to Laguna Humantay is worth every step, as you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Andean scenery. Along the way, you can see different types of vegetation, such as ichu grass, quenua trees, and wildflowers. You can also spot some wildlife, such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, condors, and hummingbirds. The highlight of the hike is when you reach Laguna Humantay itself, which is a sight to behold. The lake has a bright turquoise color that contrasts with the white snow and the green hills that surround it. The lake reflects the sky and the mountains on its calm surface, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere. You can spend some time at the lake, taking pictures, meditating, or even swimming if you are brave enough. You can also make an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) or Apu Salkantay (the mountain spirit) by placing some coca leaves or flowers on the shore of the lake.
After enjoying Laguna Humantay for about an hour, you start your descent back to Soraypampa, where you have lunch and then board your bus or van back to Cusco. You arrive in Cusco around 6:00 pm, feeling tired but happy and fulfilled by this amazing experience.
If you want to extend your adventure and visit Machu Picchu as well, you can join the Salkantay trek, which is a five-day trek that takes you from Soraypampa to Aguas Calientes (the town near Machu Picchu) through different landscapes and altitudes. The Salkantay trek is one of the most challenging but rewarding treks in Peru, as you cross high passes, deep valleys, cloud forests, and coffee plantations. Laguna Humantay is one of the first stops on this trek, and one of the most memorable ones.
Laguna Humantay is one of those places that you have to see with your own eyes to believe it. It is a natural wonder that showcases the beauty and diversity of Peru’s landscapes and culture. It is also a place that reminds us of how climate change is affecting our planet and our lives. The Humantay glacier, which feeds The Mysterious Circular Terraces of the Incas lake and other water sources in the region, has been retreating rapidly in recent years due to rising temperatures and reduced precipitation. According to a study published in Science Advances1, Peru’s glaciers have lost more than 50 percent of their ice mass since 19801. This could have serious consequences for millions of people who depend on these glaciers for their water supply, agriculture, energy production, and tourism.
Laguna Humantay is not only a natural wonder that deserves to be preserved and appreciated, but also a symbol of how we can connect with nature and ourselves. By visiting this lake and learning about its history and significance, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for us and future generations.
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