All You Need To Know: Hiking Humantay Lake From Cusco
We will be hiking Humantay Lake from Cusco, Peru. It is one of the most popular day hikes in this area and you can do it without having to make any preparations. You can access the hike as a return hike so that you don’t need to worry about coming back.
This article is a detailed breakdown of the Humantay Lake 1 day hike from Cusco. In it, you’ll find information on what to pack, what not to wear, where to start your hike and how long it will take you. After you have read this article, we have also put together a full Humantay Lake 1 day itinerary which will help you plan your trip. You can click here to see it. Otherwise, keep reading…
What To Pack For The Hike From Cusco To Humantay Lake
You need to be prepared for very cold weather on this hike as the elevation is high (4200m). In order to be warm enough and not freeze, you’ll need at least 3 layers of clothing. Here’s how I would pack:
Layer #1: A good hiking pants (it has been raining the past few days in Cusco so a waterproof pant might be nice too).
What is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is a beautiful body of water located in the Peruvian Andes. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), making it one of the highest lakes in Peru. The lake is fed by glacial melting from the nearby Humantay Glacier and is a popular destination for hikers and tourists alike.
Humantay Lake is a beautiful turquoise lake located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The lake is about 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level, making it a popular destination for hikers and trekkers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cusco.
The lake is named after Mount Humantay, which towers over the lake at an impressive 4,812 meters (15,827 feet). Mount Humantay is one of the many peaks that make up the Vilcanota mountain range. The mountain is considered sacred by the local people, and you can often see offerings of food and drink left at the base of the peak.
The best way to reach Humantay Lake is on a guided hike from Cusco. The hike takes about four hours round trip and includes some uphill sections. However, the views of the lake and mountains are more than worth the effort!
How to get there
If you’re looking for an amazing hike with stunning views, look no further than Humantay Lake. This lake is located in the Peruvian Andes and can be reached by taking a short drive from Cusco. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking Humantay Lake from Cusco.
The first thing you need to know is that the lake is actually man-made. It was created by the construction of a dam and is fed by glacial runoff. Despite this, the lake is still incredibly beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
The best way to reach Humantay Lake is to take a tour from Cusco. This will include transport to and from the lake, as well as a guide who will help you navigate the trail. The hike itself is not too difficult, but it is important to be prepared for altitude sickness if you’re not used to being at high altitudes.
Once you reach the lake, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. The turquoise waters are surrounded by mountains, making it a truly stunning sight. Be sure to take plenty of photos to remember your time at Humantay Lake!
The best way to get to Humantay Lake is to hike there from Cusco. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round trip and is moderate in difficulty. You can also take a tour from Cusco which includes transportation to and from the trailhead.
What should I bring with me?
If you’re planning on hiking to Humantay Lake from Cusco, there are a few things you should make sure to bring with you. First and foremost, you’ll need comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for hiking. It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and fueled during the hike. And finally, don’t forget to pack a camera to capture the stunning views along the way!
When hiking to Humantay Lake from Cusco, it is important to be prepared with the proper gear. Here is a list of essential items to bring with you on your hike:
-Sunscreen and sunglasses
-Bug spray
-Sunhat or baseball cap
-1 liter of water per person
-Snacks
-Camera! -Trekking poles-Insect repellent-Flashlight or headlamp -Hat and gloves-Toilet paper-First aid kit-Walking/ hiking shoes -Combination lock (for the locker at the trailhead)
How to Get There To get to the start of the hike, head into Cusco, Peru and grab a collectivo (a shared taxi that travels along a fixed route). When you reach Calca, depart from the collectivo and follow a dirt road for about 30 minutes to reach the trailhead. It’s also possible to take a public bus from Cusco to Calca; however, during our visit we were unable to confirm this option so it is recommended that you check with your hotel or hostel if going this route.
The Hike From the trail
When to go? How long does the hike take?
The best time to go for a hike to Humantay Lake is from April to November, as this is when the weather is dry and stable. The hike itself takes around 4 hours to complete.
The best time to go for a hike to Humantay Lake is from May to September when the weather is dry and sunny. The hike takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trail
Getting to Humantay Lake takes about 2 hours of hiking. The hike itself is relatively easy but does require a bit of fitness. The starting point is at 4700 meters above sea level. To get there, you have to walk along a gravel road for approximately 20 minutes until you reach the starting point of the hike. The first 20 minutes are very easy, with an incline of only 10%. It’s not until 30 minutes in that the trail starts ascending more steeply: by 40 minutes in you will have climbed 100 meters and by 60 minutes in (1 hour) you will be at an altitude of 4810 metres! You will also notice that the forest has changed into high altitude grassland.
The Hike Tips and tricks for the trail
1. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike. It’s a bit longer than some of the other trails in the area, so you don’t want to find yourself rushing.
2. Start early in the day if possible. This will help you avoid the heat of the midday sun, and it will also give you more time to enjoy the views.
3. Bring plenty of water and snacks with you, as there are no shops or restaurants along the way.
4. Be prepared for a bit of a climb! The trail does get steep in parts, but the views from the top are definitely worth it.
5. Don’t forget your camera! Humantay Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Peru, and you’ll want to have plenty of photos to remember your trip. Hiking Humantay Lake Trail Tips
1. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight if you’re planning to hike at night. The trail is only lit up until around 5PM, and it can get dark very quickly once the sun sets.2. Be careful on the steep parts of the trail, as there are some areas that have loose gravel or roots.3. Use the hand rails when you see them, especially on steeper parts where you may need extra support.4. Watch out for ice, particularly in the early morning before it has had time to melt from the day’s heat and during rainy season (May – August).5. There have been reports of aggressive dogs on this trail from other hikers, so
Hazards
Hiking can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, but it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards. Here are a few things to keep in mind when hiking:
-Be aware of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards like loose rocks or slippery surfaces.
-Wear appropriate footwear and clothing to protect yourself from the elements.
-Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and fueled.
-Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. This is especially important if you’re hiking alone.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your hike is safe and enjoyable! true false The last time you visited the park, you came across a lot of trash on the trail. You want to do your part to help keep the park clean, so you decide to collect it and take it with you. Is this against regulations? true false
You’re hiking along when your dog spots a squirrel just off the trail. She tries to chase it but gets tangled up in some underbrush, causing her to fall and break her paw. What should you do if this happens? true false
On a particularly hot day, you stop for lunch at one of the picnic tables near your car. As you eat, a deer wanders out from the woods and starts eating grass nearby. Is this allowed? true false While hiking along a rocky trail, your dog slips and cuts her paw. What should you do? true falseHiking with a group of friends, you stop for lunch at the top of a ridge. While the others relax in the shade, one friend decides to climb to the top of a nearby peak. He says he’ll only be gone for 20 minutes, but it’s nearly an hour before he returns. Is this okay to do when hiking with a group? true falseOn an overnight hike, your dog suddenly gets his leg stuck between two rocks as he’s walking beside you. Are you allowed to use any tools or implements to get him free?
