The Humantay mountain lake

With a tour operator

Of course, this is the simplest solution, but it may also be the most tiring, as you'll be getting up at around 3am, but this excursion is really worth it!

Here's an outline of a typical day:

Departure around 4am from your hotel in Cuzco by van or minibus to Mollepata.

Breakfast in Mollepata. Transport to Soraypampa.

A 3km uphill walk leads to Lake Humantay, approximately 1? hours.

Lunch at Mollepata before returning to Cuzco at the end of the day.

Price from €44, including breakfast and lunch and English or Spanish guide.

Getting to the lake on your own

In Cuzco, you should get to the Arcopata bus terminal

on the corner of Av. Apurimac and Ca 09 de Diciembre, Cuzco

(to the west of the Plaza de Armas)

Take a bus to Mollepata for around €4

After 90km and 2 hours you will arrive in the village of Mollepata

where you can take a colectivo or taxi in the direction of Soraypampa for 1 hour, about €13, negotiable.

The hike starts at the Soraypampa community at 3800m altitude. The short but steep climb is 3km long, with a difference in altitude of almost 400m. Depending on the profile of the hikers, it can take from 1 to 3 hours, and although it presents no real difficulties apart from the "soroche" or altitude sickness, you will be offered the chance to hire horses.

The inhabitants of the Soraypampa community offer horses for hire at the start of the hike to Lake Humantay. Around €30 to negotiate on the spot, this is a really practical solution for the less athletic and for children, as the climb can be difficult for them.

No !

First of all, given that the lake is fed by glaciers, it goes without saying that the water is very cold (between 0°C and 10°C).

What's more, this mountain water flows through the lake and supplies drinking water to the communities and animals in the valley below.

What's more, if you can't swim, you can drink the water unless you're sensitive.

Last but not least, the mountain and lake are sacred places for the local people.

Around the lake you will see small stone mounds: the apachetas in homage to the earth goddess Pachamama and the mountain gods, the Apus.

The locals also come to make offerings with three coca leaves into which they blow a prayer (Kintu).

Where to stay near Lake Humantay?

in Mollepata :

Tilcafé Bed & Breakfast

Calle Crucero S/N Mollepata, Anta, Mollepata

Located in Mollepata, very close to the collectivos to Soraypampa, you'll gain a few precious hours of sleep.

Tilcafé Bed & Breakfast has a garden and terrace.

Approximately €35 including breakfast for a double room.

in Soraypampa :

There are several lodges on site, most of which don't have internet, so call them to book.

The Soraypampa Hostel is a small lodge with a few "wooden hut" rooms right at the start of the hike: you'll be the first to set off on the trail to Lake Humantay in the early morning, avoiding all the groups.

Tel: +51 913 298 630

Going further: the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay trek is a very difficult 72 km trek that links Cuzco to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay pass at an altitude of around 4,700 metres over 5 to 7 days.

It is a less-frequented and far more demanding alternative to the "Inca Trail" trek to Machu Picchu.

If you choose to embark on this adventure, you should be aware that it takes you past Lake Humantay, the Salkantay mountains, the archaeological site of Llactapata, tropical forests and waterfalls to reach the "Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu.

A must-do with a guide.