Humantay Lake — Attraction in Mollepata

It’s a mesmerizing place.

I went with a tour from Cusco, there are plenty of offers. Paid S/65, around usd20, including transport, guide, breakfast and lunch. Left around 4/5am in the morning, it is far.

Alternatively one can go by van, even though everyone might tell it is no possible. That is not true. What is true is that it doesn’t take to the start of the trek, meaning you might have to get a taxi after a certain point. There are camping sites and lodges. There is a small shop where the lady rents rooms, she said S/30 for a double room for two if we have the meals there S/10 each. Found it really affordable.

Humantay is the beginning of Salkantay trek. So you might want to consider that beautiful 4/5 days trek to Machu Picchu.

The way up is a bit steep, take your time. It is a good acclimatizing route (~4000) before hitting other more challenging routes, like Rainbow Mountain (which is at higher altitude 5000m).

The snow is retreating quickly over the peaks around the lake, reflecting the climate changes. The best is to go on a sunny day to get the best colors...

Not worth the effort to get there. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful lake with a snowy backdrop, it really is pretty. We took a tour feom Cusco for 110 sols (about $30) which involves leaving at 4:30am and getting back at 6pm (with short breakfast and lunch stops), and you have about 30min at the top where you can jostle with the crowds to try and get a good picture with nobody in it. Not to mention the bus there is on a dirt road and your nose will be clogged with dust. Is it worth going 13hrs out of your way for? That's a choice that's up to you - the views are really pretty though.

Info: The hike is about 1.5hr to 2hr each way; longer if you're unfit or are not a confident hiker. The path is mostly dusty dirt or loose gravel, and steep. Its easy to slip and fall. A horse up costs 80 sols (about $20) and is well worth it. Especially if you're with a group, the longer you take to get to the top the less time...

This trek is not for the faint of heart but definitely worth the trip. The road from Cusco to the start of the trek is long and bumpy at the end. I recommend a Dramamine if you get motion sickness. I went with my family, husband and 3 kids 13, 11, and 7 years old. I paid for the horse for each child. 80 soles, the horse will only take you up, you have to hike down. My husband and I hiked to the lake. Not easy and we are both in decent shape. I recommend waiting a few days after you arrive in Cusco before you go. The altitude is no joke (but keep in mind I live at 13 feet elevation!) the lake is about 13,600 feet elevation. We took pictures until it got crowded and started to rain. I recommend choosing a tour that leaves the earliest. Our tour guide got us there before the crowds. Purchased the...