The Magical Humantay Lake: Expert Guide to Peru's Turquoise Gem

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Written by:Valencia Travel

Last Update: 2026-06-19

Humantay Lake or Humantay Lagoon looks like a turquoise blue mirror and is located near the flanks of the majestic snow peak of the Salkantay Mountain. The crystalline water of the lagoon has actually melted from the Humantay Glacier above. If you visit this spectacular destination on a day trip from Cusco, you will be able to witness for yourself the magnificent mountains and glaciers of the Peruvian Andes.

This pristine Lake is also a refuge for Andean wildlife as well as impressive, awe-inspiring scenery. Visited by hundreds of adventurous travelers, anyone who comes to Humantay usually wants to escape the noise and the humdrum routine of the cities. Here you can enjoy the perfect connection between the Pachamama, or Mother Earth, and the human essence. Inhale the pure mountain air of the high Andes and explore places where the local people have maintained their culture and traditions for thousands of years, observing nature in its wildest state.

Humantay Lake is a stunning turquoise lake located near the base of the Humantay Glacier, in the Vilcabamba mountain range. You can visit on a day trip or as part of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu!

Prayer Tower Humantay

Why is Humantay so Special?

Humantay Lake is not only a place of incredible colors and panoramic views or a place where one can feel the magic of the amazing landscape. It is also a sacred and mystical spot where you can witness the fragility of the terrestrial ecosystem and view the effects of climate change firsthand. Certainly, those intrepid travelers who come to Humantay and witness these delicate interconnections between air, earth, and water will return to their homes at lower elevations and act as goodwill ambassadors who have seen personally the effects of global warming. This unique awareness makes it a standout choice among various holiday types - cultural and environmental journeys in Peru.

The lake's striking turquoise color is due to minerals from the surrounding mountains. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the imposing Humantay Glacier, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. Visit Humantay Lake on Cusco day trips!

Ice caps Melting

Where is Humantay Lake?

The turquoise-blue Humantay Lake is located in the Cusco region of Peru. It is found northwest of the City of Cusco, high up on the side of the great snowy Humantay Mountain, close to the Soraypampa community in the Mollepata district within the Anta province. While you need to embark on a proper Humantay Lake hike to reach this location, it’s one of the most impressive, breathtaking locations you will ever visit. It feels like something out of a sci-fi movie, a serene location from a distant planet.

Mules are often used on the Humantay Lake trip to help visitors who may find the hike challenging due to the high altitude and steep terrain. On Cusco tours, mules can also be used to carry people´s backpacks, making the trekking easier.

The Mules from Mollepata

Facts about The Lake

There is not a lot of information about the geology of this lagoon, but geologists tell us that it is certainly of glacial origin. At some time in the past, snow and ice came down and covered the lower parts of the mountain, carving out depressions on its sides. When the ice melted, the beautiful Humantay Lagoon was formed. Without a doubt, the magical turquoise color of the water is due to the purity of the glacial meltwater and to specific species of algae called Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria. To help you understand the scale and technical details of this natural wonder, here are the essential metrics: