Humantay Lake Vs 7 lake of Ausangate Mountain
Humantay lake. If you’re visiting Cusco and looking for an unforgettable day hike, you’ll probably come across two of the most stunning natural wonders in the Andes: Humantay Lake and the 7 Lakes of Ausangate. Both offer breathtaking views, turquoise waters, and the chance to experience the majesty of the Peruvian highlands but which one is right for you.
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then we’ll drive for about 3 hours toward Humantay Lake, passing through beautiful Andean landscapes until we reach Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike. From there, we begin our ascent to the stunning turquoise lake of Humantay.
Pickup time is around 3:00 a.m., so we can arrive early and enjoy the lake before it gets crowded as more than 700 visitors explore Humantay every day.
1: Humantay Lake: The Iconic Turquoise Gem
Located at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft), Laguna Humantay sits at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. This lake is one of the most popular day trips from Cusco, famous for its intense turquoise color surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
This adventure begins in the city of Cusco. Our team will pick you up from your hotel and head east toward the majestic Ausangate Mountain, home to stunning turquoise lakes located near its snow-covered peaks.
Pickup time is around 4:00 a.m. The drive takes about 4 hours to reach the small town of Ocongate, and then another hour to arrive at the trailhead, where we’ll start our hike. The trek lasts around 3 hours, leading us through breathtaking landscapes and several colorful lakes, each one offering a unique and unforgettable view of this remote Andean paradise.
After exploring all the lakes and enjoying the scenery, we’ll return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Highlights:
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Accessible in just a 3-hour drive from Cusco and a 2 -hour uphill hike.
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Perfect for travelers with limited time.
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Ideal for photography lovers and those seeking a moderate adventure in peaceful, untouched nature.
Difficulty: Moderate – challenge
Best for: Short, scenic hikes and first-time visitors to Cusco.
2: 7 Lakes of Ausangate: The Hidden Andean Paradise
The 7 Lakes of Ausangate (also known as Siete Lagunas de Ausangate) is a true adventure for nature lovers. This hike takes you deep into the high Andes, at altitudes of around 4,600 meters (15,000 ft), where you’ll encounter vibrant lakes of different colors — turquoise, green, and even reddish tones — each one more beautiful than the last.
Highlights:
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A more remote and less crowded experience.
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Hot springs and stunning views of Ausangate, the sacred mountain of the Incas.
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Great opportunity to see llamas, alpacas, and traditional Andean communities.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best for: Adventure seekers, photographers, and travelers looking for authentic Andean landscapes.
I highly recommend traveling away from the crowds. The 7 Lakes of Ausangate is a much better experience than Humantay Lake it offers more open landscapes, stunning panoramic views, and several beautiful lakes instead of just one.
In Ausangate, you’ll find fewer people, more peace, and pure nature all around you. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the real Andean wilderness an experience that truly feels like being among the great mountains of the world, almost like standing near Everest itself. This trip is absolutely worth it
