Best Time to Visit Humantay Lake: Seasonal Tips for Your Tour

14/12/2024 por perutreks

Nestled in the Peruvian Andes, Humantay Lake is a breathtaking destination that enchants visitors with its vivid turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or an adventurous traveler, timing your visit can make all the difference in your experience. Let’s dive into the best times to explore Humantay Lake and what each season has to offer.

Dry Season (April to October)

The dry season is considered the best time to visit Humantay Lake. During these months, clear skies and minimal rainfall make for optimal trekking conditions. The trail leading to the lake is less slippery, allowing for a safer and more enjoyable hike.

This period also offers uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery, with crisp blue skies contrasting against the emerald-green mountains. Early mornings in the dry season provide magical lighting for photography, so consider starting your trek before dawn. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds, especially during June and July.

Pro Tip: Book your Humantay Lake tour with Peru Treks early to secure your spot during these popular months.

Wet Season (November to March)

The wet season in Peru brings frequent rain showers, but it doesn’t mean you should rule out a visit to Humantay Lake. While the trail might be muddy and more challenging, the rainy season brings a lush vibrancy to the surrounding vegetation. The landscape becomes greener, and fewer visitors mean you can enjoy a quieter, more serene experience.

If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you’ll be rewarded with a unique perspective of the lake. Morning visits are recommended as rain is more likely in the afternoon. Additionally, the clouds hovering over the peaks add a mystical charm to the landscape.

Pro Tip: Wear waterproof gear and sturdy boots, and opt for a guided tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Shoulder Seasons (March and November)

March and November are transitional months, offering a mix of dry and wet season benefits. During these months, you’ll find fewer crowds compared to the dry season, along with relatively stable weather conditions. This is an excellent time to visit if you’re looking for a balance between solitude and good trekking conditions.

General Tips for Your Humantay Lake Tour

Altitude Awareness: Humantay Lake sits at an elevation of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). Acclimate in Cusco for at least two days before your trek to avoid altitude sickness.
What to Pack: Essentials include layered clothing, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning views.
Guided Tours: Choosing a tour with Peru Treks ensures expert guidance, safety, and an immersive experience tailored to your needs.

Visiting Humantay Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By considering the season and preparing appropriately, you’ll make the most of your journey to this natural wonder. Whether it’s the vibrant greenery of the wet season or the clear vistas of the dry season, Humantay Lake never fails to impress.

Plan your adventure today with Peru Treks and uncover the magic of this Andean gem!

Difference Between Humantay Lake & Rainbow Mountain

20/04/2023 por perutreks

Difference Between Humantay Lake & Rainbow Mountain

If you want to visit my country and you’re wondering which place do you want to visit, Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, you’re in luck. In this guide, we’ll explore both destinations and help you choose the one that’s right for you. From iconic views to differences between them and tips for a great visit, this guide has everything you need to know about these magical places!

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Difference between Rainbow Mountain & Humantay Lake – Weather

When it comes the weather between the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay lake are totally different.

Rainbow Mountain is much drier and can be hot during the day. It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest parts of the day when temperatures can soar over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). You can visit this place during the dry season which is from May to October

Humantay Lake stays cooler due to its higher elevation and is standing very close to the Glacier with temperatures closer to 25-30 Celsius (77-86 Fahrenheit). The terrain can also be quite muddy after a rainstorm, so plan accordingly. I recommend to visit this place in the dry season too

Humantay Lake Overview

Humantay Lake is a glacial lake located near the Salkantay Mountain in the Andes Mountains. It is famous for its turquoise blue waters and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Visitors to Humantay Lake typically take a day hike to reach the lake, making it a relatively easy and accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers and this hike takes a full day hike.

Why you should Choose Humantay Lake?

Completly amazing view. The turquoise, blue water set in front of the white, snow-covered mountains is like a view from a dream. It looks unbelievable and there’s not much chance you’ll see anything else like it in your existence.
You will hike part of Salkantay trek. After the Inca Trail the Salkantay hike is the second most popular trek to Machu Picchu. Soraypampa, the trailhead of the hike, sits in front of the imposing Humantay
You will get The positive energy. the lake is surrounded by a lot of mountain deities that look as if they are almost keeping watch over it. You are going to feel their power and energy when you are on the viewpoint of the lake.
Peacefulness, It’s a cool feeling you are in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by huge Mountains, and hear nothing but only birds sounds.

Cons

It is long drive, 4 hours one way and 8 hours round trip.
the road to Humantay is both bumpy and windy, often with intense switchbacks to traverse the rugged mountain terrain. So the van ride might give you severe motion sickness.

Rainbow Mountain Overview

Located in the heart of Peru’s breathtaking Andes Mountains, Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca mountain as it is also known, stands at an altitude of 5, 034 meters above sea level and is renowned for its spectacular multicolored slopes. The mountain is made up of sedimentary rocks that were formed over millions of years ago, giving it its unique and vibrant hues. It has become a popular attraction in the region due to its extraordinary beauty and dramatic landscape.

Why you should choose Rainbow Mountain?

The unique mountain. There are Rainbow Mountains in Argentina, China and United states. However the one in Peru is completly different. There are not many places in our world where you can observe such a change in the colours of the earth in just one location.
Unparalleled landscapes. The road and hike to the summit will take you through some amazing landscapes where you will see glacier, lagooons, Rolling hills, streams, llamas and a lot of alpacas.
Top destination. Rainbow Mountain is the second most visited tourist attraction in all Peru. If you love to get pictures in some of the most famous world tourist attraction, then this mountain should be on your bucket list.
Rural Villages. It’s amazing to see how people live so far in the middle of the mountain. Along the road, you’ll see secluded communities with people wearing their typical cloths.

Cons

Hiking to Rainbow Mountain in the rain and snow can be more of a nightmare! Because you wont see the colors, most of the the time the mountain is covered with snow and mist.
On rainy season, the trail to the Rainbow Mountain turn into one big slippery mud slick. The trail becomes nearly impossible to hike. Even the most surefooted hiker will ultimately fall at some point.
Hiking at 5,034 meters is no joke. Travellers start feeling symptoms of altitude sickness at about 2,400 meters. Vinicunca Mountain is more than double that!. Terrible headaches and nausea are both habitual symptoms people experience hiking to Rainbow Mountain. Some people begin vomiting just on the drive up to the trailhead, before the hike to Rainbow Mountain even start.
Tons of people flock from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain in the many tourist vans. Expect to share the mountain with up to 4000 people per day in high season( May – August). To take the classical picture, you have to make long line.

Which one do we recommend to you?

Both tourist atractions offer unique and beautiful natural wonders, but Humantay Lake could be a better choice for those looking for an easier, more accessible experience, while Rainbow Mountain could be a better choice for those searching a more challenging adventure. Ultimately, the choice between the two, we recommend the Rainbow Moutain because you can see much better lakes but the Rainbow Mountain never.

You can check our reviews on tripadvisor or Google

Rainbow Mountain – Vinincunca

19/01/202515/04/2023 por perutreks

Rainbow Mountain – vinincunca

Colorfull Mountain Vinincunca

Rainbow mountain – vinincunca is located in Ausangate is the fifth mountain most high of Peru, with its 6384 meters for centuries has received many names; “The roof of the Inca Capital”, “Vinicunca” (Hill of colors), etc. Guardian of the Cusco region, located in the District of Pitumarca, Canchis province, Cusco region, in the South of Peru; Ausangate is considered the most important mountain of the Andean cosmovision.

Rainbow Mountain Itinerary

The pick up from your hotel will be depending of your tour, then we will drive for 4 hours approximately until the village of Cusipata, in this place will take your breakfast, culminated this we will continue driving for 1 hour aprox. to the village of Chilca, from this point will start our adventure, the walk will be between 1 hour up the hill aprox.

After that you will see beautiful landscapes full of streams , mountains, lakes, snow-capped mountains as well as flora and fauna, after this time to get to our desired destination Vinicunca or Hill of colors taking adequate time to capture this magical place in photographs and in our memories, in addition to this place we can also appreciate the Apu Ausangate, nevado more venerated by the Incas.

Then live this magical experience we descend again to Chilca for 1 hour down the hill to the bus station and the back to Cusipata for our lunch, finally return to the city of Cusco arriving at Regocijo square at 17:30 hrs approximately.

Schedules
- Group Tour: Every day at about 4:30 am
- Private Tour: Every day on request, we recommend starting at 5:30 am
Language
- Group Tour: Spanish and English simultaneously
- Private Tour: One language only (Spanish, English), you choose the language, if you prefer another language, let us know!
Duration
- About 13 hours
Tour Type
- Group tour or 100% private tour.
- If you have kids, we recommend a private tour
Accessibility
- This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
Tour Ending Place
- Group Tour: Near the Plaza de Armas
- Private Tour: At your hotel
How to make reservations?
- Please contact us via this page by filling out the form, then we will send you the tour details, the total price to pay, and the payment methods
- If you are browsing with a cell phone, click on the book now button which is located on the top menu, or scroll down to the bottom of this page and fill out the form

You can check our comments on tripadvisor or google

Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N

30/08/202514/03/2023 por perutreks

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4D/3N

Classic Inca trail is an adventure of a lifetime and discover the hidden treasures along the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. The breathtaking Inca Trail takes you through the impressive Andean mountain range, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the rich history of the Inca empire in Peru.

With every step, you will be transported back in time, walking in the footsteps of the great Inca emperors. The Inca trail winds its way through lush tropical forests, pristine high-altitude lakes, and mysterious ruins, offering an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking scenery with rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of the Inca Trail

Spectacular Inca Sites along the classic inca trail 4d/3n
Impressive Andean highlands & cloud forest
See Lost City Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
Unique
Great Value

Book in Advance the Classic inca trail to Machupicchu

VERY IMPORTANT TO BOOK FOR 2026: Trek permits for the Inca Trail are limited to just 500 people and this includes all support staff such as guides, porters and cooks (approx 200 trekkers and 300 support staff). Inca Trail trek permits for departures in 2026 are likely to go on sale at the beginning of October 2025, many dates will sell out almost immediately particularly for departures in April, May, June, July & August 2026. Please try to book in advance your inca trail tickets for 2026 to avoid disappointment.

You can check our reviews on Tripadvisor, Google and youtube

					Unforgettable experience  - We had an incredible time doing the Lares Trek with Herbert and his team: Javier, Elario & Ronaldinho.  

I was nervous initially - I’d never done a... read more multi-day hike before, but Peru Trek made us feel at home straight away. Herbert was very friendly and knowledgeable, and encouraged us to take it at our own pace. They were very quick and organised, setting up camp before we’d even arrive. 

The Lares Trek is fairly off the beaten path, and I recommend it for the incredible sights - it is more lowkey than the Inca trail, and felt like having the whole mountain to ourselves! Being 4,700m in the air, you get a panoramic view of the mountains and glaciers. After the trek, you can go to a hot spring to relax. Along the way, you learn a lot about the local culture and Inca history.

The chef, Javier, made some of the best food I’d eaten in Peru. There was so much variety: soups, meat dishes, pancakes, salads, and he even baked a surprise cake at the end. 

If you are worried about altitude sickness, rest assured they are very helpful. The day before our trek started, I was suffering with fever and almost didn’t go on it. But Darwin and Herbert assured me that we can always go back down if I’m feeling too ill, and they also brought someone to assist me in case I needed help. Thankfully my condition got better but it was good for peace of mind. 

If we came to Peru again, we would definitely go with Peru Treks and try some of their other trails. I highly recommend going with this group for your travels.				
J K
11/05/2025 

					Great 5th year anniversary experience - My wife and I booked this trip for our 5th anniversary. We had a fantastic experience with Peru Treks, our porters, and our guide Juan Carlos. The trail had amazing... read more views and Juan Carlos was the best! He was careful to describe what to expect each day and to explain all the Inca sites and culture we experienced along the trail. We were lucky to be the only two in our group, so we had a very personalized experience and we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable we were and how good the food was at each campsite. And of course, topping it off with Machu Picchu at the end was a wonderful reward for a tough, but immensely enjoyable hike. I would recommend anyone book their experience with Peru Treks!				
Adam L
05/06/2025 

					Amazing Experience  - I had the most amazing experience doing the Inca Trail with Peru Treks, alongside friends and family. Our guide, Juan Carlos, was fantastic—knowledgeable, fun, and supportive throughout. Huge thanks to... read more the porters and chef, who worked incredibly hard to make the trip smooth and enjoyable. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!				
Gustavo G
01/05/2025

Salkantay Trekking 4d/3n

13/03/2023 por perutreks

Salkantay Trekking 4d/3n

Salkantay Trekking 4d/3n to Machu Picchu is the second popular routes compared to the nearby famous Inka Trail, the second option for most travelers seeking to arrive to Machu Picchu by foot. It has without a doubt the best scenery that the Andes has to offer – everything from the native forest of the high Andes to snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and cloud forest. This is a journey that will show you Mother Nature at its best with all its wonders and sights. The area is not especially inhabited, but we will pass one local community to learn about the lifestyle.

Highlights of Salkantay trekking 4d/3n

Enjoy the scenic views of Salkantay Mountain
Visit Humantay Lake and the glacier
Make a small offering for the Andean gods and learn about the Inca religion
Enjoy our friendly customer service and experienced guides
Eat delicious meals and freshly prepared and vegan, vegetarian food or any dietary restrictions are available, without any extra charge
Hike through the different types of landscapes, such as cloud forests, highlands, grassy hills, and Andean valleys
Reach 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) in elevation along the Salkantay Pass
Explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding area with an expert and knowledgeable tour guide
Visit the Inca ruins of Llactapata and hike on the original Inca Trail
Hike one of National Geographic’s 25 “World’s Best Treks”
Sleep in comfort under the stars in our Tents located in private campsites

Lares Treks to Machupicchu

13/03/202313/03/2023 por perutreks

Lares Treks to Machupicchu 4d/3n

PERU TREKS is the only tour operator with its own scenic and cultural trekking route, that treks COMPLETELY OFF THE BEATEN PATH with the LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4d/3d. You pass through the most isolated indigenous communities keeping the Inca culture alive, and get the privilege to interact with them. Our unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. We are the only tour operator ending the trek at the natural HOT SPRINGS of Lares. NO ONE HAS A BETTER DEAL than Peru tREKS for this beautiful treks.

Somethings to know about Lares trek to Machupicchu.

There are some kids waiting for food or something along the Lares hike.
Lares is the only trek which is safe on rainy season in terms of landslides. But you need to go with proper rain coat.
There are many routes to hike the Lares trek. Our route is the best than the others, because this is the only route where you can see the glacier from very close distance and you will end your hike in the hot spring.

Best time to hike lares trek to machu picchu

The best time to hike Lares trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season from April – October. Also, the trail isn’t crawling with tourists or large groups of people depending which route are you going to take but our route is nice and quiet and so much more in the rainy season from December to March. Whereas in September till November, the days are frequently sunny, but it sometimes just gets cloudy threatening to rain but it either rains or fades, overall it is still a good season.

The Lares trek is a spectacular alternative route filled with traditional culture, gorgeous vistas, and the chance to glimpse modern-day Andean life in remote, un-touristed villages.

Located in the eastern Urubamba mountain range, the Lares Valley is a fantastic alternative Peru hike when the Classic Inca Trail is sold out. What makes the Lares Valley stand out? Definitely the exposure to traditional Andean culture! The Lares trail takes you through several Andean villages where you will meet Quechua-speaking indigenous people who continue to live as they have for centuries.

You’ll hike through Andean tundra, clearing high mountain passes with views of stunning glacial lakes. And no Lares trek is complete without a stop at the famous Lares hot springs! You’ll love luxuriating in these natural thermal baths – a great way to start or end this incredible Peru hike!

You can check our reviews on Tripadvisor and youtube

Vilcabamba treks

13/09/202504/01/2023 por perutreks

Vilcabamba Treks takes you right off the beaten path to the area of Cusco where the Incas made their last stand. Following the Spanish conquest the Inca withdrew far in to the jungle from where they continued to resist the occupation.

Vilcabamba was the last Inca city and this trek takes you to some of the last domains of this once great empire with beautiful scenery

The Vilcabamba Trek is a great option, if you don’t find a spot for the classic inca trail to Machupicchu.

Vilcabamba Treks – Sacred Rock

Beautiful hike to Machupicchu in 6 days

Vilcabamba treks to Machu Picchu is a hidden treasure that has yet to be heavily impacted by tourism. The trail is remote, very beautiful and super quiet.

Trekkers get to pass through snow-capped mountains on a number of original and well-preserved Inca trails.

This trek is typically completed on a 6-days itinerary starting the first day with a coffee tour from the Andes to the jungle where you will see a lot of plantations of coffee, banana, orange, mango, etc.

Finally the hiking over the mountains for 4 days looking some beautiful glaciers, lakes and inca sites you can check the reviews from our clients on tripadvisor and youtube.

Inca Trail to Machupicchu | Tours & Hikes, local tour operator

09/03/202326/04/2022 por perutreks

Inca Trail to Machupicchu is one of the most famous treks in all of Peru and South America. This 26-mile trail is only a portion of what it used to be

Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical view of Machu Picchu inca site! This itinerary is the perfect combination of history and beauty.

Visiting amazing Inca ruins along the trail while you take in the lush green cloud forest, Andean mountain passes and vast landscape.

Hiking this inca trail to machupicchu with www.perutreks.net means completing it with no stress. We will take care of everything including securing all the best campsites, serving delicious and nutritious meals, providing you all the equipment and surrounding you with the most dedicated team from your guide who will become a teacher and a friend to our porters who do it all flawlessly.

We are a 100% local company and we are specialists in Inca trail to Machu Picchu and we work with the local people from the Andes and we can promise this will be your best journey yet.

You can check our reviews on Tripadvisor and youtube

Short Inca Trail to MachuPicchu

02/03/202327/02/2022 por perutreks

Short Inca trail to MachuPicchu 2 days is the short version of the classic 4 days Inca trail. which is a perfect exclucive option for people who don’t have time.

But want to experience hiking to Machu Picchu by the original Inka trail, this trekking route is call the sacred Inca trail which is 12 kilometers of original trail.

In this tour you have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu 2 times, on the firts day in the afternoon and the other time is on the second day in the morning.

You will have the chance to see the sunset on the day 1 and the sunrise of course on the second day of the tour you will enjoy machu picchu the entire day.

The famous inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic treks that you can do in your lifetime.

Itinerary of the Short Inca Trail

DAY 1:CUSCO | OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 MACHU PICCHU.

Walking Distance – 12km / 7.45 miles
Starting Elevation – 2,100 meters ASL / 6889 feet ASL
Aguas Calientes Elevation – 2,000 meters ASL / 6561 feet ASL
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel or hostal (optional)
Adventure: Absolutely, completely satisfactory

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today you will get to enjoy exploring Machu Picchu and experience her magical presence, taking the first bus at 5:30AM to Machu Picchu archeological site.

If you hurry you will get to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Take your time, making sure you tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is an unforgettable experience.

You can check our review on Tripadvisor

Inca Trail 4 Days and 3 Nights

30/01/202526/02/2022 por perutreks

Experience the famous Inca trail 4 days and 3 nights is an amazing hike, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu!.

This itinerary is the perfect combination of history and beauty. Visiting amazing Inca ruins along the way while you take in the lush green cloud forest, Andean mountain passes and vast landscape.

Hiking this Inca trail 4 days and 3 nights with Peru treks means completing it with no stress. We will take care of everything including securing all the best campsites, serving delicious and nutritious meals.

Providing a very good equipment and surrounding you, with the most dedicated team from your guide who will become a teacher and a friend to our porters who do it all flawlessly.

INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS ITINERARY

Cusco – Piskacucho – Km 82 – Wayllabamba.
Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo.
Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna.
Wiñaywayna – Machupicchu – Cusco.

Inca trail, WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Pre-departure briefing:You will meet your guide in your hotel for an orientation to the trek and we will provide you the duffle bags which will be carried by our porters. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before your trip begins.
Transport:Collection from your hotel in the morning and transportation in a private vehicle to Km 82 (the starting point of the trek).
Experienced Guide: English speaking, professionally educated and official tour guide.
Personal tents: 2 people stay in each 4-person tent to allow for higher comfort and luggage security. Our tents are 3-season ready and highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance during our treks.
Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and all cooking equipment (carried by porters).
Foam mats or sleeping pads: to put under your sleeping bag
Accommodation:3 nights in tent
Trekking Cook: A chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along the journey to replenish your energy. You will never go hungry!
Meals:3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 dinners and Snacks (Vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost)
Wake up tea:Every morning at the campsite, you will woken up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea time:Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Medical kit:Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
Train tickets:From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (“Expedition” service with Peru Rail (subject to availability)
Transport: Private transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4)
24-hour guest service:We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

Not Included

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes
Personal clothing and gear
Travel insurance
Tips for our staff:please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish.

You can check our comments on tripadvisor