Cusco is home to stunning natural landscapes, and among them stand out two destinations that capture the attention of travelers from around the world: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Both offer unforgettable experiences, but each has unique characteristics that may influence your choice depending on your interests, physical condition, and the type of adventure you’re looking for.
Humantay Lake is located at an approximate altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level and is known for its turquoise waters, fed by the melting of the Humantay glacier. It’s ideal for those seeking serene landscapes, contact with nature, short hikes, and a spiritual experience. This place is considered sacred by local communities, which adds cultural and mystical value to the visit.
To get there, you’ll travel approximately 3 hours by vehicle from Cusco to Soraypampa, followed by a 1.5 to 2-hour hike (around 2 to 3 kilometers).
On the other hand, the main attraction of Rainbow Mountain is its multicolored geological formations, created by the sedimentation of various minerals over time. It’s a perfect destination for adventurers, photography enthusiasts, and those who wish to witness a unique natural phenomenon in the world.
It sits at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, which makes it a significant physical challenge.
The trip from Cusco takes approximately 3.5 hours by vehicle, followed by a 1.5 to 2-hour hike that can vary between 3 and 5 kilometers, depending on the starting point. The hike is demanding, mainly due to the altitude and intense cold.
Its main attraction is the multicolored geological formations, the result of mineral sedimentation over time.
Humantay Lake is a natural wonder located in the community of Soraypampa, Mollepata district, Anta province, in the Cusco region. It is situated at an approximate altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level and is known for its turquoise waters, fed by the melting of the Humantay glacier.
To get there, you must travel about 3 hours by vehicle from Cusco to Soraypampa, followed by a hike of around 2 to 3 kilometers, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The hike is of moderate difficulty due to the altitude and rugged terrain.
This destination is ideal for those seeking peaceful landscapes, nature, short walks, and spiritual connection, as the lake is considered sacred by local communities.
It is located at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, which makes it a significant physical challenge.
The trip from Cusco takes approximately 3.5 hours by vehicle, followed by a 1.5 to 2-hour hike, which may vary between 3 and 5 kilometers depending on the starting point. The hike is demanding, mainly due to the altitude and the intense cold typical of the area.
The colors of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) are due to the mineral composition of the soil, the result of geological processes that occurred millions of years ago when the area was covered by marine, lake, and river sediments. Over time, these sediments compacted and, due to tectonic movements, emerged and were exposed to the open air.
Each visible color on the mountain corresponds to a specific type of oxidized mineral, for example:
The best time to visit Humantay Lake is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, the weather is stable, usually sunny, and the skies are clear, allowing you to enjoy the views and hike more safely.
During the rainy season (from November to March), precipitation is frequent, the trail can become slippery, and visibility may be affected by fog or bad weather.
If you plan to visit Humantay Lake, schedule your trip between May and September, when the weather is favorable and the lake is at its most spectacular.
If you choose to go to Rainbow Mountain, remember that the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is during the dry season, between April and October. During this period, the skies are usually clear, rain is infrequent, and the terrain is safer for hiking, which allows you to fully appreciate the mountain's colors.
During the rainy season (from November to March), rain can be constant, the trail becomes muddy and slippery, and the mountain’s colors may lose visibility due to fog or weather conditions.
To fully enjoy the landscape and have favorable hiking conditions, it is recommended to visit Rainbow Mountain between May and September, when the weather is drier and more stable, allowing greater visibility of the mountain’s colors.
To visit the lake, it is important to plan ahead and prepare properly, as it is located at over 4,000 meters above sea level and the weather can change rapidly. To enjoy the experience safely and comfortably, it is recommended to bring the following:
Bring appropriate clothing for mountain weather. It’s ideal to have a windbreaker, a warm jacket, and waterproof clothing to protect yourself from the cold and possible rain. It's also important to bring a sun hat, a wool hat for the cold, gloves, and sunglasses.
The terrain is uneven and can be slippery, so it is recommended to wear trekking shoes. If possible, bring trekking poles, which help with balance and reduce effort on the climb.
Don't forget to include sunscreen and lip balm, as solar radiation at that altitude is intense. It's also important to carry a small backpack with enough water (at least one liter per person) and energy snacks, such as dried fruits, cereal bars, or chocolate.
Finally, bring your ID or passport and cash, as you’ll need to pay an entrance fee (around S/ 10), and if you prefer to avoid the hike, you can rent a horse in Soraypampa (one way only), for approximately S/ 80, a service offered by local community members.
The excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is a unique experience, but it requires proper preparation due to the altitude (5,200 m a.s.l.), the variable weather, and the physical effort involved in the hike.
It is recommended to wear a thermal shirt, a windbreaker, a warm jacket, and waterproof clothing in case of rain. Keep in mind that early mornings are very cold, although your body will warm up during the hike. Also bring a sun hat, a wool hat, gloves, and UV-protected sunglasses.
The terrain is usually uneven and can be slippery, especially during the rainy season, so it is recommended to wear trekking shoes with good grip. If possible, bring trekking poles to help maintain balance.
It is essential to bring sunscreen and lip balm, as solar radiation is intense in this area. Also carry a small, comfortable backpack with at least 1 to 1.5 liters of water per person and energy snacks like cereal bars, dried fruits, or chocolate, which will give you energy during the ascent.
Don’t forget to bring your ID or passport and cash, as you’ll need to pay the entrance fee to the mountain and may want to rent a horse (optional), use restrooms, or buy snacks sold by local community members.
Finally, it’s recommended to spend one or two days acclimatizing in Cusco before doing this hike to avoid altitude sickness, also known as Soroche.
