What to pack for Humantay: Essential gear for the cold and the ascent
Not many places in the world offer stunning views like Humantay Lake; it looks unreal. The water is crystal clear with beautiful turquoise colors, surrounded by snowy mountains and a sky blue and clear sky, but what not many guides mention is that reaching it is tough: freezing mornings, hot sun, and a steep, rocky trail that makes bringing the right gear worth it.
So, before you even book a trip, make sure you know how to pack properly: layers for warmth, boots for grip, and a few small essentials. No need for a big suitcase, just the basics that will keep you comfortable from start to finish.
Top 5 Agencies to Guide Your Humantay Lake Adventure
The first thing you need to do is choose the right agency. While you can technically hike by yourself to Humantay Lake, it’s not recommended, especially if it’s your first trip to the country. You see, planning a trip like this can get complicated thanks to the cold and altitude, even if you’re an avid hiker.
That’s why going with a good tour agency makes all the difference. You get professional guides and porters who know the area pretty well, and get other amenities like a first aid kit or oxygen.
Here are five agencies that are worth checking out for your first trip:
- Guru Explorers: They offer shared and private humantay lake tours, focus on local communities, and have great guides who know the mountain really well.
- 69 Explorer: They are famous for small groups and solid prices, making sure you get a great deal without losing quality.
- Inca Jungle Trek: They give you a real sense of adventure and know how to pace the hike for everyone.
- Happy Gringo Tours: They focus on making sure you are well-prepared and offer comfortable transport from Cusco.
- Leading Peru Travel: A great choice if you want personalized attention and an extra focus on safety.
Picking any of these will give you a solid starting point for your trip, so you can focus on the beautiful views instead of worrying about the details.
Turquoise waters of Humantay Lake surrounded by the snow-capped Andes mountains in Cusco, Peru
How to Dress for Changing Mountain Weather
The main thing to survive the cold and the ascent is layering up, because when you leave Cusco at four in the morning, the cold hits you hard. The thing is that, soon after you start to hike up, you will begin to sweat, and from here things can get ugly if you’re wearing the wrong gear.
Start with a light thermal shirt, add a fleece, and then a waterproof jacket for wind and rain. On the legs, go for good hiking pants that are flexible and can get dry fast. Add some gloves and a wool hat for the early chill.
The trick here is removing the layers as you warm up and putting them back as you get higher and the cold starts to show up again or when the wind picks up.
Choosing the Right Hiking Boots and Socks
While the shoes you choose can make or break your whole trip, just as important are the socks you bring. First things first, forget about the sneakers; while many people do it using those, I highly recommend you skip them since they don’t offer the same grip as a good pair of hiking boots.
You need a pair of sturdy hiking boots or shoes that have a thick, grippy sole. This way you will avoid slipping on loose rocks and will give your ankles proper support when walking on uneven ground.
You will also need a good pair of socks; the right ones will be thick and warm hiking socks. They can be made of cotton, but if they are made of wool, that will be perfect.
Also, before you even book your trip, make sure you wear the shoes you’ll be using to hike; that way, make sure they fit right.
Sun Protection at High Altitude
At 13,780 feet, there’s less air to block the rays, which makes the sun on your skin a lot stronger at high altitude. You will burn faster even if it feels cool. I highly recommend that you bring sunscreen with SPF 50 or more and use it on your face, neck, ears, and hands.
Also bring a wide-brimmed hat instead of a cap to protect your face and neck, as caps leave your neck exposed. You can bring sunglasses with UV protection to avoid any damage to your eyes, especially from the glare or water reflections.
Make sure you also pack a lip balm with SPF to stop your lips from drying or burning in the cold wind.
Conclusion
While the hike to Humantay Lake is challenging with the right gear, anyone can make it. All you need to do to make it work is dress in layers, wear sturdy boots, and pack water and snacks. Make sure you go at your own pace, let your body adjust to the high altitude, and enjoy the view. Also, if it’s your first time in the country, make sure you book your trip with a well-known agency; this will reduce the number of headaches planning can bring.
