Ausangate Mountain and Humantay Lake: Peru’s Most Breathtaking High-Altitude Wonders

Beyond the renowned site of Machu Picchu, Peru boasts some of the world’s most stunning and breathtaking scenery with its towering mountains and vast fjords. Mount Ausangate and Laguna Humantay are two great examples of this beauty. Mount Ausangate offers a magnificent view of the turquoise glacial lakes at the bottom of the Sagarmatha Range, as well as the massive snow-capped peaks of the Andean civilization above these lakes. Mount Ausangate is revered as one of the most sacred mountains in South America, while Laguna Humantay provides one of the best opportunities for photographers to capture the beauty of the majestic landscape.

1. Mount Ausangate – The Sacred Apu (6,384 m / 20,945 ft)

Ausangate is the highest peak in the Vilcanota mountain range, located about 100 km southeast of Cusco. Locals have revered it for centuries as a powerful Apu (sacred mountain deity in Andean cosmology). It features glaciers, dramatic valleys, and mineral-colored rock formations.

Highlights of the Ausangate Area:

• Multi-day circuit trek (most popular: 4-6 days) with high passes over 5,000 m (e.g. Arapa Pass and Condor Pass)
• Stunning turquoise and emerald glacial lakes
• Hot springs (especially in Pacchanta)
• Herds of alpacas and llamas, soaring condors, and traditional Quechua communities
• Some routes combine with Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Trek Difficulty: Challenging → high altitude + long distances (up to 60-80 km total on full circuit). Nights can drop to -15°C (-5°F). Moderate fitness + good acclimatization are essential.

Best Time: Dry season → May to October.

2. Laguna Humantay (Humantay Lake) – The Turquoise Glacier Lake

The lake Humantay is located at an elevation of 4200 meters (13779 ft) close to the glacier of Salkantay, and has an extremely bright shade of turquoise due to minerals dissolved in glacial water, making many travelers view it as one of Peru’s great lakes.
The lake is culturally important, with different legends regarding the mountains of Salkantay and Ausangate (in Quechua mythology viewed as brother mountains). People often perform simple, ceremonial rituals to Mother Nature or Pachamama of stacking small stones.

How to Visit (Most Popular Option):

• Full-day tour from Cusco (recommended)
• Drive: 3–4 hours each way (to Soraypampa base)
• Hike: 1.5–2 hours uphill (about 2 km one way, 400–500 m elevation gain)
• Total round-trip hike: Moderate to hard, 3–4 hours

The trail is steep and rocky but very rewarding. Horse rental is available for part of the climb (≈ $20-25 USD).

Best Time: May – mid-October (clear skies, best reflections).

Practical Travel Tips (Very Important Section)

• Altitude Sickness → Serious risk above 4,000 m. Spend at least 2-3 days acclimatizing in Cusco. Drink coca tea, stay super hydrated, and consider Diamox (consult your doctor).
• Weather → Changes extremely fast. Pack layers, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, sunscreen (UV is intense), and good trekking boots.
• Tours → Organized tours are safest and easiest (transport, guide, lunch, sometimes oxygen/horses). Prices for Humantay day tour: $50–90 USD per person. Ausangate multi-day: $400–800+ depending on length.
• Entrance Fees → Small fees at both sites (≈ $3-10 USD).
• Note on Locations: Humantay Lake is closer to Salkantay mountain, while Ausangate is further southeast. They are separate (about 3–4 hours apart by car), but some longer tours visit both areas.

The two destinations are perceived to be more natural and authentic options for a visit to Peru than either Rainbow Mountain or Machu Picchu. If you would like additional information on the 7 Lakes of Ausangate (e.g., a full packing list or itinerary suggestion), or would like to alter the tone or length, please let me know.

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