Humantay Lake vs 7 Ausangate Lakes: Which Trek Should You Choose?

Humantay Lake vs 7 Ausangate Lakes is a key comparison for travelers visiting Cusco. Both hikes offer stunning high-altitude scenery, turquoise lagoons, and unforgettable trekking above 4,000 meters, but they differ in difficulty, landscape variety, and overall experience.

The hike to Humantay Lake is shorter, steeper, and ideal for a quick yet dramatic glacier-view trek. In contrast, the 7 Lakes of Ausangate route is longer, with multiple lagoons, remote valleys, and panoramic mountain views, perfect for travelers seeking a more immersive Andean adventure.

This guide helps you choose the trek that best fits your schedule, fitness level, and desire for either a quick iconic hike or a full-day exploration of Andean lagoons and landscapes.

Overview of Humantay Lake and 7 Ausangate Lakes

Both Humantay Lake and the 7 Lakes of Ausangate are typically visited on full-day tours departing early from Cusco. These excursions let travelers experience some of the most spectacular alpine landscapes in the Andes without committing to a multi-day trek.

Although the treks share similar altitudes and mountain environments, the overall experience is quite different in terms of trail length, scenery, and visitor crowds.

Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake is a stunning glacial lagoon located at the base of Humantay Mountain, which lies along the route toward the famous Salkantay Trek.

The hike begins at Soraypampa, a high-altitude starting point commonly used for the Salkantay Trek.

Key facts about Humantay Lake:

Altitude: 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Distance: ~5 km round trip
Hiking time: 1.5–2 hours uphill
Difficulty: Moderate due to steep ascent
Popularity: Very high, especially during peak season

The lake’s brilliant turquoise color, created by glacial minerals, makes it one of the most photographed natural attractions near Cusco. Its steep but short climb is manageable for most travelers who spend a day or two acclimatizing in the city.

7 Lakes of Ausangate

The 7 Lakes of Ausangate trek is located near the sacred Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region.

The hike starts in the traditional Andean community of Pacchanta, known for its natural hot springs and alpaca herding culture.

Hikers visit multiple colorful alpine lagoons, including:

Azulcocha
Orco Otorongo
China Otorongo
Pucacocha
Patacocha
Alqacocha
Qomercocha

Key facts about Ausangate Lakes:

Altitude: 4,200–4,600 m
Distance: ~10–12 km round trip
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to altitude
Crowds: Much lower than Humantay

This trek offers varied landscapes, glacier views, wildlife sightings, and a much more remote Andean atmosphere. Pacchanta hot springs are a relaxing reward at the end of the hike.

Quick Comparison: Humantay Lake vs 7 Ausangate Lakes

7 Ausangate Lakes turquoise glacial lakes hike in the Andes

Feature	Humantay Lake	7 Ausangate Lakes
Maximum altitude	4,200 m	4,600 m
Hiking distance	~5 km	~10–12 km
Hiking time	2–3 hours	4–5 hours
Trail difficulty	Steep climb	Gradual but longer
Main attraction	One turquoise lagoon	Multiple colorful lagoons + hot springs
Crowds	High	Low
Extra experiences	Glacier views	Wildlife, hot springs, remote valleys

Trekking Difficulty and Trail Conditions

Hiking to Humantay Lake

The trail to Humantay Lake is steep and short, climbing about 400 meters in elevation from Soraypampa. Hikers may experience:

Shortness of breath due to high altitude
Muscle fatigue from the incline
Cold winds near the glacier

Despite the steep ascent, the trail is well-marked and suitable for beginners who have spent at least 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco.

Hiking to 7 Ausangate Lakes

The 7 Lakes trek is longer, less steep, but more physically demanding due to sustained elevation above 4,500 meters. Hikers should expect:

Longer exposure to high-altitude conditions
Cold and unpredictable weather
More remote terrain with fewer amenities

The reward is a diverse Andean landscape with multiple lagoons, wildlife, and the chance to enjoy hot springs at Pacchanta after the hike.

Alternative Multi-Day Treks

Salkantay Trek: 3–5 days, passes near Humantay Lake on the first day. Includes Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), glacier views, and transitions from high mountains to cloud forest.
Ausangate Trek: 3–6 days, circumnavigates Ausangate Mountain, passes near the 7 Lakes, includes remote passes above 5,000 m, traditional Quechua villages, and glacier landscapes.

Which Trek Should You Choose?

Short on time / Beginner: Humantay Lake is perfect for a quick, iconic hike in one day.
Intermediate / Acclimatized hikers: 7 Ausangate Lakes offers a longer, more scenic trek with fewer crowds.
Full Andean experience: Combine Humantay and Ausangate in multi-day trips for glacier views, multiple lagoons, and remote mountain landscapes.

FAQs

Which trek is more difficult?

The 7 Ausangate Lakes trek is more challenging due to its higher altitude and longer distance, although it is less steep than Humantay. Humantay is steep but short, suitable for travelers with limited time.

How long do these tours last?

Humantay Lake tours take approximately 10–11 hours including transportation from Cusco. The 7 Ausangate Lakes tour lasts around 10–12 hours including transport, trekking, and hot springs.

Do I need acclimatization?

Yes. Spend 1–2 days in Cusco before Humantay. For Ausangate, 2+ days are recommended due to higher altitude and longer trekking distances.

Are these hikes suitable for families?

Humantay is more family-friendly because of its short distance, while Ausangate is better suited for fit adults or experienced trekkers.

What should I bring?

Layered clothing, trekking boots, poles, water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and cash for hot springs or emergencies. For Ausangate, thermal socks and additional warm layers are recommended.

Are there hot springs?

Yes, the Pacchanta hot springs are included in the Ausangate Lakes tour, providing a relaxing end to a long day of trekking.

Which hike is better for photography?

Humantay offers one iconic turquoise lagoon and glacier backdrop. Ausangate has seven lagoons, varied landscapes, wildlife, and panoramic mountain views — perfect for extended photography sessions.

Can these treks be combined with multi-day adventures?

Yes. Humantay is part of the Salkantay Trek, and Ausangate Lakes is part of the Ausangate Trek, allowing travelers to extend their exploration over several days.

How crowded are the trails?

Humantay can see 300–500 people per day during peak season. Ausangate remains quiet with around 50 visitors, offering a more peaceful experience.

Are guides necessary?

Guides are highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insights on both treks. They also enhance your experience by explaining local traditions and wildlife.

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