Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain : Which Should You Visit?
Many times, the limited time available during a trip means that we have to choose between the attractions we would like to visit. This is the case for many travelers who have to decide between visiting Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) or , since each one requires a full day. In this post, you will find all the information you need to make the best decision and make your visit an unforgettable and truly unique experience.
Start Time and Total Activity Duration:
Both the visit to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake requires a full day. However, it may be useful to keep in mind that the Humantay Lake tour generally takes longer than the Rainbow Mountain tour, approximately one to two hours longer. This is mainly because the route is longer and traffic can be somewhat heavier along certain sections of the journey.
Regarding the starting time, group tours for both attractions generally begin with hotel pickups between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., with departures taking place at around 5:00 a.m. Of course, it is always possible to book a private service and depart precisely at the time of your choice.
Cost
Although, as mentioned above, one route is longer than the other, these services generally have a similar price, whether you choose a group or private service. However, prices may vary depending on the operator.
For readers of our blog, we offer a special rate of 140 Peruvian soles for group service, whether you choose the Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain route.
Regarding entrance fees, both Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake charge 20 soles per international visitor and 10 soles per Peruvian visitor.
Meals:
Both the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake routes offer excellent restaurants, such as La Montaña, Retama and Mollechayoq, and Casa Salkantay, respectively. Therefore, you should simply make sure that your tour operator uses these restaurants. Although they tend to be somewhat more expensive, they are well worth it.
Altitude
One of the factors that can determine whether you enjoy your visit to Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain is undoubtedly altitude. For this reason, regardless of which route you choose, we recommend scheduling the activity toward the later days of your stay in Cusco.
Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level, while Rainbow Mountain reaches approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). Therefore, this 1,000-meter difference in elevation can be a significant advantage for travelers who may have experienced difficulties with altitude during their first few days, even simply while staying in Cusco.
Facilities
Both routes offer basic access facilities. In both cases, part of the journey is along paved roads, while the final section follows an unpaved mountain road.
Regarding restrooms, both routes have facilities at the beginning of the trail. Rainbow Mountain, however, has restrooms available at several points along the route, almost all the way to the main viewpoint. Humantay Lake only has restroom facilities at the beginning of the trail, so be sure to plan accordingly.
If the hike becomes too demanding, both routes offer horse services, with similar rates on either route.
Both destinations also have medical assistance facilities available for emergencies.
Climate and Temperature
Due to their altitude and geographical characteristics, both destinations experience different climatic conditions.
In the case of Humantay Lake, the route is surrounded by mountains, making the climate somewhat milder, with an average temperature of approximately 14–16°C (57–61°F). However, cold breezes are common due to the nearby Humantay and Salkantay glaciers.
The rainy season generally occurs between October and March. During this period, you should take the necessary precautions and keep in mind that fog and snowfall are possible.
Rainbow Mountain, on the other hand, is located at a much higher altitude and in a completely open landscape. As a result, cold winds are common throughout the day, with average temperatures of approximately 11–12°C (52–54°F) even on sunny days.
The rainy season also occurs between October and March, and snow, rain, or fog may be present.
Hiking:
The hiking distances are relatively similar on both routes. Considering both the walking time and the time spent enjoying each attraction, approximately two hours are generally needed to complete the visit in either case.
Visitor Numbers:
Both routes receive a significant number of visitors. After Machu Picchu, they are among the most visited attractions in the Cusco region, with Rainbow Mountain generally receiving more visitors than Humantay Lake.
Based on everything we have analyzed, you can now choose the route that best suits your interests. However, if you have the opportunity to visit both destinations, your experience in Cusco will undoubtedly be much more complete.
