Humantay lake in August

Every so often, you see a travel photo that’s so stunning, so surreal, it stops you in your tracks. That was me the first time I saw a picture of Humantay Lagoon. That impossible shade of turquoise, cradled at the base of a colossal, snow-dusted glacier—it looked like a landscape from another world. Since then, this epic day trip from Cusco has been firmly on my hit list. I’m desperate to make the journey and see that legendary color with my own eyes. It’s an adventure I am craving, but it comes with a crucial question: what is it really like to go in March?

Visiting in March: The End of the Rainy Season

Tackling a high-altitude trek in the Andes requires a bit of planning, and visiting in March puts you right at the tail end of the rainy season. This isn’t a reason to cancel your plans, but it absolutely shapes the entire experience, from the views to the trail itself. The journey typically kicks off before dawn from Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft), heading towards the trek’s starting point near the outpost of Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Understanding the March climate is key to getting the most out of this incredible adventure.

A Vibrant, Moody, and Uncrowded Hike

• The Ultimate Scenery: The biggest draw for me is the landscape. After months of rain, the surrounding mountains are incredibly, vibrantly green. I can’t wait to see the dramatic contrast between this lush scenery, the pristine white of the looming Humantay Glacier, and that famous turquoise water. It’s a combination that promises some truly stunning, wild photography.
• A Quieter Experience: March is still considered the shoulder season, which means you’re likely to encounter fewer people on the trail. This is a massive appeal. The thought of reaching the top and enjoying the magnificent view with a bit more peace and quiet, away from the hoards of peak-season tourists, sounds perfect. I’d love to find a spot to just sit and absorb the magical atmosphere.
• An Ethereal Atmosphere: Let’s not talk about the fact that there might be clouds. I think morning mist and swirling clouds could add a wonderfully moody and ethereal quality to the experience. It would feel less like a polished postcard and more like a raw, authentic Andean adventure.

The Realistic Challenges of a March Visit

• A Weather Gamble: There’s no sugarcoating it: the weather is a gamble. Rain is a very real possibility, and even on a clear day, the trail can be muddy and slippery from previous showers. This is the grittier nature of a rainy season trek. I’d plan on packing a full set of high-quality waterproofs—jacket, trousers, and a cover for my backpack.
• The View Isn’t Guaranteed: The biggest risk, of course, is that after that challenging, high-altitude hike, the spectacular view of the lagoon and glacier could be hidden by clouds. It’s the one thing you can’t control, a risk you take for the potential reward of seeing it in its most dramatic state.
• A Demanding Trek: The hike to Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft) is tough at any time of year due to the steep incline and the punishing altitude. The potentially muddy conditions in March can make it even more of a challenge. I would absolutely make sure I’m well-acclimatized by spending at least two or three days in Cusco first. And I’d have no hesitation in hiring one of the horses offered by locals at the trailhead to help get me up the steepest sections—it’s a great way to support the local community and save energy for the final push.

 The Verdict: Should You Go to Humantay in March?

So, what’s the verdict for this all-out trip? Is it a risk? Absolutely. But is it one I’m willing to take? I think so. For me, the chance to see the Andes at their most lush and vibrant, combined with the promise of fewer crowds, outweighs the risk of a little rain. It feels like an opportunity to have a more unique and personal experience at such an iconic spot.

I know it’s a gamble, but for the chance to see that legendary lagoon in its wild, dramatic, and intensely green setting, I’m all in. It’s an itch I simply have to scratch. I’ll be packing my best waterproof gear, keeping my fingers crossed for a moment of clear sky, and getting ready to be completely blown away. I can’t wait to take on the challenge and earn that incredible view.