When to Visit Humantay Lake for the Best Photos and Fewer Tourists
If you’re interested in scenic photography while visiting Peru, you should know that good timing and preparation are key to getting quality shots. This is especially true with popular spots like Humantay Lake. When it comes to Humantay Lake photography, planning around lighting, crowds, and weather will make a noticeable difference in your photos.
Best Time of Day for Photos
Early morning is the best time to visit Humantay Lake if your goal is to take well-lit and crowd-free photos. The light at sunrise is soft and evenly spread, which helps you avoid harsh shadows and overexposure. Also, the water in the lake is usually calmer early in the day, giving you a cleaner reflection of the surrounding peaks.
If you want to capture those clear shots, aim to reach the lake by 7:00 a.m. This may mean booking a private or small group tour that departs from Cusco before 3:00 a.m. The standard day tours usually arrive later, around 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., when most of the crowd shows up.
Weekday vs. Weekend Visits
Tourist traffic at Humantay Lake is much higher on weekends, especially during peak travel seasons like June through August. If your schedule allows it, visit on a weekday to avoid the rush. Tuesday through Thursday tend to be the quietest days. This not only gives you more space to shoot but also makes it easier to move around without waiting for others to clear the frame.
If you’re traveling during Peru’s dry season (May to September), weekdays will still be busy but far less crowded than weekends. Rainy season visits (October to April) can offer fewer people, but you’ll need to plan for overcast skies and the possibility of fog, which may affect visibility.
Camera Settings and Gear Tips
Bring a camera with manual settings if possible. For still water shots and sharp mountain edges, set your aperture to f/8 or higher. Use a low ISO (100–200) to reduce noise in daylight. If you’re photographing during early morning, you may need a small tripod to keep your camera steady in low light.
Also, consider using a polarizing filter. It helps cut glare off the water and makes the colors stand out more clearly. A lightweight drone can also be useful, but you should check current rules about flying in the area.
Dress for the weather and pack a rain cover for your gear, especially during the wet season. Temperatures at the lake are often cold, even in the dry season, and the wind can be strong near the water.
Plan Around Your Goals for a Better Visit
Getting high-quality shots at Humantay Lake doesn’t just depend on your camera—it’s about how you plan your visit. Arriving early, choosing a weekday, and being ready for mountain conditions all work together to improve your photography results. If you’re combining this with other activities in the area, you might want to look into options like the full-day Humantay Lake Tour or extend your trip with something more active such as the Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek. Rainbow Mountain Expeditions is one of the best Rainbow Mountain tour companies in the area to help you out!
Reach out today to learn more.
