In the heart of the Cusco Andes rise two snow-covered giants: Humantay and Salkantay. They are not just mountains. For the Andean world, they are apus or Guardians living spirits that protect, guide, and teach those who venerate and respect them. Their names in Quechua not only describe their shapes, but also their energies and roles in the lives of the people.
What does Humantay mean?
The name Humantay comes from the Quechua language and can be interpreted as “the one who protects calmly” or “head of the gods.” It is said to be the youngest and most serene in the area. Its energy can be felt the moment you reach the lake that bears its name- a turquoise mirror embraced by mountains, clouds, and silence.
The lake at its base, fed by the mountain’s glacial melt, has been a place of spiritual offerings since ancient times. Local communities hike up carrying coca leaves, stones, and prayers to pay respect to the apu Humantay, asking for protection, health, and harmony.
And what does Salkantay mean?
Salkantay comes from Sallqa Antay, which can be translated as “the wild one who causes turmoil.” It is one of the most revered and feared apus in southern Peru. Powerful, untamed, tall, and snowcapped, Salkantay is the elder brother of Humantay. His strength is expressed in the changing weather, the storms he brings, and the overwhelming energy felt in his presence.
To Andean peoples, Salkantay was the protector of high-altitude ecosystems and also a channel of communication with the gods. From his summit, the Incas believed they could get closer to the sun, the stars, and their ancestors.
Their importance to our Inca ancestors
The Incas did not see mountains as mere geographical features. To them, each apu was a living god, a conscious being with power over water, crops, health, and destiny. Both Humantay and Salkantay were considered guardians of the Qhapaq Ñan, the Great Inca Trail- a network of more than 30,000 kilometers that connected the vast Tahuantinsuyo empire.
It is known that Salkantay was part of the sacred routes toward Machu Picchu and other citadels. Some sections of the trail pass along its flanks, and pilgrims would offer tributes when crossing its domain. Respect was the law: speak softly, walk humbly, and pause to give thanks. This was no ordinary walk—it was a rite of passage.
Humantay, though more discreet, was also part of these mystical routes. From its glaciers came pure water used in ceremonies, and its lake served as a place for rest and spiritual purification.
How to visit them today
Nowadays, visiting these mountains is still a transformative act. To reach Humantay Lake, travelers depart from Cusco to Mollepata, then Soraypampa, and from there, hike about 2 km uphill to the lake.
Most travelers reach Salkantay by hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a five-day journey that crosses valleys, snowfields, and jungle. This route sees fewer crowds than the classic Inca Trail, but it offers the same ancient energy and power.
Travelers can access both destinations through agencies or on their own, but most experts recommend going with a guide—for safety and to honor the Andean worldview.
Their role in the ecosystem
These mountains are the hydrological and ecological hearts of the region. The glaciers of Humantay and Salkantay feed rivers that irrigate farmland, fill lagoons, and sustain hundreds of species. Their altitude and geography create unique microclimates where endemic plants and animals thrive.
Moreover, they act as local climate regulators and natural reservoirs. Though glacial melt is a natural process, it is now accelerating due to climate change. Losing them would be not only an environmental tragedy, but a cultural one as well.
And for the communities nearby…
The communities living at the feet of these apus exist in symbiosis with them. They see them as guardian parents to be respected and honored. Every year in August, they perform Pago a la Tierra—a ritual of gratitude for the harvests and a plea for protection. They offer food, chicha, flowers, and prayers in Quechua. It is a living, ancestral, and profound ceremony.
The people don’t need scientific proof to know the apus care for them. All it takes is a glance at the sky, the scent of wet earth, the whisper of the wind—to feel that Humantay and Salkantay are alive and watchful.
Mountains with soul
Now you know the meaning and origin of these names:
They are mountains with history, with voice, with soul.
They are the spirits of the Andes, still teaching us how to live with gratitude and balance.
As the Quechua elders say:
“Ama hina rimaychu, apu Salkantay kachkan.”
Do not speak in vain, for the apu Salkantay is present.
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