One of the best off-the-beaten-path activities you can do in the Cusco region is the hike around the Kinsa Cocha. About 45 minutes outside of Pisac in the Sacred Valley are the stunning three lakes of Kinsa Cocha. In the Quechua language, Kinsa Cocha literally means “three lakes”. Creative, right? Anyway, the name truly undersells the beauty of this lesser-traversed destination. A winding ride up into the mountains will take you to landscapes that you wouldn’t believe are so close to Cusco. The dramatic scenery around Kinsa Cocha felt like something you would stumble upon in Iceland or Norway. This definitely couldn’t be in Peru, right?
But it is, and it is worth the visit. I went into the adventure with an open-mind, feeling that I had exhausted pretty much everything to do in the Cusco region. I just needed to stretch my legs and would be okay with however whelming the scenery was. Thankfully, the beauty of Peru never ceases to amaze me. The visit to Kinsa Cocha is absolutely worth it if you are in the area. Here’s everything you need to know about this hidden gem of Peru.
Table of Contents
- How To Get To Laguna Kinsa Cocha
- What To Bring To Laguna Kinsa Cocha
- How Difficult Is The Hike Around Laguna Kinsa Cocha?
- More on Peru
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How To Get To Laguna Kinsa Cocha
You won’t find Laguna Kinsa Cocha on many tour agency offerings. It is a lake that most travelers only learn about through word of mouth. The owner of our hostel mentioned it and I managed to wrangle together a group to split the taxi ride. The best place to leave from is Pisac, since it is the closest major tourist hub to the lakes.
Laguna Kinsa Cocha being a hidden gem comes as a double-edged sword. You will have the place to yourself but there is no easy way to get there without shelling out a bit of money. We had a group of six and ended up paying 190 soles, or about $10 each between the six of us. We definitely could have haggled it down, since I’ve heard people paying closer to 150 soles for the trip. However, we had a big group and our driver was cool so we weren’t too bothered. Most drivers will drive you there and back, and wait for you for 3-4 hours while you explore the area before taking you back. With a group, I would say the cost is definitely worth it.
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What To Bring To Laguna Kinsa Cocha
Laguna Kinsa Cocha was significantly colder than I imagined. While the village Pisac sits slightly above 3,000 meters above sea level, Kinsa Cocha sits about 1,000 meters higher in the mountains. It is cold, hard to breathe, and you will be subject to whatever elements Pachamama decides to throw your way. Dress warm and bring enough snacks and water for three hours. I recommend at least a liter of water, especially if you are not acclimatized to the altitude and need to drink a bit more to stay hydrated. There are plenty of rivers and waterfalls to fill up at if you happen to have a filter for your water.
Other than warm clothes, water, and snacks, you don’t really need much for this adventure. Bring a camera because you will want to capture the beauty of this place. You also need to pay a 3 soles entrance fees to the locals at the entrance, who will be selling gloves, hats, and other tourist knickknacks. I can’t imagine they make a whole lot of money since maybe a dozen people visit this place daily.
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How Difficult Is The Hike Around Laguna Kinsa Cocha?
The hardest thing about Laguna Kinsa Cocha will be the altitude, reaching around 4,000 meters above sea level at its highest points. A couple of us struggled lightly with the altitude, but not the terrain or difficulty of the hike itself. The Kinsa Cocha hike does have its fair share of uphill stretches, but for the most part, the trail is a relatively flat one. It alternates between uphill and downhill quite frequently. It is a gentle undulation, though, rather than a frustrating roller coaster of unnecessary ups and downs. The only real obstacles you’ll face on the trail are the piles of alpaca poop.
The terrain around Kinsa Cocha can get muddy and swampy. This is especially true in the rainy season, which is when we went. On the bright side, the scenery was much more lush, and the moodiness of the low-hanging clouds added such an ethereal atmosphere.
If you go at a quick pace, you can finish the loop around the laguna in less than two hours. There is no need to rush, though. There is so much to explore and you will never get tired of the ever-changing landscapes. You will undoubtedly run into plenty of beautiful viewpoints that you’ll want to park your booty at for at least a few minutes. And if you thought that after months and months in Peru that I wouldn’t still stop to gawk at every cute alpaca I see, then you thought wrong.
If you are well-adjusted to the altitude, then this hike can easily be done. Even if you struggle slightly with the altitude, this hike is nowhere near as difficult as something like Rainbow Mountain. If you need a way to stretch your legs after relaxing too hard in Pisac, then Laguna Kinsa Cocha is an excellent choice.
And if you need a place to stay in Pisac, there’s no better place than Wolf Totem Guesthouse.
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This looks like an amazing hike and you got to see the lamas along the way too? They are the cutest! Thanks for sharing and have a good day 😀 Aiva
Wow! Stunning!! Sure does look a lot like Iceland!
This looks like an awesome place to visit! Many years ago, we went to Ecuador, and wanted to check out Peru too, but we just didn’t have time. I remember seeing alpacas in the mountains, it was such a neat experience!
Nice review of Kinsa Cocha—thank you for sharing!
Just a quick note from someone living in Pisac:
I would recommend avoiding Wolf Totem Guesthouse. The owner, Ivan Alexis, has unfortunately developed a reputation within the local expat and traveler community for being difficult to interact with. Concerns have been raised about his anger issues, temper, how he treats guests and neighbors, and his overall disregard for the local community. His dog has also reportedly attacked both people and other dogs – in response his attitude is uncaring with zero responsibility. This isn’t a one off incident but reported but numerous people. You can read about it in the local Facebook groups.
Additionally, multiple travelers have shared on public review sites that he has made racist and aggressive discriminatory remarks, which is deeply misaligned with the welcoming and heart-centered spirit that defines Pisac.
Please travel mindfully and consider supporting guesthouses and businesses that reflect the kindness of this land, give back to the local economy, and respect the people who live here.