- TYPE TRIP
- Hiking/Trekking
- DIFFICULTY
- Easy
- DISTANCE:
- 2 km/1.242 miles
singrenacocha Lake - 1 day
Singrenacocha Lake Day Hike is a hundred and eighteen kilometers away from Cusco City. It is one of the most beautiful lagoons around the Ausangate area. This lagoon is surrounded by unparalleled landscapes and mountains. This lagoon is not well known and visited yet, which makes it more special. Of course, you will see llamas, Alpacas, and farmers still wearing their typical costumes around the lagoon.
- ITINERARY
- INCLUSION
- WHAT TO PACK
- USEFUL INFO
SINGRENACOCHA LAKE DAY TRIP ITINERARY
Cusco – Ocongate – Singrenacocha – Cusco
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 AM and begin our journey with a two-hour drive to the town of Ocongate, where we will stop briefly to stretch our legs and enjoy the surrounding scenery. From there, we will continue driving for approximately 30 minutes to Yanacancha.
At this point, the road becomes dusty and uneven, and it will take us an additional 20 minutes to reach the trailhead. Along the way, we will pass through several traditional Andean villages, and as we approach the final portion of the road, it is common to see llamas, alpacas, and local herders tending their flocks in the highland pastures.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, we will serve a nutritious boxed breakfast to help you fuel up for the day’s adventure. After breakfast, we will begin a short 10-minute walk to a scenic viewpoint overlooking a beautiful lake, where you can observe llamas, alpacas, and sheep roaming freely in their natural habitat.
From the viewpoint, we will descend to Singrenacha Lake, where you will have the opportunity to touch the water and receive an explanation about the colors and cultural significance of the surrounding mountains. We will also visit a nearby area where trout farming is practiced.
After exploring the lake and taking a walk around its perimeter, we will return to our vehicle and drive to the village of Pampacancha. Here, we will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, and there will be an optional visit to the local hot springs, where you may relax and bathe if you wish.
Following our visit to Pampacancha, we will board the vehicle once more and begin the return journey to Cusco, where we expect to arrive at approximately 5:00 PM.
INCLUSIONS
Included
- Experienced Tour Guide: Our guides bring over five years of expertise, specializing in the unique landscape of the Singrenacocha Lake area. Their extensive knowledge ensures that every aspect of the journey is carefully planned, providing travelers with a deeply enriching experience. Driven by their passion for the region, they are dedicated to sharing the beauty and history of this breathtaking destination.
- First Aid Kit: Our guides are always equipped with a comprehensive first aid kit to address any potential emergencies that may arise during the trip. This includes treatments for altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, and other minor ailments, ensuring prompt and appropriate care for all participants.
- Oxygen Tank: Given that the trek to Singrenacocha Lake reaches an altitude of approximately 4,467 meters, where the air is thinner and breathing may become difficult, our guides carry a metal oxygen tank at all times. This precaution ensures the safety and comfort of our visitors, providing immediate assistance if needed.
- Breakfast: Upon arrival at the trailhead, we provide a nutritious boxed breakfast designed to energize you for the trek ahead.
- Lunch: After your visit to Singrenacocha Lake, a complimentary lunch will be provided. This meal is thoughtfully prepared to offer a balanced selection of fresh and nourishing items, allowing you to recharge and enjoy a satisfying break after your adventure.
- Snacks for the Trek: For your convenience during the hike, we also provide complimentary snacks.
- Private Transportation: Our vans are brand new, fully authorized for tourist use, and equipped with essential safety features, including a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.
- Walking Sticks: To enhance your hiking experience at Singrenacocha Lake, we provide complimentary walking sticks, offering additional support and stability on the trails.
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: We will arrange your transportation by picking you up from your hotel reception for the Singrenacocha tour. Following the excursion, you will be comfortably returned to your hotel.
- Briefing via WhatsApp: One day prior to your trip, a member of our office team will contact you via WhatsApp to provide detailed information and answer any questions you may have.
- Blanket: As our departure from Cusco is scheduled for 3 a.m., when temperatures can be quite cold, we will provide a blanket to ensure your comfort and warmth during the journey.
- 24/7 Customer Service: We offer a dedicated telephone line available 24 hours a day to facilitate seamless communication with the AB Expeditions team.
- Half a Liter of Water: To ensure you remain hydrated throughout the trek, we provide a half-liter bottle of water for your convenience.
- Entrance Fees to Singrenacocha Lake: Our guide will handle the payment of the entrance fee at the trailhead on your behalf.Not Included.
Not Included
- Expression of gratitude for our staff: This is entirely optional.
WHAT TO BRING FOR SINGRENACOCHA LAKE
- Passport (Optional): A photocopy is sufficient; carrying the original is not mandatory.
- 2 Liters of Water: Staying hydrated is essential. You may carry 1 liter with you during the hike and leave the other in the van for later.
- Personal Snacks: While we provide snacks, if you tend to eat frequently—such as every few minutes—we recommend bringing extra items, such as energy bars.
- Pillow for the Van Ride: You may leave your pillow in the van during the hike.
- Trekking Shoes: Strongly recommended, as the trail at Singrenacocha is dusty, grassy, and may include slippery sections.
- Waterproof Pants (Optional): Useful during the rainy season (December to March).
- Extra Clothes (Optional): Recommended for the rainy season, in case you get wet and need to change.
- Lip Balm with Sunscreen: The air near Singrenacocha Lake is dry; protect your lips from sunburn.
- Down Jacket: Temperatures at the lake are typically cold, so a warm coat is advisable.
- Rain Jacket: Recommended year-round due to unpredictable weather conditions influenced by climate change.
- Long-Sleeve T-Shirt: Provides sun protection. If wearing short sleeves, ensure you apply sunscreen to exposed skin.
- Wool Hat: Essential for warmth, as temperatures can drop quickly, especially when the sky is overcast.
- Trekking Pants: Preferred for the hike; however, other durable and comfortable hiking pants are acceptable.
- Rain Poncho: Crucial during the rainy season. Even in the dry season, bring one if the weather forecast indicates rain or cloudy conditions.
- Sunhat with Wide Brim: Necessary for sun protection at high altitudes (over 4,000 meters).
- Sunscreen: At Singrenacocha Lake, both sun and cold can damage your skin—be sure to use sunscreen.
- Reusable Water Bottle or CamelBak: Environmentally friendly and practical for staying hydrated.
- Sunglasses: Important for protecting your eyes from strong sunlight and snow glare, particularly at altitudes over 5,000 meters.
- Extra Money: Bring small cash for purchasing snacks or drinks from local vendors along the route.
- Thick Socks: To keep your feet warm in cold temperatures.
- Neck Gaiter or Buff: Provides warmth for your neck and face, especially useful during the colder months.
- Gloves: Help keep your hands warm during windy or cold days, particularly when handling trekking poles or taking photographs.
- Basic Medications: Include essentials such as ibuprofen for headaches and Diamox for altitude sickness.
- Portable Charger: Cold weather drains phone batteries quickly; a portable charger is recommended.
- Phone or Camera: Don’t forget to bring a device to capture memorable moments from your hike.
IMPORTANT INFO
- Don’t go to the Singrenacocha Lake in the afternoon in the rainy season because of lighting. Since the high concentration of mineral. There is a high chance to get stricken by lighting.
- It is recommended for all ages and all genres, It is also a great option for those travelling with their kids.
- It is better to visit Machu Picchu and Cusco first, giving you time to adjust to the mountain air.
- If you’re short on time and want to tick-off impressive landscapes in a hurry without committing to much hiking, then Singrenacocha is a very interesting option as a day trip.
Singrenacocha 1 day trek map
Below, you will find two maps detailing our one-day trip to Singrenacocha Lake. The map on the right side provides a general overview of the entire journey, beginning in Cusco and returning to Cusco by the end of the day. This map outlines the complete travel route and indicates the various towns and landmarks we will pass through along the way, offering a comprehensive perspective of the excursion. On the left side, there is a more specific map that focuses on the actual hiking portion of the trip. This is an elevation profile map that illustrates the changes in altitude throughout the hike, including the elevation gain and loss, as well as the total distance covered and the estimated time required for the hike. Together, these maps are intended to give participants a clear and thorough understanding of both the logistical and physical aspects of the journey.
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My name is Abel, and I am the co-founder of AB Expeditions, a local travel company based in Cusco. I was born in Chinchero, in the community of Chusso. My journey began working as a farmer, then later as a porter on the Inca Trail. After that, I studied to become a tour guide, learned English, and spent 20 years guiding different treks around the Cusco region.
Over the years, I began writing blogs about the treks I’ve done and sharing useful tips about traveling in Cusco. Eventually, I founded AB Expeditions to offer authentic travel experiences with a strong commitment to supporting local communities and creating unforgettable adventures for our guests.