Kinsa Cocha Pisac | 3 Stunning Lakes Nestled in the Andes
Nestled high in the Andes Mountains above Pisac village, at an elevation of around 13,125 ft. (over 4,000 m), find three picturesque lakes. These lakes are called Kinsa Cocha, which literally translates from the ancient Quechua language to “three lakes.”
Those who want to appreciate the unique landscape of the Andes and its glistening lakes should take this easy and lovely half-day excursion from Pisac in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
This stunning natural area is located above Pisac near the Paru Paru mountain community. The locals open their doors and special lands to tourists who want to experience and celebrate the tranquility and culture of this region.
In this guide, find out how to visit Kinsa Cocha from Pisac and Cusco, what to expect when visiting the lakes, and more things to do in Pisac and the entire Sacred Valley.
Here’s how to spend a memorable half-day at the three lakes of Pisac, Kinsa Cocha.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Kinsa Cocha Pisac
- Tips on Visiting Kinsa Cocha
- Kinsa Cocha Hike
- More Things to Do in Pisac Sacred Valley
- Half-Day Trip to Kinsa Cocha Pisac
How to Get to Kinsa Cocha Pisac
More travelers will opt to visit Kinsa Cocha while staying in the cute village of Pisac. Since the community is located high in the mountains, the easiest way to reach the three lakes is by taxi. The taxi kind of acts like a tour guide and will wait while you explore the lakes and area on your own terms. There is no really official designated hiking path, the walk around the lake is self-guided
A bonus for sleeping in Pisac for more than one night is that many accommodations in the village will arrange a taxi service. Make sure to clarify how much time, what you want to see, and what the price includes.
The taxi ride from Pisac to Kinsa Cocha entrance takes around 45 minutes and twists through the bumpy mountain roads.
🚕 Pisac to Kinsa Cocha Taxi Logistics | Average Fare: 150 PEN ($40 USD) for roundtrip fare & up to 5 people can share a taxi | For an extra fee, the Taxi will drive to the entrance of the “third lake” | Taxis wait a few hours while you explore, make sure to negotiate!
Cusco to Kinsa Cocha
Alternatively, Cusco and Pisac are connected with frequent collectivos. The ride from Cusco to Pisac is a short 45 ride and passes by the main Cusco Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. These four sites are included as part of the popular Cusco Boleto Touristico. Needless to say, it’s a lovely and scenic ride to Pisac from Cusco.
🚐 Cusco to Pisac Collectivo | Average Fare: 4 PEN ($1 USD) | Duration: 45 minutes | Depart: from Puputi Street, near the Garcilaso Monument | Hours: 6:00 – 19:00
Pisac can easily be added as part of a Cusco itinerary as it’s one of the easiest day trips from Cusco. Try to plan on spending at least one week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to make the most of your time.
Tips on Visiting Kinsa Cocha Pisac
Here’s some tips that may come in handy when planning to visit Kinsa Cocha near Pisac.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kinsa Cocha
The three lakes in Pisac can be visited any time of year, but remember there are two distinct seasons in Peru, rainy and dry. Peru rainy season typically runs from November to April, while dry season is from May to October.
During rainy season, hiking paths may be extremely muddy and landslides can happen, but the landscape is so green that it’s almost otherworldly.
The Peru dry season brings bright blue skies, incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks, but with the dry landscape comes the sun-baked yellow terrain.
What to Pack for the Kinsa Cocha Hike
Since the walk around Kinsa Cocha takes only a few hours, all you will need is a simple day pack. The lowest point in Kinsa Cocha sits at an elevation of over 4,000 m, so it may be best to pack coca leaves or a coca tea to help with altitude sickness. At this altitude, the weather can drastically change.
Be sure to pack long-sleeve-layered clothing to help protect from the sun and uncertain weather conditions.
Other useful things to pack for a day trip to Kinsa Cocha in the Sacred Valley include:
- Lightweight rain jacket
- First-aid kit
- Water bottle
- Good hiking shoes with ankle support
- Hiking Poles if you love them
- Baseball cap, sunscreen, buff (especially during dry season)
- Small bills for entrance fees, taxi, and artisan goods
Depending on the season, you may wish for a warm jacket, mittens, warm hat, etc.
A Note on Dogs
There are alpacas that live and graze in the Kinsa Cocha area. With that comes dogs that act as protectors. Some of the dogs can be aggressive, while others are simply sweet and so loving.
The best way to handle dogs that seem hostile along the hiking trails is to pick up a stone or pretend to grab one. This usually startles them enough to back off. Another tip is to carry hiking poles, which can help keep the more aggressive dogs at bay.
Never turn your back on an aggressive dog.
Kinsa Cocha Hike & Wanderings
The taxi will drop you at the entrance where you pay a fee that helps support the mountain community.
Kinsa Cocha Entrance Fee: 3 PEN (75¢ USD)
Although there is not a direct hiking circuit at Kinsa Cocha, it’s a magical place that offers a few trail options that can be explored leisurely. The entrance is right near the main lake and then follows a few “goat paths.” There are many trails, so there is no wrong way to hike Kinsa Cocha.
Kinsa Cocha Lakes is one of the best hikes in the Sacred Valley. It’s also just a loop, so it makes it great to explore on your own terms.
Those who want to see the third lake and not drive to it should head up the hill towards the right. This offers a great viewpoint of all the lakes. The uphill climbs feel a little “extra” at over 13,000 ft. Check in on an offline map to see where the lake hides behind the mountain.
☛ Remember, most taxis only wait three hours, so plan time accordingly. In total, the average time actually spent at the Kinsa Cocha lakes is about an hour and a half since the taxi ride takes an hour and a half round trip.
Ultimately, you can move back down from the viewpoint and follow the more distinct trail that loops around the main lake. Many alpacas are roaming around which adds to the dramatic surroundings. If you’re lucky, you may spot some children playing with their dogs and keeping an eye on their alpacas near the lake.
This area in the mountains above Pisac is one of the best places to see in the Sacred Valley.
At the end of the self-guided tour of Kinsa Cocha, take a peak at the makeshift stands where a few women sell authentic handicrafts from bracelets, wallets, to belts. This is another great way to support the local community.
More Things to Do in Pisac Sacred Valley
Since Kinsa Cocha only takes a few hours you can still spend the rest of the afternoon in Pisac. This small village is a delight to wander and explore. There are numerous things to do in Pisac that could keep travelers busy for at least two or three days.
The road from Kinsa Cocha to Pisac passes near the back entrance to the stunning hilltop Pisac ruins. This makes a great add-on after spending the morning at the three lakes.
The Pisac ruins consist of two main parts. The back entrance is the top sector, which is always open and accessible. Oftentimes the lower section can be closed due to landslides. However, if the lower sector is open, it’s possible to walk to the bottom from the top sector of the Pisac ruins. The bottom sector conveniently leads to the bustling Plaza de Armas in Pisac.
Again, check to see if the lower sector is indeed open before adding in this cool option.
Either way, the Pisac Archaeological Site is an unmissable Inca ruin in Peru.
Pisac village also boasts a daily artisan market in the Plaza de Armas. A few blocks from the plaza, find a lovely local daily market that serves up hearty plates of food. The best thing to order at the Pisac market is the menu del dia, or menu of the day, for around 5 – 10 Soles (PEN).
Wander the charming streets filled with Inca water canals, stop at the local Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado taproom, or one of the many coffee shops, bakeries, and yummy Pisac Restaurants.
A village like Pisac makes the Sacred Valley worth visiting and it often becomes a highlight of those traveling in Peru.
Half-Day Trip to Kinsa Cocha Pisac
In short, the three lakes of Kinsa Cocha near Pisac are a fantastic half-day trip from Pisac. There are many small paths to walk that let you get a taste of the magic and beauty of the incredible Andes Mountains.
There are many awesome things to do in Pisac, so it’s best to stay a day or two wandering the picturesque streets, exploring the ruins, eating delicious food, and appreciating the incredible mountain scenery.
Make sure to add Pisac and the worthwhile Sacred Valley to your Peru itinerary.
Have you heard of the Kinsa Cocha Lakes in Pisac? Did you visit and hike near Kinsa Cocha? Did you love wandering around the beautiful three alpine lakes in the Andes Mountains? Let me know in the comments below!
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