Challenging Urubamba Hike to the Stunning Laguna Juchuycocha | Alpine Lake in Peru | CM Maps Routes Manager

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Author: Megan Anderson
Created: August 14, 2020 1:00 pm
Updated: September 6, 2023 5:07 pm

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Route type: Day Trip Hike

Difficulty grade: Adventure Hike

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Distance Instructions

Label

Distance 6 miles
Time 5 h 0 min
Speed 2 mph
Min altitude 10925 ft
Peak 15243 ft
Climb 4810 ft
Descent 492 ft

This is a map and basic overview on how to hike to Laguna Juchuycocha, a pristine alpine lake in Peru that can be reached from the village of Urubamba Peru. This is one of the more challenging Urubamba hikes, since it sits at a staggering elevation of over 15,000 ft. This is one of the best, yet remote hikes in the entire Sacred Valley and boasts incredible views of Chicon Mountain.

The following itinerary makes for a full day adventure hike. It's best to sleep in the authentic village of Urubamba the night before, so as have enough time. Intrepid travelers may wish to camp near this beautiful crystal clear alpine lake with appropriate cold weather gear.

Laguna Juchuycocha (Lake Juchuycocha) is a true off the beaten path experience in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Here's one of the hardest, but best hikes in Urubamba, the stunning Laguna Juchuycocha.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Top Urubamba Hikes the Laguna Juchuycocha Trail

Out & Back Trail

Total Mileage (Round-trip from the San Isidro Gate): 11.5 Miles

One-Way Mileage: 5.75 Miles

Difficulty: Challenging, Tough, & Isolated

Ascent:Over 4,00 feet
- Laguna Juchuycocha sits at almost 15,250 feet!

Duration: At least 9 hours

The official trailhead begins after a gradual 3 mile climb along a gravel road from San Isidro

Trail Marker: No official signage, but the trail is fairly well-trekked and visible, especially the ascent up the mountain.

This trail has little to no shade coverage. Start early in the morning to avoid the intense Andes Mountain sun and to avoid hiking back in the dark.

Basic Packing List for Laguna JuchuycochaDay Hike
- Plenty of Water & Snacks
- Water Filter
- First aid kit
- Good Hiking Boots with Ankle Support
- Hiking Poles if you love them
- Layered clothing, long sleeves is best for sun protection
- Baseball cap, buff, sunscreen, and rain jacket
- Offline Maps like Maps.me, battery pack, chargers, ect
- Camping at this lovely Peru lake? Check out my complete Peru Packing List

Urubamba Hikes | When to Trek to this Steep Peru Lake

The trek to Laguna Juchuycocha could technically be completed any time of the year, but it's best during the dry season. During the dry season, be conscious of your water supply. On the uphill climb, there are no places to fill up water after the dam to Laguna Juchuycocha. This is a steep climb up a high towering mountain, so be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

During rainy season, expect muddy paths. The river paths on the road to the trailhead will be deeper and more intense to ford. Also, be mindful of rock slides and slippy rocks that do make up the trail and highly unpredictable weather.

Plan on the Laguana Juchuycocha be a FULL day hike from Urubamba

This specific itinerary took 11 hours. With a taxi to the trailhead, it took a little over 2 hours to reach the trailhead. After that, it took almost another 3 hours to reach the alpine lake of Juchuycocha. The lake is incredible and it's worthwhile to stay and enjoy it for a few hours. It's even possible to explore farther on the trail, past the main lake to a smaller alpine lake. These small lakes offer breathtaking views of the glacial peaked mountain of Chicón.

Our group spent just shy of 3 hours at the main lake of Laguna Juchuycocha. The path down is faster, but try to flag a Motor (tuk-tuk) upon reaching San Isidro. Of course, it's possible to spend less time at the lake, but it's so serene and the short trail to the second small lake towards the mountain of Chicón is nice.

Make sure to get down the steep hillside and back to the San Isidro gate. The sun goes down fast and the chilly Andes temps onset quickly.

Since this is one of the more strenuous and isolated Urubamba hikes, it's best to hike with at least one person.

Urubamba Hikes | Overview on Laguna Juchuycocha

The trailhead actually begins past Urubamba in the tiny village of San Isidro. This trail finishes at Laguna Juchuycocha.

First, take a taxi from Urubamba, past San Isidro and to the trailhead gate. For logistics and time reasons, it's best and almost necessary to take a taxi to the trailhead gate.

Taxi | Fair Cost from Urubamba 20 PEN ($5.25 USD) | 20 minutes

Gate to Trailhead

The green gate will be locked for car passage, but walk on either side of it. Follow along on the gravel road for around 3 miles. This gravel road has a gradual incline. Even during the dry season, there are places where it is necessary to cross and ford small river sections. Continue along the gravel road.

Next, look for the large dam. The official trailhead is 500 feet behind the dam. This is the last place to stock-up on water before the ascent up Laguna Juchuycocha.

There is a small footpath that follows along the left side of the dam; however, it requires climbing onto the dam and coming down over the other-side. The safest trail option is to follow the gravel road past the dam and continue across the meadow to reach the trailhead. Always use your best judgement.

This begins the uphill climb to the alpine lake of Juchuycocha.

Trailhead to Laguna Juchuycocha

Next, start the on the trailhead. This is an intense uphill climb. Along the path catch glimpses of incredible Chicón and the beautiful glacier. The path itself is beautiful and winds along the mountainside and there are plenty of places to take a break and savor the views.

Reach Laguna Juchuycocha after about 3 hours from the trailhead. Spend a some time here or opt to camp here. This truly is a stunning lake in Peru. If interested, explore the next alpine lake by taking the short trail.

⁉️ Be mindful that after the second lake is the trail to Chicon Mountain with its stunning glacier and is quite technical. This trail should be explored with an official mountaineering guide. In Cusco, the most reliable and trusted mountaineering companies include: Sky High Andes and Acense Sur.

Finally, return to San Isidro on the same trail. It moves quite fast on the way down. Plan on 2.5 hours to come down from the lake and reach the San Isidro Gate. If you walk through San Isidro community, it should be fairly easy to wave down a tuk-tuk to reach Urubamba village.

You've just completed one of the toughest Urubamba hikes!

Urubamba Hikes | More on Laguna Juchuycocha

Interested in tackling this incredible hidden gem hike while visiting Peru's Sacred Valley? Get all the details about one of the best Urubamba hikes Laguna Juchuycocha. Find more details on how to reach the trailhead, tips and tricks, and some serious photo inspiration. Follow along with this detailed blog post:

Laguna Juchuycocha: A Hidden Alpine Lake in the Sacred Valley