The Laguna de 4 Trek: A Journey to the Hidden Lakes of the Andes

Overview

• Difficulty: Very hard.
• Duration: A full day, approximately 10-12 hours (including a long drive from Cusco).
• Key Landmarks: Four colorful lakes (Laguna de 4), snow-capped peaks, and the wild landscapes of the Ausangate region.

Preparing for the Trek

• Acclimatization: This trek requires at least 3-4 days of acclimatization in Cusco. It is suitable for experienced hikers only.
• Recommended Gear: A daypack with plenty of water and energy snacks, trekking poles, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm, layered clothing (the weather can be very cold).
• Navigation: The trail is remote and not well-marked. It’s recommended to use a reliable navigation app (like AllTrails or Maps.me) with a pre-downloaded map.

Step-by-Step: The Detailed Route

Step 1: A Long Drive from Cusco

The day begins in the very early morning (around 3:00-4:00 AM) with a long drive from Cusco to the trailhead, usually near the village of Canchancha. The drive is a beautiful part of the experience, offering stunning views of the high-altitude landscape.

Step 2: The Climb to the Summit

The trek itself begins with a long and steep climb. The trail is not easy, and it includes a sustained ascent to an altitude of over 4,900 meters (16,076 feet), which requires a high level of physical fitness and a lot of determination.

Step 3: Arriving at the Hidden Lakes

After several hours of climbing, you will arrive at the summit, where you will be met with a stunning view of four multi-colored lakes. These lakes are a true geological wonder, and their beauty is the ultimate reward for your effort. Take some time to rest, enjoy the view, and take photos.

Step 4: The Descent Back

After your visit to the lakes, you will begin a long descent back to the starting point. The descent, while easier than the climb, still requires care and attention. At the end of the trail, your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Sacred Reveal  Practical Information Tip for the Experienced Hiker

• Location: The trek is located in the high-altitude Ausangate region, about a 3-4 hour drive from Cusco.
• Duration: It is a full-day, challenging hike, approximately 10-12 hours round trip (including travel time).
• Difficulty: The trek is considered very hard due to a long, sustained climb and the extreme altitude of over 4,900 meters (16,076 feet).
  
  • multi-colored lagoons and panoramic views of the Ausangate massif.
  • Admission: The entrance to the Ausangate region requires a small fee, which is typically around 10 soles.

  Tip: The trek to Laguna de 4 is dangerous without proper experience. It is highly recommended to hire a local guide, especially if you have no prior experience with high-altitude trekking above 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). A guide will ensure your safety and enrich your experience with knowledge about the region. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trek, and it is best to do it in the safest way possibl

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  • Huchuy Qosqo Trek: This is the main, high-volume keyword.
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    Best time to hike Huchuy Qosqo: A seasonal, planning-focused query.
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  Key Entities

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  • Places & Geography:
    • Huchuy Qosqo (ruins)
    • Cusco (city)
    • Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado)
    • Lamay (village, common endpoint)
    • Patabamba (village, common starting point)
    • Tauca (village, another starting point)
    • Urubamba (city, nearby)
    • Piuray Lagoon (Laguna de Piuray)
    • Andes Mountains
    • Urubamba Mountain Range
    • Urquillos
  • Historical & Cultural:
    • Inca Empire
    • Quechua (language)
    • Inca Trail (for comparison)
    • Inca stonework
    • Tambo (Inca inn)
    • Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco” in Quechua)
  • Activities & Concepts:
    • Trekking
    • Hiking
    • Guided tour
    • Self-guided trek
    • Acclimatization
    • Altitude sickness (soroche)
    • Overnight trek
    • Day trip
    • Camping
    • Transportation (bus, taxi, colectivo)