The Singrenacocha or Sirenacocha lake is located in Cusco, specifically in the District of Ocongate, province of Quispicanchis. It is located at an altitude of 4401 meters above sea level. This lagoon is 3.79 km long and 0.91 km at its widest part. Singrenacocha lake is located in the Vilcanota mountain range near the snow-capped mountain Ausangate. This lagoon was promoted as a tourist only in 2022, a few years ago the only way to visit the Singrenacocha lake was by doing the 4-day hike in the Ausangate trek.
Singrenacocha Lake
Summary
Detailed information about Singrenacocha Lake
- Driving distance from Cusco: (74 Miles / 120 KM)
- Driving time: 3 hours one way and another 3 hours back.
- Entrance price: 5 soles
- Elevation of the beginning of the Trek: 4380 meters / 15400 feet.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Trail: Dirt trail with some little ups and downs.
- Walking distance: 2 km round trip.
- Horse rental: Does not exist.
- Walking time: Walking to the last viewpoint (with some breaks along the way) is approx. 30 minutes. After all, the return to the bus station takes 15 minutes.
- Photo sessions: From time to time, locals appear on the road, walking with an alpaca offering a photo session. In return, they just want a tip.
- Maximum elevation: 4450 meters / 15020 feet.
- Tour duration: 10 hours.
- Elevation difference during the hike: 80 metres/245 feet.
Why is it turquoise?
The coloration of the Singrenacocha lake is very peculiar since it changes color three times a year: turquoise, lead blue and green, turquoise being the one that characterizes the lagoon in the most usual way, that is what makes it attractive. Due to the color of its waters and the size of the Singrenacocha lagoon, some call it the mother of the Humantay lagoon.
The water coming down from the snow-capped mountains also brings with it pulverized minerals and finally they end up swimming in the water, without submerging at the base of the lagoon, in this way, on days when there is bright sun, the turquoise effect can be better appreciated. of its coloring.
How to get to the Singrenacocha lake from Cusco on your own?
From the city of Cusco you can take a local transport. Head towards Av. Tomasa Titto Condemayta and as a reference is, the closed Coliseum Casa de la Juventud, right there will be the vans that cover the Cusco – Ocongate – Tinki route. The ticket is 10 soles. On a paved road trip for approximately three hours. Arriving at the final destination Tinki, prepare to continue towards the route to the Singrenacocha lagoon. This is the last point where you can buy some supplies such as water, sunscreen, repellent and a rain poncho.
You can contract with a taxi driver or a motorcyclist, do not forget to negotiate the price. The next stop is the community of Yanacancha, which is 30 minutes from Tinki. Until that community you go along a paved road, then you turn to the right along a dirt road for about 15 minutes. Already in front of the highway point you can see the Singrenacocha lake, after having walked about 30 minutes you will already see this natural wonder in all its splendor.
How to go to the Singrenacocha Lagoon with a Travel Agency?
In the city of Cusco, you can hire the services of a travel agency that will take you on a tour to the Singrenacocha lake. The cost of a private tour to singrenacocha is between 80 to 120 dollars per person, depending on the number of people in your group.
Flora and fauna
The hike around the Singrenacocha lake is carried out within the natural region called «Puna» by Peruvian geographers. Naturally you will be able to observe the fauna that characterizes these regions with the hundreds of Alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and perhaps pumas and Andean cats. On the other hand, the abundant Ichu (Stipa Ichu) will be around the lagoon, and by the deserts of the Puna with wild herbs, which grow only at ground level, due to the constant winds. Also from time to time some birds such as the huallatas (chloephaga melanoptera) and others will be chirping near the lagoons and sometimes flying over.
Huallatas in the Singrenacocha Lagoon
What is the best time to visit?
It is advisable to visit in the dry season, which runs from April to October, when the Singrenacocha lake shows its waters illuminated by a radiant sun where the turquoise color stands out. However, always keep in mind the recommendations to bring all the accessories recommended by the travel agency. Good luck on your next trip!
Singrenacocha in the afternoon
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