Travel Guide to Inkachiriasqa Lake: Elevation, Itinerary, and Tips

Technical and Geographic Information

• Location: Qoyllor Salkantay Conservation Area, Anta / La Convención Province, Cusco.
• Lake Elevation: 4,837 m a.s.l. (15,869 ft)
• Starting Point Elevation (Waywakunka): 4,774 m a.s.l. (15,662 ft)
• Route Difficulty: Level 3 (Moderate). High-mountain terrain with gradual inclines.
• Trek Distance: 3.8 km total (2.36 miles round trip).
• Estimated Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes at an average pace.
• Weather: High-mountain cold. Temperatures are typically low, with constant freezing winds and intense solar radiation during mid-day hours.

Cultural and Ecological Highlights

The journey through the Inkachiriasqa area holds not only high scenic value, but also deep ecological and cultural relevance for local communities:

• Environmental Conservation: The Qoyllor Salkantay Conservation Area protects thousands of hectares of high-Andean grasslands and glaciers that feed the local watersheds.
• Complementary Lakes: Along the trail, hikers encounter Qoyllor Lake (traditionally used for purification rituals) and Concepción Lake (also known as the Fertility Lake), linked to local traditions of abundance.
• Oral Tradition: Geologically, the area features rock formations that local tradition identifies as the Petrified Inca and the Inca Princess, considered symbolic guardians of the valley.

Field Itinerary Reference (Full-Day)

For those planning a single-day visit starting from the city of Cusco, here is the standard breakdown of times and routes:

• Initial Transfer (Cusco - Limatambo): 1 hour and 30 minutes drive by road toward the Limatambo valley for breakfast and initial acclimatization.
• Access to Trailhead: 2 additional hours in ground transport from Limatambo, ascending to the Waywakunka terminal (4,774 m a.s.l.).
• Ascent Hike: Approximately 2 hours of steady uphill hiking along the Andean trail to reach the shore of Inkachiriasqa Lake (4,837 m a.s.l.).
• Time at the Lake: 1 hour to explore the perimeter, view the Salkantay glacier face, and visit the adjacent Concepción Lake.
• Descent Hike and Returns: 2 hours downhill hike back to Waywakunka (with an optional 5-minute side trail to Qoyllor Lake), followed by ground transport back to Limatambo for lunch, and a final transfer back to Cusco city.

Recommended Gear and Clothing

Given the high altitude and variable weather conditions in the Andes, proper gear is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:

Layered Clothing System

• Base layer: Breathable thermal shirt or underwear.
• Mid layer: Fleece, synthetic fiber, or down jacket to retain body heat.
• Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against freezing winds and potential precipitation.

• Footwear: Mountain boots or hiking shoes with non-slip soles and good ankle support.
• Sun and Weather Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen, lip balm, UV-filter sunglasses, a wool hat for the cold, and a wide-brimmed sun hat.
• Trekking Accessories: Small daypack (20L–30L), trekking poles with rubber tips, and a rain poncho.
• Personal Essentials: ID/Passport, personal altitude sickness medication (soroche pills), and local currency in cash (Peruvian Soles) for the community entrance fee (approx. S/ 20.00 per person) or minor purchases along the way.

Safety and Acclimatization Tips

• Acclimatization in Cusco: Because the hike takes place at nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, it is essential to spend at least 48 hours beforehand at intermediate altitudes (such as Cusco city or the Sacred Valley) to adapt your body and prevent acute mountain sickness.
• Hydration and Pacing: Stay hydrated throughout the trek and maintain a steady, step-by-step pace without overexerting your cardiovascular system.
• Leave No Trace: As a protected conservation area and sacred territory for local villagers, visitors must pack out all trash and avoid disturbing native flora or wildlife.