Cusco’s Colorful Lakes Holiday

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic

The 4 Lakes tour is perfect for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience! We offer an overnight camping adventure featuring delicious meals and cozy tents in the southern valley of Cusco. The lakes are stunning, vibrant, and each boasts distinct ecosystems not found elsewhere in the Cusco area. You’ll have the opportunity to explore them through biking, kayaking, or canoeing on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Additionally, you can walk across the historic Qeswachaka Inca Bridge and enjoy a short hike to witness the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. These two days are filled with breathtaking natural wonders in the South Valley of Cusco.

Saul M. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Before I became the owner and founder of our travel company, I spent a couple of years working as a porter. Then, over the next four years, I transitioned into being a guide. I've had the privilege of conducting more than 200 Inca Trail treks and exploring other alternative routes throughout the Andes. I've also traveled with groups all over Peru. My passion for the Andes mountains, Incan culture, and my knowledge of local plants has always resonated with tourists, and their appreciation fuels my enthusiasm. Realizing my childhood dream of owning a tour and trekking agency has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to giving back to the communities that surround me, aiming to improve their lives and living conditions by employing locals and supporting various service projects. My experiences as a porter and guide have taught me a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—in tourism and on treks.

Tour highlights

Unique Ecosystems and Scenic Beauty

Explore four stunning lakes, each with its own vibrant colors and distinct ecosystems that are exclusive to the southern valley of Cusco

Engage in a Variety of Outdoor Activities

Such as biking, trekking, kayaking, or canoeing

Route details

Your adventure begins with an early hotel pick up at 4am. We will then drive towards the province of Acomayo to our first lake – Pomacanchi. This lake is known for its variety of native marine life. Next, we bike toward the second lake (20km – flat) – Acopia. This lake is known for its unique bird life such as Flamingos, Andean Ibis, and Puna Teals, among other birds. Take your time bird watching, or just admiring the tranquility of the lake, then your chef will serve you a gourmet lunch at our camp by the lake of Pampamarca.

Later in the afternoon, we will enjoy canoeing and kayaking. Finally, we will go back to camp to enjoy our delicious dinner. So far from any city, you will have a very clear view of the stars. Your guide will teach you about the Inca Constellations and how they still guide agricultural cycles to this day.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

Max Altitude: 4500 m.s.n.m.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

1 night

OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.

OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground. They all are comfortable.

OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal time. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.

OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.

DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.

MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts and the biochemical camping toilet are provided on the trek.

WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREKS?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Our toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Cusco, Provincia del Cusco, Aeropuerto Alejandro Velasco Astete

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

private transportation with hotel pickup and drop off;
professional English speaking lead guide;
assistant guide/mechanic;
mountain bikes;
biking equipment (helmets, biking gloves, etc.);
canoeing and kayaking equipment;
chef;
dining tent and food;
camping equipment;
tents (4 person) but used only by 2;
portable toilet;
First aid kit and Oxygen;
meals as indicated on the itinerary, prepared by our chef.

Extras

flights;
tips;
services not mentioned in this tour.

Group size

From 2 to 8 tourists

Duration

2 days

1 night

It's important to know

Original passport
Good daypack (25 to 30L)
Water 1 to 2 liters of water (Please bring reusable, not disposable bottles)
Comfortable walking shoes
Toilet paper
1 change of clothes for the second day
Clothes appropriate for canoeing and kayaking on the first day
Polar or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings
Jacket
Face moisturizer
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Wool hat evenings or early mornings
Rain jacket – rainy season
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
Rain plastic poncho
Camera and extra batteries (there is no electricity available at camp)
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE
Of course! During the Circuit, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack what you will be needing for the tour only.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER BOOKING?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to change the date of your tour. If you cancel your Circuit, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send the new passport as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. We offer the Cusco City or Sacred Valley Tours that you can book while you are acclimating.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons.

TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many our destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a locally sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.