Huayllarcocha Lagoon
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by James Bustamante
Huayllarcocha Lagoon is a small, serene body of water just thirty minutes from Cusco, Peru. The beautiful landscape draws many locals and international travelers to the lagoon’s shores for camping, fishing, and bird watching. It is a customary stop when visiting Morada de los Dioses and vice versa. Let’s go over some of the most exciting features of this highland Lagoon.
How To Get To Huayllarcocha Lagoon
Huayllarcocha Lagoon is about 6 miles (10 km) from Cusco’s center, close to other attractions like Morada de los Dioses. It is located in a more rural area, surrounded by impressive rolling hills and agricultural land. The ride can take 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Along the way, pass by the city center, Sacsayhuaman, and other interesting local sights.
What To Do At Huayllarcocha Lagoon
Huayllarcocah Lagoon is mostly a place where you can come to appreciate the beauty of nature at a picturesque Andean landscape. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. If you’re looking for a peaceful setting away from the more touristy areas of Cusco, then this is the place. Many locals also come to the lagoon and its surroundings for outdoor activities. Below are a few of the activities that occur right by the waters of Huayllarcocha.
Birdwatching and Nature:
The area around the lagoon is also a great place to practice birdwatching. You’ll find a few species that live in this part of the Peruvian highlands. Some birds you might get a glimpse of are the following species:
Andean Goose: A large, mostly white goose with black wings and yellow legs, often seen near high-altitude lakes and wetlands in the Andes.
Puna Ibis: A wading bird with a curved bill, dark plumage, and a distinctive greenish sheen. These birds are commonly found in wetland areas in the highlands of South America.
Andean Lapwing: A striking bird with a black chest, white face, and a distinct red eye ring. They are often seen foraging in open fields and grassy areas near water.
Yellow-billed Teal: A small duck with a yellow bill and grayish-brown plumage, often found in Andean wetlands and lagoons.
Giant Coot: A bird with a dark gray body, red legs, and a yellow bill. Giant Coots can be spotted in Andean lakes and wetlands.
Andean Gull: A medium-sized gull with a white body, gray wings, and a black head in the breeding season. These birds are commonly seen near water bodies in the high Andes.
Bare-faced Ground-Dove: A small, ground-dwelling dove with a distinctive bare, reddish face and a pale, grayish body.
Cinereous Harrier: A medium-sized raptor with a distinctive gray and white pattern and a long tail, often seen flying low over open fields near wetlands.
Andean Flicker: A large woodpecker with a brown and white barred body, a black cap, and a white face. Andean Flickers are often seen in open grasslands and rocky areas in the Peruvian highlands.
Mountain Caracara: A striking bird of prey with black and white plumage and a red face. This species is commonly seen soaring above open areas in the Andes.
Fishing and Local Activities
Huayllarcocha Lagoon is also an excellent place to go fishing. Locals, particularly on the weekends, will set out on the lagoon to see what they can catch. Residents of the local community can also see livestock herding near the lake. Travelers have a good chance of interacting with some of the locals and seeing Alpacas, Llamas, and Guanacos up close.
Cultural Significance of Huayllarcocha Lagoon
Huayllarcocha Lagoon may not boast the historical or archaeological prominence of other sites like Sacsayhuaman, Machu Picchu, or the Maras salt ponds. Still, it profoundly embodies the Andean people’s deep connection with nature.
The serene waters of the highland lagoon, nestled within the tranquil landscape, serve as a living testament to the harmonious relationship between the land and the local communities, reflecting a way of life that has thrived in balance with the natural world for generations. It is an authentic part of the local culture, making it a perfect destination for any Peru tour package.
What Activities To Do…?
As previously mentioned, the lagoon offers activities for travelers who like the outdoors and want to spend time in nature.For example, visitors often go to the lagoon to relax, picnic, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Fishing and birdwatching are the top activities in this particular destination.
Photography is also popular at the lagoon. The beautiful landscape and serene waters offer excellent opportunities to capture the surroundings and unique local flora and fauna.
Lastly, I suggest walking and exploring the area around the body of water. Take a leisurely walk, meet some of the locals, and enjoy the Andean scenery.
Nearby Attractions
Due to its proximity to attractions like Morada de los Dioses, Huayllarcocha Lagoon can easily be included in a day trip from Cusco, especially for those looking to explore the region’s natural beauty.
The lagoon is also relatively close to Incan structures like Sacsayhuaman, so you can visit that landmark on your way to the lagoon or during the return leg of the trip.
What To Pack to Visit The Lagoon?
As with Cusco and other nearby locations, you’ll need to check the time of year to curate your packing list. In general, whenever you visit the highlands of Peru, you’ll need to dress in layers. Below is a quick list of items you should bring along for the trip.
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Trekking style pants
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm or chapstick
- Hat or cap
- Rain poncho (depends on the season)
- Walking stick
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Jacket in case it gets cold
- Comfortable shoes (there is usually plenty of walking)
Conclusion
Huayllarcocha Lagoon is just 30 to 40 minutes away from Cusco. This highland body of water offers a more tranquil and authentic experience of the Andean countryside, perfect for a peaceful day focusing on the region’s natural beauty. You won’t find many Inca sites nearby (Except Sacsayhuaman, which is 20 minutes away), but you will find a great place to walk around, explore, go birdwatching, fishing, or have an Andean picnic.
Contact our expert travel advisors today for more information on Peru, Argentina, Chile, or the Galapagos Islands destinations.
