The 7 most beautiful lagoons in Peru
Peru has a diverse geography where incredible natural landscapes can be appreciated. In addition to rivers, mountains, beaches, jungles and deserts; In the Andean country you can see beautiful lagoons. These are found in different regions, such as the coast, the mountains and even the jungle. Every day visitors come there to appreciate its incredible nature and landscape. Find out which are the seven most beautiful in Peru!
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The Huacachina in Ica
Huacachina is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Peru. It is located in the city of Ica, on the southern coast of the country. Her name means ‘The one who cries salt’. It is actually an oasis in the coastal desert produced by the upwelling of underground currents. Since its popularization in 1960, various tourist services have multiplied.
The Huacachina is located just 5 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas of Ica. There, in addition to the various hotel, restaurant and bar services; You can do adventure sports such as hiking, sandbording and tubular rides. The desert landscape with the green water lagoon is one of the most beautiful in Cusco.
- Location: In the city of Ica (5 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas).
- Price of the visit: Free (activities and sports have differentiated costs).
Lagoon 69 in Ancash
Lagoon 69 in the city of Yungay (Ancash region) is part of the Huascarán National Park, which has more than four hundred lagoons. It is one of the most beautiful and, therefore, most visited landscapes in Peru. It has turquoise waters of glacial origin (from the snowy Chacraraju).
Its name is due to the numbering of the many lagoons in the place. It is located at an altitude of 4,604 meters above sea level. To get there you must take a demanding walk of up to 3 hours. The lagoon has a depth of 58 meters. Another highly visited tourist attraction in the area is the Llanganuco lagoon.
- Location: In the high peaks of Yungay (96 kilometers from the city of Huaraz).
- Price of the visit: The tours cost between 30 and 90 soles, depending on the tourism agency you choose.
The Llanganuco lagoon in Ancash
The Yanganuco lagoon is located 25 kilometers to the northeast of the city of Yungay (the route by car takes 45 minutes). It is also part of the many lagoons of the Huascarán National Park. Its turquoise color is formed by the waters that fall from the snow-capped mountains of Pisco, Yanapaccha, Chopicalqui, Huandoy and the immense Huascarán.
From the Llanganuco lagoon you can also appreciate a beautiful Andean landscape. The quenuales forests and the mountain chain of the Callejón de Huaylas stand out. The best way to visit is with a tour. If you go on your own, you must pay separately: the entrance to the Huascarán National Park (30 soles) and the entrance ticket to the Campo Santo de Yungay (5 soles). The visit does not include intense walks (unlike the route to lagoon 69).
- Location: 25 kilometers from the city of Yungay (45 minutes by car).
- Price of the visit: The tours cost between 30 and 70 soles, depending on the tourism agency of your choice.
The Yarinacocha lagoon in Ucayali
The Yarinacocha lagoon in the city of Pucallpa (Ucayali region) offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru. It is in one of the limits of the city, in the district of Yarinacocha. On its banks settlers of the Shipibo-Conibo ethnic group settled. It is also inhabited by native communities, such as: San Francisco, San José and San Juan.
The waters of the lagoon originate from the diversion of the channel of the Ucayali river. It has a striking ‘U’ shape. In the rainy season, both the lagoon and the river connect and feed each other. The scenery (especially at sunset) is amazing. The vegetation around it stands out. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Pucallpa.
- Location: In the district of Yarinacocha in Pucallpa (15 kilometers from the city center).
- Price of the visit: Free.
The Humantay lagoon in Cusco
The Humantay lagoon is the most touristic and beautiful in the Cusco region. It is located in the Mollepata district, about 120 kilometers by car from the city of Cusco. Its turquoise waters are crowned by the high snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay. The lagoon is located at 4,200 meters above sea level. It is visited daily by about 200 tourists.
The Humantay lagoon is part of the ‘Salkantay trek’ hiking route that in 5 days (and more than 70 kilometers on foot) connects with Machu Picchu. Another way to visit it is with a 1 or 2-day tour starting from the city of Cusco. Getting to the lagoon requires a final 3-kilometer hike uphill (1-2 hours on foot). The route is demanding!.
- Location: In the district of Mollepata (120 kilometers from the city of Cusco).
- Price of the visit: The 1-day tours cost between 60 and 150 soles, depending on the tourism agency of your choice.
The lost lagoon of the Inca in Lambayeque
The most beautiful lagoons in Peru are not necessarily found in the Peruvian highlands. In the district of Pátapo, on the north coast of Peru (Lambayeque region) is located the ‘Laguna perdida del Inca’, which receives its name from being part of a section of the famous Inca trail (the qhapac ñan). The lagoon was a resting place for walkers along the arid paths.
The waters of the ‘Laguna perdida del Inca’ have a green coloration due to the existence of sulfur. The place is surrounded by mysterious stone buildings. To get there you must make a trip from the city of Chiclayo to the town of Pátapo (28 kilometers). Once there, take another private transport for a short trip to the Pico Gallinazo ravine. Then start a 13 kilometer trek.
- Location: In the district of Pátapo, 28 kilometers by car from the city of Chiclayo (Lambayeque region).
- Price of the visit: Free.
The Upsacocha lagoon in Apurímac
To the north of the city of Abancay (about 14 kilometers) is the Upsacocha lagoon. This belongs to the Ampay National Sanctuary, an Andean enclosure full of mountains, more lagoons and incredible landscapes. Its name means ‘Large Lagoon’ (it has an area of approximately 5 hectares). It is at 3,750 masl.
The Upsacocha lagoon offers an Andean landscape of intense blue waters surrounded by high mountains. Due to the geography that surrounds it, it resembles a deep crater. During the visit to the Ampay National Sanctuary, you can also visit the Angascocha lagoon. To visit them, you must hike for an average of 8 hours (camping is recommended). The visit can be done with a tour or on your own.
- Location: In the city of Abancay (approximately 14 kilometers away) in the Apurímac region.
- Price of the visit: The entrance costs 11 soles for Peruvians and 30 soles for foreigners.
By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 28, 2023