Birding Huacarpay Lake

The term “Huacarpay” derives from the Quechua language “Waqar” which means White Heron (Ardea alba), in this lake there are mainly this type of birds, in addition to other 107 species of birds among local, occasional and migratory.

Location and Distance:

The Huacarpay Lagoon is located 30 km southeast of the Cusco Valley, at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level, in Lucre district, one of the twelve districts of the Quispicanchi Province – just follow the road Cusco to Puno.

What to see in Huacarpay lake?

Huacarpay lake is made up of 4 permanent lagoons, 1 seasonal lagoon, 3 swamps and the Lucre River, which is the main river that feeds this lagoon.
At the lagoon you can see a great variety of birds (in total 108 species) among local, migratory and occasional birds, highlighting the presence of endemic birds of Peru, such as the Montañez Barbudo (Oreonympha nobilis), Canastero Frentirojo (Asthenes ottonis) and the Monterita de Pecho Castaño (Poospiza caesar).
The lagoon is also a habitat for reptiles, mammals, wild fish such as the “Chiñi Challwa“.
The lagoon is also a habitat for wild flora, such as the high-andean vegetation from the lakes [algarrobos and various species of cactus, predominantly the totoras (Typha angustifolia)].
At the top of this lagoon is the pre-Inca city known as Pikillaqta and the Rumiqolca quarry, both archaeological sites belonged to the Wari culture.
How long does it take to get in there?
By either public or private transportation, getting there takes about 30 to 45 minutes.