Cusco can pride in having wetland of magnificent natural beauty! The Sucre-Huacarpay Wetland is situated 30 km south-east of the Cusco City near the archaeological complex – Pikillacta, a citadel of the Wari culture.
The Lucre-Huacarpay Wetland was declared a Ramsar site in 2006 (The Convention on Wetlands signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, which defines wetlands).
The wetland covers a zone of 1979 hectares. It consists of 5 permanent lagoons (Lucre, Waton, Huáscar, Pumaorco and Choquepujio), 1 seasonal lagoon (Huacarpay), 2 swamps (Una and Pisqonniyoc) and 2 rivers (Lucre and Huatanay).
This natural system is a refuge and a source of food for around 108 bird species during most of the year. Some of the birds are endemic and others belong among endangered! Also, there is a variety of arthropods, mammals and fish.
4 Days / 3 Nights
2 Persons
Medium
All year round
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.
Early morning 05:00 am we pick you up from your hotel and take you to Huacarpay Lake, it takes half an hour by car. After arriving to the lake we look for the 2 endemic birds that inhabit around this lake the Rusty Fronted Canastero and the Bearded Mountaineer also we have the chance to see Streak fronted Thornbird, wetland birds like Plumbeous Rail, yellow billed Pintail, Ruddy Duck , White tufted Grebe , Many colored Rush Tyrant and many of the 70 species of birds that uses this area including some migratory birds. Around midday we comeback to Cusco and leave you in your hotel.
Reservations:
We recommend making your reservations as far in advance as possible, especially during high season and holidays. Reservations are confirmed exclusively through Qori Alba Travel’s official channels.
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Changes and Cancellation Policy:
Rescheduling of tours is possible, as long as they are requested well in advance, except for Machu Picchu tours, which have specific policies.
Failure of the passenger to show up at the indicated place and time will result in the total loss of the service, with no right to reimbursement.
Cancellations or withdrawals of contracted services are not refundable.
Qori alba travel reserves the right to modify or change these policies.
