Beautiful Huaypo Lagoon is only one hour and half far from Cusco, an excellent option to visit while acclimating to the altitude. If you have arrived in Cusco and are planning to stay some days in the city, you are more than welcome to go to Huaypo Lagoon. But, where is it exactly? Join us on this exciting visit to this beautiful crystal-clear Lagoon!
Location:
Beautiful Huaypo Lagoon is located in the provinces of Urubamba and Anta.
Area:
Huaypo Lagoon covers an area of 1.5 km by 800 meters in length.
Climate:
Climate in Huaypo Lagoon varies during two seasons, rainy season (from November to March) and dry season (from April to October). Rains are heavy and sometimes there are hailstones, too. During the dry season, there is no rain and early mornings and nights are very cold. In the morning, you will enjoy sunny days and a clear blue sky.
Temperature:
Average temperature in Huaypo – Cusco varies from 13ºC (55.4ºF) to 15ºC (59ºF).
During the day, the temperature can get to 23ºC. (73.4ºF) while at night it can drop to 2ºC. (35.6ºF) or even fewer, depending on the time of the year.
Best Season:
The best season to visit Huaypo Lagoon is during the dry season, from April to October. Coming during this season means making the most of the experience since the weather is perfect and being part of some festivities that take place in Cusco such as:, Jubilee Month of Festivities in Cusco
- Inti Raymi
- Corpus Christi
- Sir Qoyllorit’i pilgrimage
- Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo Festivity
- Velacuy Cross
- Virgen Asunta Festivity
- Among others
Legend of the Beautiful Huaypo Lagoon:
Locals of both provinces of Cusco usually tell different stories about the origin of the Beautiful Huaypo Lagoon. We have the following two more popular legends:
According to the first legend, the sun god asked Manco Capac that his twin children accompany him in his decline. When they went to look for them, they discovered that the son had become the Huaypo lagoon and the daughter turned into the Piuray lagoon.
Second Legend:
The second legend tells the story of an old man who came to the area looking for food. Since the people were celebrating a party, no one paid attention to the old man, instead they isolated him, denying his request for sharing something to eat. This old man kept looking for a kind-hearted one. Finally, he found a woman who not only fed him, but also gave shelter. As a gesture of gratitude, the old man told the woman and her child to leave the town as soon as possible and never turn back.
Both, the woman and her child listened to the order and left the area. However, as they were leaving, the woman glanced and saw that the people vanished; and immediately, she turned into a stone watching Huaypo lagoon.
Nowadays, you can see a rock who locals might say represents the woman of the legend.
What can you do in Huaypo lagoon?
- Huaypo lagoon is a perfect place to camp and enjoy a starry night.
- You can swim in its crystal-clear waters.
- There are some sports you can practice like kayaking or paddle in the lagoon.
- Its crystal-clear water is home to a great variety of fishes and is home to migratory birds from September to December.
- It is an excellent place to go fishing
How to get there?
First Option: By interprovincial bus
To take the interprovincial bus to Huaypo lagoon, you have to go to Plazoleta Santiago, Cusco. There you have to take the bus that goes to Izcuchaca-Anta. The cost of the bus ticket varies from 3 to 5 Nuevos Soles ($1- $2) per person.
Once you get to the last bus station, you have to take another bus that goes to Condor Cocha village. This bus will take you to the Huaypo lagoon.
This is the cheapest option.
Second Option: Private Transportation
If you want to take a private transportation, there is no need to go to a specific place. Any taxi can take you there. However, the price may vary according to the distance. Fortunately, there is also a cheaper and faster option. You just need to go to Plazoleta de Santiago and take the “colectivo” (kind of private taxi) that takes you to the Lagoon. The cost of this is S/. 4.00 nuevos soles per person, a very cheap option, too.
It normally takes 30 minutes to get to the lagoon if you start the journey from Plazoleta de Santiago.
Inkayni Tips:
- Bring your personal documents
- It’s important to keep hydrated
- Wear a hat and sunscreen to prevent sun damage.
- Pack light clothes for hiking
- For cold night, bring warm clothes
- Take some cash (preferably local currency for additional expenses)
- Don’t forget to bring your camera
- Follow the guide’s instructions
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