Huacarpay Lake

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Huacarpay Lake

 An Easy Birding Destination in Cusco, Peru

Located just 30 kilometers south of Cusco, Huacarpay Lake is a hidden gem for birders and nature enthusiasts. This picturesque lake is an easy birding destination in Cusco, Peru, offering a chance to spot a variety of bird species in a beautiful Andean landscape.

The Huacarpay Lagoon is part of a protected natural area, formed by singular and beautiful wetlands, full of wild Tobacco, eucalyptus shrubs growing around the lake are very effective to attract hummingbirds in the area as Giant Hummingbirds, Sparkling Violetear, Green-tailed Trainbearers, and the vegetation and eucalyptus forest for owls, Great Horned Owls and others like Streaked Fronted Thornbird, Yellow-Billed Tit-Tyrant. Making it possible to check around 50 species by day.

Location and Accessibility

Huacarpay Lake is situated in the Cusco Region of Peru, approximately 30 kilometers south of the city of Cusco. The lake is easily accessible by car or bus, and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes.

Birding in Huacarpay Lake

Huacarpay Lake is a birding paradise, with over 100 species of birds recorded in the area. The lake’s shores and surrounding hills offer a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and scrublands, which attract a wide range of bird species.

Some of the bird species that can be spotted in Huacarpay Lake include:

• Bearded Mountaneer
• Many Coloured Rash Tyrant
• Chilean Flamingo
• Rusty Fronted Canastero
• Streak Fronted Thornbird
• Puna Snipe
• Variable Hawk
• Lesser Horned Owl
• Puna Ibis
• Chilean Flamingo

Pre-Incan Ruins: A Bonus for Visitors

One of the unique features of Huacarpay Lake is the presence of pre-Incan ruins that sit alongside the lake and along the slopes. These ancient structures date back to the Killke culture, which predates the Inca Empire. Visitors to the lake can explore these ruins and gain insight into the history and culture of the region.

Surrounded by Archeological Sites

The ruins of Urpicancha were built by the Wari culture, its name could be translated as the “House of the doves”, is structures reveal the Wari’s techniques.

Located on a small plateau with a huge mountain behind to the east of the lagoon Huacarpay in Cusco. There are also a few other archeological sites in the vicinity of the lake such as; Qaranqayniyuj, Choquepucjio, Kunturqaqa, and Piquillacta. [read]

Other Activities in Huacarpay Lake

In addition to birding and exploring the pre-Incan ruins, Huacarpay Lake offers a range of other activities, including:

– Hiking and trekking: The surrounding hills and mountains offer several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
– Picnicking: The lake’s shores offer several picnic areas, where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views.

Tips and Recommendations

– Best time to visit: The best time to visit Huacarpay Lake is during the dry season, from May to October.
– What to bring: Visitors should bring binoculars, a field guide, and comfortable hiking shoes.
– Guided tours: We recommend hiring a local guide who can help you spot the bird species and provide information about the lake’s ecosystem.

Updated Bird List of Huacarpay Lake

Find the Bird List of Huacarpay lagoon via Ebird HERE

How to get to Huacarpay lake from Cusco?

The lake is near Cusco city and easily accessible by public transport, taxis and more effective  booking a tour:

Recommendations on Birding Purpose

Please bear in mind that you will need a pay an extra rate if you request for the transportation service to be waiting for you until you explore the lake, in fact, while birding you should know a few spots where the target species can be seen much often so it will demand to explore the area for at least 3 hours minimum and walking miles from one site to another so a better choice will be to hire an expert local guide and availability of transportation, for better arrangements please check our full day trip to Huacarpay Lake.

Conclusion

Huacarpay Lake is an easy birding destination in Cusco, Peru, offering a chance to spot a variety of bird species in a beautiful Andean landscape. With its easy accessibility, stunning scenery, and diverse birdlife, Huacarpay Lake is a must-visit destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.  [/read]

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