Laguna Huaypo

Huaypo sits at around 3,500 metres on the flat plateau above the Sacred Valley, between Chinchero and Maras, and the reason to know about it is that it is quiet in an area where nothing else is. The Cusco day-tour circuit runs Chinchero, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo, and passes this lake without stopping. What is there is water, reeds, the Urubamba range visible across it on a clear day, Andean geese, coots, grebes and ibis, and a handful of families who fish it and will take visitors out in small boats. Some kayaking and paddleboarding operators run from Cusco. There is no infrastructure - no visitor centre, no cafe, a few informal food stalls at most - and no reason to go except to sit by water with mountains behind it. Cycling routes from Chinchero pass along the shore. It is at altitude, exposed and cold in the wind.

Highlights

• The lake - open water at 3,500 metres with the Urubamba range beyond.
• The birds - Andean geese, coots, grebes and ibis in the reeds.
• The boats - local fishing families taking visitors out.
• The quiet - passed over by the Sacred Valley tour circuit.

When to go

April to October, the dry season. Mornings are calmest; wind picks up through the day and the lake is exposed. Two hours covers a visit.

Good to know

No facilities of any kind. Nothing to do beyond sitting, walking or getting on the water. Exposed and cold in the wind at 3,500 metres. Boat hire is informal and negotiated.

Nearby

Chinchero and Maras are close; Moray and the Sacred Valley are north.

Key facts