Tired of the routine, of work? Escape and take a look at what Laguna Umayo has to offer, a wonderful place you should visit with your friends, partner, or family. We provide you with complete information about Laguna Umayo.
What does Laguna Umayo mean?
The word Umayo comes from Quechua, meaning "head of the river," and Aymara, meaning "place to drink water."
Location
Lake Umayo is located 35 km northwest of the city of Puno, with the main access point from the San Antonio de Umayo Peasant Community in the district of Atuncolla.
In the Atuncolla region, there are several small lakes, as well as Lake Umayo, which is larger and home to the Sillustani archaeological site. The latter is located on a peninsula in Lake Umayo.
Region: Puno
Province: Puno
District: Atuncolla
Latitude: -15.7354
Longitude: -70.1689
Altitude: 3926 meters above sea level
Description
Feeded primarily by the Chaullamayo River to the southwest and the Ccaccapunco River to the north, it has a maximum depth of approximately 14 meters and is connected to Lake Titicaca via the Illpa River.
The water level fluctuates freely, reaching its lowest values from July to September. The lake's moderating effect prevents temperatures from reaching levels lower than or similar to those at higher altitudes. It is a permanent freshwater lake surrounded by marshlands, pastures, and reed beds that are flooded during the rainy season.
What to see at Lake Umayo?
Fauna
Its fauna includes the Andean frog, fish such as the carachi, mauri, pejerrey, and trout, and birds including a variety of ducks, grebes, herons, gulls, flamingos, the small and large tiulinco, the water dog, the yanavico, coots, and huallatas, among others.
According to current research, more than 20 species of birds can be found, migrating from different places.
Flora
The flora of Lake Umayo is characterized by the presence of ichu grass. The harvesting of totora reeds, llacho, and chara for livestock feed is a constant practice. In its center lies Umayo Island, sometimes called Intimoqo, which covers 125 hectares and has its own native flora and fauna, as well as introduced species such as vicuñas, guanacos, and deer.
Activities
Currently, in the town of Atuncolla, several activities related to experiential tourism are offered, allowing visitors to learn about the way of life of the local people, who have organized themselves by preparing their homes to accommodate tourists.
Animal herding and participation in agricultural activities.
Nature
Birdwatching
Fauna and flora observation.
Planting demonstrations
Tapestry weaving using alpaca and sheep wool.
Llama treks
Boat trips
Studies and research
Photography and filming
On the upper part of the island, on the rocky plain, there are a large number of stone circles known as cists (pre-Incan and Incan underground mausoleums), ranging from 1 to 8 meters in diameter.
Around the lagoon, there are several farming communities and settlements with mining activity, such as La Mina and Los Rosales.
Legend
In the surrounding area, every June 29th, the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, celebrations are held to ensure an abundance of fish, with offering ceremonies to the lagoon.
There are various mysterious stories and legends, such as the one that explains that its water is saltier because it contains the tears of Princess Ururi, who shed them after losing her beloved. Faced with such sorrow, the Sun hid itself, and there were years of drought and famine; until her parents, responsible for the tragedy, begged for the Sun's return, but their tears also reached the lagoon, making it saltier. After the Sun's return, only time and the lessening of human suffering made it less salty, allowing the fish to reproduce.
How to get to Laguna Umayo from Cusco? Access from Cusco:
By train: Taking the train from Cusco to Puno is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in your life, as you'll travel through the Peruvian Andes with spectacular views that end at the edge of Lake Titicaca.
By bus: Interprovincial bus trips between Cusco and Puno are the most common way to travel between the two cities.
For this, it's important to know that the bus companies with the best value for money are Cruz del Sur, Transportes Cromotex, Civa, Transzela, and Turismo Mer.
Transfers are made between the Cusco Bus Terminal and the Puno Bus Terminal, and prices start at approximately S/ 35 per person.
The travel time is 8 to 9 hours, depending on the departure time.
Access from Puno: Take a car from the Plaza de Armas in Puno towards the district of Atuncolla; it will only take 40 minutes.
The route is open all year round and is perfect to visit at any time.
