This jewel of nature, which boasts waters of unique hues, is surrounded by a great cultural and spiritual history. The tourist attraction, similar to the Mexican cenotes, stands out for its connection with the pre-Hispanic past and the biodiversity of the region
The Chapalla cenote is a beautiful natural area that has left more than one person amazed. Find out HERE where it is.
Location
In the town center of Carampa, district of Alcamenca, province of Víctor Fajardo, in Ayacucho, there is a majestic natural treasure: the Chapalla cenote. At first impression, this natural area resembles a hidden crater in arid lands.
Description
With a diameter of 50 meters, the cenote is located 3,200 meters above sea level. It limits to the north with the Pampas River; to the east with the Parahuana Huaycco ravine, until reaching Ampo Orcco; to the south with the Toma mountain range, Ccatun Pampa hill, Taulli hill and the Quebrada de Patara, which flows into the Caracha river; and to the west with the Caracha River, until its confluence with the Pampas River in Collobamba.
This natural phenomenon has the shape of a well, similar to Mexican cenotes, which inspired its name. According to TV Perú, “it is the only Peruvian cenote hidden in Ayacucho.” What really fascinates locals is not only its structure, but the range of colors of its crystalline waters and the peace that the place offers, a haven in the middle of nature. It is a spring that emerges imposing and serene, adorning the landscape with changing hues, from blue to jade and turquoise, capturing the attention of visitors.
The legend of the formation of the cenote
The residents of the region have a legend about the formation of the Chapalla cenote. According to oral tradition, the place that the cenote occupies today was originally a church. Its sinking would have given way to the formation of this natural setting.
Teacher Edwin Campos Cisneros explained that the name of the tourist attraction comes from Quechua and is Huariñahuai, which means eye of the Pachamama.
This history, however, predates the colonial era. Before the arrival of the colonizers, it was a sacred site for pre-Hispanic civilizations, used for rituals and offerings. It was considered a place of intense spiritual connection with nature and pre-Columbian divinities.
During the arrival of the Spanish, the lives of the native peoples experienced dramatic changes. The ancestral sanctuaries were destroyed, the inhabitants dispossessed of their lands and the first haciendas emerged, such as Carampa, Chaqa, Kullubamba, Qaqituna, among others, completely transforming the landscape.
The Wari empire reached the Chapalla region. Architectural evidence and other vestiges reveal its presence. This culture gave great importance to the lagoons and the sun as sacred entities, turning the area into a space of devotion to Pachamama, Mother Earth.
Today, this veneration persists. The local inhabitants consider this waterhole as an Apu, a tutelary deity, and continue to pay respect and offerings, such as fruit. In addition, they place candles, in an act of gratitude and harmony with nature.
Why does the cenote water have jade and turquoise colors?
The distinctive and captivating color of the Chapalla cenote is due to a surprising factor: the presence of limestone rock in its surroundings. This rock, formed by the calcareous mineral, is responsible for the unique hues of the cenote water.
The chemical interaction between the limestone rock and water is what provides this special nuance. This natural phenomenon is not only one of the cenote's most notable features, but also contributes to its appeal.
Additionally, the limestone rock plays a crucial role in the cenote ecosystem. It is known for its ability to filter water, creating favorable conditions for aquatic life and thus enriching the biodiversity of the area.
Tour of the Chapalla cenote
The day of exploration in Ayacucho begins early, at 6:50 in the morning, in the Plaza de Armas, in front of the Ayacucho Cathedral. From this point, the adventurers leave for the town center of Carampa, in the district of Alcamenca, province of Víctor Fajardo.
After a brief stop in Condorcocha for breakfast (not included in the package), the group arrives around 10:30 at the Chapalla cenote. This natural area has green waters that could come from underground springs. The beauty of the cenote captivates both visitors and locals.
The next stop is the Anjaramachay caves, an eight-minute descent from the cenote. Inside, there are crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal for photography. Exploration in these caves has a limit for safety reasons, related to the decrease in oxygen.
For lunch, the group visits the mamitas vianderas, who offer meals (additional cost). The return to Huamanga is scheduled for 2:30 in the afternoon and the day ends around 6:00 p.m.
What are cenotes?
Cenotes, deep water wells, are considered natural jewels. They are formed by the filtration of rain and the currents of underground rivers, with an origin that dates back to the glacial periods of the Pleistocene. These wells are, for the most part, part of ancient underground river networks.
A fascinating aspect is its connection with the sea. Many of them are extensions of underground river systems. In these wells, the difference between the densities of fresh and marine water is notable, with transitions that can occur several kilometers from the coast.
This transition, known as halocline, causes impressive visual effects. The clear distinction between the fresh and salt water layers offers a unique spectacle. The colors, the refraction of light and the clear division between both types of water are visually striking, presenting an aquatic contrast that arouses curiosity and amazement.
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