The Huamanpata Lake is 10 km away from the city of Rodríguez de Mendoza, in the Amazonas region of northern Peru, at an altitude of 2100 m.
How to get to the Huamanpata lake ?
From Chachapoyas, it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Rodríguez de Mendoza, at an altitude of 1,800 meters. We advise you to go one day before the walk to get used to the heat: it is much hotter than in Chachapoyas! This also allows you to leave early in the morning, around 6 a. M.
The trek can be done by 2 routes. We took one where we climbed first 6 km and up to 2300 m altitude, before descending to the other side for 4 km. In bright sunlight, it can be difficult and the shaded areas cross with pleasure.
The walk from Rodríguez de Mendoza to the Huamanpata lake lasts between 4 and 5 hours, depending on your physical condition.
Our visit to the Huamanpata lake
When we arrived at Rodriguez de Mendoza at 8:15 am, we met Roberto and his wife Carmen in the Plaza de Armas and we went to his house in Rodríguez.
Roberto prepares the horses: one for the luggage and the other for those who need it. We climbed 6 km on a road not always in good condition. Finally, we reached the first lookout and enjoyed the view, which we had forgotten during the climb. and Still a bit of effort is needed for the second lookout.
For this, we try to walk and get all together, finally it took us more than 6 hours! We would have done better to walk each one at its own rate, but now we know.
A particular ecosystem
The Huamanpata lake is a private conservation area with a very special ecosystem.
In fact, the lagoon is full only between February and September, after the rainy season that fills it completely. About 700 million cubic meters of water are spread over an area of 323 hectares. During the full season of the lagoon, you can not reach the house of Roberto and Carmen on foot, you have to take a canoe. It is a practical way to move and explore every corner of the lagoon.
The lagoon disappears in September and gives way to a green valley, a river and a lake in the middle. But you have to go with the boots because water is always present.
The Huamanpata lake
Your efforts will be rewarded upon arriving at the lagoon. The place is beautiful
The cabins
All the cabin were made by Roberto with the wood of his property. Since then, he has reforested at home so that the trees are always present. In each one, the candles are installed on the bedside tables. In fact, there is no electricity in the cabins. The branches are hung on the wall as coat racks. The nights are cool in the Huamanpata lake, but Carmen prepares the beds with several large blankets.
Each cabin has its own bathroom next door. They are clean, with an ecological sanitation system. We do not have a sink in the cabin, but a tap at 5 meters where we wash with cold water. There is a shower in a small shed, but the water is cold, very cold. For our part, we did not dare to wash ourselves there, although I do not doubt that it is stimulating.
Our afternoon on the Huamanpata lake
After we’re settled, Carmen goes to the kitchen to prepare the food and, meanwhile, we find ourselves around the table. The children went to explore the valley. After lunch, we talked together at the cabin before spending the night in the fire roasting marshmallows.
Excursions to do when the lagoon is empty
Nature and discovery
You can tour the lagoon with Roberto, equipped with rubber boots. Roberto is an experienced guide. He knows the memory lagoon. He will guide you through it and you will discover it. You can see butterfly nests and limestone sculptures. Everywhere, there are “holes” of different sizes and depths, filled with water, also at different heights. Maybe you see what looks like an extinct mini crater: Roberto explained that there is one in activity, but beyond. there is one who spits cold water, but we do not know what the phenomenon is.
Unexplored archeology
When there is no water in the lagoon, everything is green. There are many trees growing there. The surrounding forest has not yet been explored. You can see Andean-style wall constructions to plant potatoes and corn. Apparently, these walls go very far in the forest, but we do not know more about their origins. At least four hours from the Laguna, there is an unexplored archaeological site. It seems to be a whole fortress hidden in the jungle. Is incredible.
In the full season of the lagoon
You can make beautiful canoe trips and enjoy the beautiful nature of the lagoon. Go towards the end of the lagoon. Few people pass it. where Spider colonies can work quietly.
Walking the cliffs offers an excellent show. And through the lagoon, very beautiful birds can cross.
At this time, you can also fish. The king fish here is the salmon trout, delicious! And the brave can swim.
You can also walk in the forest and admire the giants.
For people who search for nature, calm, the Huamanpata lagoon is paradise. Each season has its particularity, but it is true that when it is full, from February to June, it is fabulous. It is true that there may be tropical rains. But for us, they did not last long and gave us the opportunity to admire beautiful rainbows.
Why go there?
A stay in the Huamanpata lake is truly an unforgettable experience. First there is the kindness of Roberto and Carmen. They are the ones who built the cabins and take care of the clients in the place. Then you are in total harmony with nature.
Here there is no electricity or hot water, but candles, conversations and bonfires.
In addition, a stay at the Huamanpata lake with Roberto and Carmen combines very well with the Ruta del Cafe. This allows you to discover the Amazonas region of Northern Peru in a more intimate way.
To remember
- It is best to leave Rodriguez at 6 in the morningto walk well.
- It is possible to provide horses and guides for everyone. So, instead of walking, we rode horses and enjoyed the surroundings.
- The lagoon disappears in September. It gives way to a green valley, a river and a lagoon in the middle. The season of the lagoon is between February and July.
- You have to go with boots, because water is always present.
