Discover Puerto Leguía

Near Puerto Leguía, the Río Araza joins the Río Inambari on its left bank. The mountain, canyon, and lagoon landscapes in Ayapata District form a destination in their own right.

Mountain, Canyon, and Lagoon in Ayapata District

Nevado de ChichiQhapaq is 5,614 m high and is a granite massif in the community of Hanac Ayllu, in Ayapata District and Carabaya Province. It is part of the Carabaya Cordillera and the Andes. Nature tourism, trekking, mountaineering, and landscape photography are all well suited to ChichiQhapaq. The ascent to the middle section of Nevado ChichiQhapaq takes approximately 60 minutes at a moderate pace; the climb is considered relatively easy. Access details should be arranged with the community president. This mountain is therefore notable both for its elevation and granite massif and for a specifically described section of the climb.

The Vinchuco Canyon in the Levita sector of the Hanac Ayllu community offers a different landscape. It lies between the Río Ayapata and the Río Taype: on the left bank of the Río Ayapata and the right bank of the Río Taype. Across 15 hectares, sandstone alternates with rock formations shaped by water and wind. The sedimentary formations rise more than 80 m from the canyon rim. Rock paintings can also be seen along the path through the canyon. In contrast to the granite massif of Nevado, the landscape here is shaped by sandstone, water and wind erosion, and rock art.

Ayapata’s natural landscape also includes Laguna de Qañuccota, a well-known body of water on the district’s circuit of seven lagoons. It is fed by meltwater from Nevado Allin Capac, covers about 15 hectares, and is an average of 8 m deep. Native birds observed there include ducks, gulls, ibises, and coots. The combination of water, elevation, and birdlife offers a different focus from the mountain and canyon. Bird enthusiasts will find specific species here, while the other sites stand out for their rocky and mountainous landscapes.

Cultural Traces at Laguna de Qañuccota

Remains of pre-Inca structures, including chullpas and circular dwellings, stand on an island of about one hectare in Laguna de Qañuccota. Access to the island is restricted and requires prior permission. This adds an archaeological dimension to the lagoon landscape; the access restriction should be taken into account when planning a visit.

The destinations described offer clear differences to consider when choosing where to go: the confluence is near Puerto Leguía, while Nevado de ChichiQhapaq, Vinchuco Canyon, and Laguna de Qañuccota are other destinations in Ayapata District. The activities and interests also differ, ranging from trekking and mountaineering to rock formations and paintings, native birds, and pre-Inca structures. When traveling with children, you can start your decision together with a simple question: Are you especially interested in mountains, rock paintings, or birds?

Discover more destinations

Capachica, Mañazo, Tambopata, Tililaca, Ocosuyo, Huillanopampa, Chucuito, Isla Suasi

For the broader travel overview: Puno.