Located in the southernmost part of Ayacucho at an altitude of 3,273 metres above sea level, Lake Parinacochas is one of the few natural lakes that still preserves a unique historical record of past climate changes. Today, it’s considered a key area for the conservation of bird species such as James’s flamingos, Andean flamingos, and some flamingos that migrate from Chile. If we look at the origin of its name, “Parinacochas” comes from the Quechua word parina, meaning flamingo, so the name translates to “lake of flamingos” — and rightly so, as flocks of these elegant birds nest in the lake’s shallow waters.
Geographically, the area features tola shrubs and grasslands in zones that don’t flood, streams flowing into the lake, and whitish shores formed by salt deposits. However, one of the most striking sights is Mountain Sara Sara — a snow-capped peak from the Pleistocene-Holocene volcanic chain of southern Peru — which adds a truly majestic backdrop to the lake’s natural beauty.
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Nature that breathes magic
Every wonder in the world has a symbol — something that makes it stand out, a unique mark that highlights the beauty it radiates before our eyes. And now, this remarkable lake brings together a range of elements that make it truly one of a kind. It draws in nature lovers, inviting them to venture beyond the familiar and into the extraordinary.
Discover more about Lake Parinacochas:
A place where the Andes merge with the sky
Have you taken in the beauty of Lake Parinacochas as you entered this blog? If so, you’ve probably noticed just how magical a sunset looks over the lake. What adds that special touch is Mountain Sara Sara — standing tall at 5,505 metres above sea level, it crowns the lake and gives the impression of reaching up to touch the sky.
And that’s not all. The mornings in southern Peru often arrive with a soft mist that blankets the landscape, creating a breathtaking view. It’s as if the mountains melt into a sea of clouds, giving you the feeling of standing at the edge of the heavens.
The song of the lake, in harmony with Its “pink-winged guardians”
Most of us are used to waking up to the sound of an alarm — not exactly the most pleasant way to start the day. Now imagine change that for something more peaceful and natural: waking up to the melody of a lake.
This is exactly what you can experience at Lake Parinacochas. Thanks to its status as one of the most humid areas in South America, it’s the perfect home for three species of flamingos — James’s flamingo, the Andean flamingo, and the Chilean flamingo. These elegant birds are most abundant during the winter months.
They usually nest in the lake’s salty shallows, building semi-conical mud nests. At the top of each nest, the flamingos lay their eggs — quietly continuing a cycle of life in perfect rhythm with the landscape.
The melody that echoes across the lake and its surroundings brings a sense of peace and quiet joy — turning the act of simply admiring the landscape into a true symphony of nature.
Unique colours and reflections
A natural landscape becomes even more captivating when it’s enriched by warm, vibrant colours. Lake Parinacochas doesn’t have just one fixed hue — aside from its crystal-clear waters, it reflects the world around it, mirroring the weather, the seasons, and the time of day.
In the early morning, the lake might appear greyish due to the mist; by midday, it often turns a brilliant blue, thanks to the clear skies above. And at sunset, it glows with a stunning orange tint. All of this, combined with the majestic presence of Mountain Sara Sara, creates a truly spectacular sight — both in the sky and on the shimmering surface of the lake.
Mysticism and legend beneath the waters
Every place in the world can be explained through science — but remember, Peru’s magic doesn’t lie in science alone. It’s the legends, myths, and stories that give its landscapes a truly unique charm.
Lake Parinacochas is no exception. It’s surrounded by tales that speak of its origins and its deep connection with the living beings that inhabit it. The presence of flamingos — or parihuanas — adds even more wonder to these stories, making the lake not just a natural treasure, but a mythical one too.
The legend: the meeting of Coropuna and Sayachipa
On the Parinacochas plateau, the goddess Coropuna — known for her beauty and wisdom — was once washing clothes in a stream, softly singing as she worked. All of this took place in the heart of the plateau. Watching her from afar was Sayachipa, a young warrior god, who admired her deeply. With a playful touch, he began tossing tiny golden pebbles towards her as a sign of his love.
Surprised — and somewhat annoyed — Coropuna made her way up the hill from where the golden pebbles had come, and there she found Sayachipa. The young warrior introduced himself as a servant of Apu Sara Sara, the mighty protector of the region. Though Coropuna scolded him for his boldness and warned him of the powerful Sara Sara, Sayachipa stood his ground, boldly confessing his love and declaring he was ready to face Sara Sara himself.
When Apu Sara Sara learned of what had happened, he was furious. He, too, loved Coropuna. Enraged, he sought out Sayachipa, and a fierce battle followed. Despite being wounded by the great Apu, Sayachipa refused to retreat. It was only when Coropuna intervened that Sayachipa’s life was spared.
The next day, Coropuna returned to the place where she had been washing, only to find an astonishing lake — formed from the tears of Sara Sara, shed from the pain of heartbreak and the fierce battle for love. As a great seer, Coropuna foretold the arrival of pink-winged guardians, who would one day become the ancestral protectors of this land.
And so, thanks to Sayachipa’s courage, Coropuna’s intervention, and the sorrowful tears of Apu Sara Sara, Lake Parinacochas was born — a lake filled with life, legend, and meaning.
Mountain Sara Sara: the sleeping guardian
In the heart of Ayacucho, the Mountain Sara Sara rises proudly, its snow-capped peak stretching across the landscape in majestic silence. More than just a natural wonder, this mountain is considered a cultural and spiritual pillar by the local communities. To the people living at its feet, Sara Sara is a sacred Apu — a protective spirit that watches over the land and all the living beings it shelters.
Sara Sara is a mountain steeped in stories and symbolism. According to local beliefs, this Andean giant is home to divine forces that influence everything happening in the surrounding area. It is also known for its powerful control over the weather — sudden snowfalls or unexpected rains are often seen not just as natural phenomena, but as messages or expressions of the gods’ will.
Lake Parinacochas, believed to have been formed from the tears of Apu Sara Sara, is seen as a sacred place of fertility — a source of abundance and prosperity for the nearby lands, blessed by divine grace.
Satellite view of Mountain Sara Sara — a majestic mountain overlooking lake Parinacochas
What to do in Parinacochas?
Feeling inspired to explore one of the most striking and chilly corners of Peru? If you’re an adventurous soul, here are a few recommendations for what you can do while visiting Parinacochas.
Capture the Fullness of the Moment
Take in the breathtaking view offered by Lake Parinacochas from the surface, breathe deeply, and capture the moment through the lens of your heart. If you want to take home a truly special memory of this stunning spot, make sure to visit the Parinacochas lookout, where you’ll be able to snap incredible photos.
Discover the history surrounding lake Parinacochas
Everything in this world has a story to tell, so don’t just limit yourself to snapping photos — explore the surroundings of the lake and discover who calls it home!
Head southwest from the community of Untuco via the main road, and uncover one of the historical gems near the lake: the archaeological site of Incahuasi. This monument, part of the Pullo district, is located to the north of Lake Parinacochas. Accessing this archaeological complex is easy, as it’s just off the main road, making it simple to reach.
Explore the other surroundings of the lake — this place still holds surprises for you. Don’t stop there — there’s so much more to discover around the lake. You might come across some flamingo nests, typically built in the salty areas, or stumble upon beautiful green spots with fascinating views, such as the stunning Chipilupampa farm.
Visit picturesque towns
You’ve explored the lake, but there’s still more to discover if you have an adventurous spirit. If you’ve run out of supplies, there are a few local settlements where you can restock. Here are the closest settlements to Lake Parinacochas:
- Tarco, located to the west of the lake, has small shops for supplies and, in case of emergencies, a healthcare centre.
- Untuco, located to the north of the lake, offers some basic supplies, a chapel, and even a motorbike rental service. You can also enjoy a wonderful traditional Danza de Tijeras (Scissors Dance) performed by the local people, adding to the charm of your stay.
- Yuracchuasi, located to the north of Lake Parinacochas, is better equipped. You can find a variety of restaurants, motorbike repair shops, pharmacies, artisan food stalls, general stores, and a church.
- Colloni, located to the northeast of the lake, offers a majestic stay, with stunning views of Mountain Sara Sara from the main square. This settlement has a few shops for supplies and a couple of restaurants.
Hike to Mountain Sara Sara
Are you ready to go beyond just admiring a beautiful view? This is where your journey into the mountains begins, heading towards the mighty protector of lake Parinacochas — Mountain Sara Sara.
To reach the starting point, make sure you pass the settlement of Colloni and take the bus or car route towards Incuyo, a much larger settlement than the ones mentioned before, offering a greater variety of local and tourist services. You can stop here if you need to restock for your adventure. From Incuyo, you’ll pass the Danlé dairy modules, and then head towards the community of Cayarac, where the slopes of Mountain Sara Sara begin and your journey officially starts. From this point, accompanied by a guide, you can set off on foot to explore the majestic Mountain Sara Sara.
View of the Danlé Dairy Modules along the route to Mountain Sara Sara
Main square of Cayarac – starting point of the trek to Mountain Sara Sara
View of Mountain Sara Sara from the Cayarac community
Connect with the mountain – a close-up view of Mountain Sara Sara
Walking the edge of the mountains with one foot in the sky – trekking across Mountain Sara Sara
How to get there?
To reach Parinacochas, you’ll first need to be in the city of Ayacucho. From there, your journey begins — and you have two main travel options:
- First travel option (by bus, approx. 14 hours): Head to the Los Libertadores de América bus terminal and book a trip to Ica — we recommend travelling with Grupo Palomino. This leg takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes. Once in Ica, buy a bus ticket to Chala — the Romeliza bus company is a great choice. This journey will take about 5 hours and 15 minutes. From Chala, you’ll need to take a taxi to Lake Parinacochas, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
This option is perfect for travellers looking to keep costs low.
- Second travel option (by car, approx. 7 hours): You can arrange for a private car — we recommend either going directly to the main bus terminal or booking in advance online. This is a direct route and will get you there much faster, but do keep in mind that the cost will be significantly higher compared to travelling by bus.
Once at Lake Parinacochas, you’ll be able to explore the area and visit all the wonderful places mentioned above.
Some Tips for Your Trip
- Make sure to pack warm clothing — you’ll be entering very cold areas. Bring a backpack, climbing boots, light and energy-rich food, water, and any other essential supplies for your journey.
- Avoid leaving any litter in the areas you visit. These are natural spaces, home to wildlife that could be harmed by pollution.
- It’s highly recommended to be accompanied by a local guide or expert during your journey — they can answer your questions and ensure your safety.
- If you’re planning to hike up Mountain Sara Sara, bring all the necessary supplies and avoid going alone. Always carry out this expedition with someone who knows the area or a trusted local guide.
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