Our curiosity to uncover new natural wonders has led us down paths that keep our adventurous spirit alive. Yet, there is still so much left to discover…
The natural landscapes surrounding the Cusco region continue to bring warmth and colour to our ecosystem—even more so when we talk about lagoons and water sources. Regardless of the names we assign to them, they are essential lifelines that nourish the land and sustain life.
One such hidden gem in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Cusco) is the Marhuay Lagoon, located in the district of Coya in the province of Calca. Not much is known about this lagoon, but it holds a wealth of wildlife and offers truly breathtaking views.
Perched at 4,331 metres above sea level, nestled in an eastern inter-Andean glacial valley, Marhuay Lagoon is home to vizcachas, huallatas (locally known as Andean geese), and the occasional camelid. These creatures are drawn to the native vegetation that thrives in these high-Andean zones.
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A Glimpse into the Local Flora
In the high Andean regions—and particularly around Marhuay—the dominant plant cover is known as ichu, a hardy grass that has thrived in these lands for thousands of years and continues to do so to this day. Among other elements of the local flora, one can also find native grains such as quinoa, kiwicha, and cañihua, which are part of the agricultural and ecological identity of these highland zones.
Even so, ichu remains one of the most prevalent plants in these areas. Like the other native grains, it is incredibly resilient—able to survive harsh climates and extremely high altitudes thanks to its remarkable adaptability. This makes it a vital source of food for the animals living around the Marhuay Lagoon.
In addition to being a food source, ichu is considered a perennial grass with fine, tough leaves. These characteristics make it an excellent natural insulator, helping to protect against the cold and providing shelter for wildlife in the high Andean zone of Marhuay.
Its Fauna: Bold and Unbothered
What comes to mind when we ask ourselves whether these species are fearless and determined?
The world is full of wild and gentle creatures that, by instinct, often live in fear. So why is it that we tend to describe high-Andean fauna as instinct-driven, yet seemingly untouched by fear?
The answer is simple: change and adaptation are key factors in the survival of any species. When it comes to the animals living in high-altitude regions, they have proven to be remarkably resilient—enduring low atmospheric pressure and temperatures that hover around freezing point.
At Marhuay Lagoon in particular, we find animals such as vicuñas, guanacos, alpacas, vizcachas, Andean geese (huallatas), tarukas (Andean deer), Andean pumas, and of course, the iconic Andean condor. These animals have successfully adapted to the extreme climate of this inter-Andean glacial valley. That’s why we can say they are not defined by fear. Rather, it is their adaptability that truly characterises them, giving them the chance to thrive in places like Marhuay.
This unique ability to endure and flourish in such challenging environments reveals that life can, indeed, be found in even the harshest corners of the world. And this, in turn, makes Marhuay not only a wonder of nature but also a destination that inspires adventurous souls to embrace the spirit of survival tourism.
Starting a Conversation with a Silent Lagoon – Is It Really Possible?
It may sound far-fetched to have a conversation with a place that, to our eyes, seems lifeless. After all, we don’t speak the language of pumas, camelids, or the birds that live around Marhuay Lagoon. But believe it or not, such a connection is possible. It might sound like a metaphor at first, but it goes far deeper than that. And we’re here to show you how this seemingly magical interaction can become a reality—just keep the following in mind:
Discover the Living Culture of Marhuay Lagoon
This step is essential. Culture is the voice of the walls, the stones, the mountains, the lakes, the lagoons, and the animals. And what better way to understand them than by getting to know the people who have lived in harmony with these natural elements for generations?
In the case of Marhuay Lagoon, we’re talking about the people of the Amaru Community—an indigenous group who live alongside nature and have maintained a strong connection with their environment over time. To this day, they continue to preserve traditions and practices that keep them in deep communion with the lagoon.
The Amaru are particularly known for their impressive weaving skills, and they are welcoming and generous when it comes to sharing their customs and craftsmanship with travellers and curious visitors. If you take the time to engage with them, you’ll come away with a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.
Discover Its Theistic Culture
In the southern regions of Peru, most local cultures are theistic, as they believe in one or several deities. In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, some of the most revered spiritual figures include the Sun God Inti and Pachamama (Mother Earth). However, there are other entities that are not only deities but also considered guardians—most often the majestic mountains that surround the highland lagoons.
In the case of Marhuay Lagoon and the nearby Amaru community, the most significant guardian mountains—or Apus—are Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Huanacaure, with Huanacaure being the most sacred and important to the people of Amaru.
For generations, Huanacaure has been regarded as a protective spirit—watching over the people, their livestock, and their crops. It’s no surprise that this Apu is still honoured and revered today, as it continues to symbolise not only protection, but also a spiritual link to the majestic landscapes and life-giving features of the Sacred Valley.
These protective spirits are often found near lagoons, and it’s worth remembering that Marhuay Lagoon is embraced by a striking mountain, located very close to the Amaru community. This deep connection has earned the mountain the respect and devotion of the local people, who see it as a living guardian of their land and traditions.
Pitusiray and Sawasiray
Apu Pitusiray is regarded as a sacred spirit embodied in a mountain that reaches an impressive 4,991 metres in height. It is located within the Urubamba mountain range, specifically in the District of Calca. Its connection to Marhuay Lagoon lies in its extension toward Mount Sawasiray, forming part of the inter-Andean glacial valley that shapes this mystical landscape.
Like Apu Pitusiray, Sawasiray has long been considered sacred. Both mountains are seen as benefactors of agriculture, believed to protect the fertility of the land, support the sowing and harvesting of crops, and ensure abundance. It is for this reason that they continue to be honoured through offerings and rituals to this day.
Among rural farming communities, these spirits are even symbolically linked to types of maize: the word sawasira is associated with white maize, while pitusira represents yellow maize. Through this symbolic coding, the Apus are not only protectors of the landscape but also guardians of one of the Andes’ most important and sacred crops—maize.
A representation of the tragic love between Pitusiray and Sawasiray
Would you dare to visit this place? Here’s how to get there
If you’re in the imperial city of Cusco, follow these steps:
- Starting from the main square of Cusco (Plaza Mayor) as your reference point, head towards Puputi Street (8 minutes by car or 30 minutes on foot) and look for the bus terminal to Urubamba. Don’t worry about bus departure times, as they usually leave nearly every hour throughout the day.
- Keep in mind that these buses don’t go directly to the final destination, so you’ll need to tell the driver where you’re heading. In this case, your stop is Coya, and the journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Once you’re in the district of Coya, you can take a private vehicle towards Marhuay Lagoon. Make sure the vehicle is suitable for the area (a pickup truck is preferred), as the road is unpaved. The journey will take around an hour or more, depending on the type of transport and road conditions.
Satellite Route Map to Marhuay Lagoon
- After enjoying the view and exploring Marhuay Lagoon, if you’d like to visit the Amaru community, you’ll need to take a walk heading southwest, which will take around 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll know you’re close to Amaru when you come across an old abandoned chapel. Once you reach that point, continue east along the path.
The Old Abandoned Chapel in the Amaru Community
Once you’ve followed these steps, enjoy the journey — the walk may be a little tiring, but it will definitely be worth it. And please, remember to be kind to nature.
Travel Tips
- The best time to travel is during the months of April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, as the weather tends to be more stable and pleasant
- Make sure to bring thermal clothing, as temperatures can be extremely low. Don’t forget to wear hiking boots, carry a backpack, and bring other mountain essentials.
- It’s a good idea to take plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks with you. Try to stick to light food that won’t make you feel heavy or tired during the hike.
- When you arrive at Marhuay Lagoon, be sure to follow marked routes and trails, and ideally go with someone experienced who knows the area well.
- Make the most of your visit by taking stunning photos — you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking and majestic scenery.
- Please don’t pollute the lagoon or surrounding areas, and follow the signs and guidelines to ensure a smooth and respectful trip.
- If you’d like to visit the Amaru community, bear in mind that the walk is long, so it’s best to go with a guide or someone who knows the route.
- Once you arrive in Amaru, be kind and respectful to the locals. It’s a small community, so you’ll find yourself in a warm and welcoming environment.
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