Contents
1. Description
The Huasao Wetland is known as a theme park where you can enjoy the flora, fauna, artistic sculptures, and various activities.
This park was abandoned for a while and was threatened by urban expansion until, thanks to the idea of Jean Carlos Pacheco and the support of local authorities, they decided to add value to this Wetland. After hard work, they were able to transform it into a tourist attraction for Cusco.
This ecological park covers approximately 5 hectares and houses a variety of fauna and flora, including 10 species of birds, reptiles, insects, and fish.
Today, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and movie enthusiasts, as it features replicas of characters from Marvel films such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avengers“. Its beautiful landscape, lake, variety of birds, and viewpoints are perfect for contemplating the beautiful surrounding scenery. This space is ideal for escaping the routine of the city and enjoying it with family.
2. Location
This park is located in the district of Oropesa in the Province of Quispicanchi, southeast of Cusco and 40 minutes by bus from the center of Cusco.
3. Ecological and cultural importance
The Huasao Wetland in Cusco holds significant ecological and cultural importance. From an ecological standpoint, the wetland houses a microecosystem with a diversity of flora and fauna, making it a recreational center that provides the opportunity to observe and enjoy nature.
Moreover, the wetland is an area of cultural significance, as it is the site where shamanic traditions are practiced, dating back to the Inca era. Local residents visit the wetland to seek good fortune, engage in coca leaf readings, and make offerings to the mountains (Pachamama).
Additionally, the wetland is renowned for hosting wooden sculptures of characters from movies and mythical figures from the Peruvian Andes, adding an extra layer of cultural and artistic value.
These characteristics make the Huasao Wetland a place of relevance for both biodiversity conservation and the preservation of cultural traditions and expressions.
3.1 Flora
The flora of the Huasao Wetland is diverse and is characterized by its aquatic vegetation and humid soils. Some of the flora species found in the wetland include:
- Eichhornia crassipes – Water hyacinth (papyrus)
- Pistia stratiotes – Water lettuce (pistia)
- Salvinia molesta – Giant salvinia (salvinia)
- Cyperus papyrus – Papyrus sedge (papyrus)
- Typha domingensis – Southern cattail (totora)
- Phragmites australis – Common reed (palo de tule)
3.2 Fauna
The wetland is known to be a freshwater ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of flora species. Additionally, in the Huasao wetlands you can see birds such as:
- The Andean ducks
- The royal herons
- Poroncoes
3.3 Art
In the Huasao Wetland, you can admire impressive wooden sculptures that will captivate you. These sculptures include figures of movie characters, such as Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as mythical figures from the Peruvian Andes, adding an extra layer of artistic and cultural appeal to the wetland.
These sculptures stand out for their height of over 3 meters. These characters are heroes in science fiction movies and are associated with the protection of ecosystems, such as Groot and Baby Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy saga. Another notable character is Enst, a character from The Lord of the Rings movie, who becomes a sensation at the Huasao Wetland. This significant work was carried out by the artist and sculptor from the School of Fine Arts of Cusco, Juan Challco Chura, who had only 70 days to carve these adorable figures.
After establishing the movie replicas, more sculptures were added to the site: a mermaid, an amphibian, a reptile, a rodent, and a camelid, making this attraction even more interesting.
4. Ecotourism and activities
In the Huasao Wetland you can enjoy various activities that include:
4.1 Observe the flora and fauna
The wetland is a recreational center that offers a micro-ecosystem with a variety of flora and fauna species.
4.2 Visit to artistic sculptures
The wetland is home to impressive wooden sculptures, including figures of characters such as Groot, Ents and mythical animals from the Peruvian Andes.
4.3 Children’s play areas
Ideal for family visits, the wetland has play areas for children.
4.5 ATV circuit
You will have the option of enjoying an ATV circuit for a more adventurous experience.
4.6 Regional gastronomy
You can taste the delicious regional cuisine while enjoying the natural environment.
4.7 Photography
Take an unforgettable memory! It is allowed to take photographs with the sculptures and appreciate the interesting carving.
4.8 Sunset in the Wetland
If you are one of those who loves to watch the sunset, then this is the perfect destination for you. You will be able to admire the beautiful sunset, breathe the purity of nature and the vegetation while the birds paint the beautiful landscape.
5. How to get?
To reach the Huasao Wetland, you can take local buses labeled “HUASAO” on La Cultura Avenue, with a fare of 2 soles. Alternatively, you can take buses heading to Urcos and alight at Huasao. Another option to reach the Wetland is by private transportation, and if you have your own vehicle, you will find suitable places to park.
6. Price and schedule
- The entrance is accessible to national and foreign tourists:
- The price is: S/. 3.00
- Children: S/. 1.50
- Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- We recommend you visit the Huasao Wetland between Monday and Thursday, on weekends many people go.
- Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
7. Recommendations
- Don’t litter! Being an ecological park, it is recommended to save waste until you find the respective trash cans.
- Take the route in one direction only, respecting the park’s signage.
- Take sunscreen.
- He wears a rain poncho.
- Water bottle.
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