Longuita District: Nature and Local Traditions

Nature and culture go hand in hand in Longuita District: Laguna Changalí, the Huiquilla Private Conservation Area, traditional foods, and local lore. In the Alto Utcubamba Valley, Longuita is counted among the towns considered to have ecotourism and archaeological potential; a regional initiative related to this was announced in March 2023. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Longuita, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Laguna Changalí: Elevation and Landscape

Laguna Changalí is located in Longuita District at an elevation of 3,523 m, between the mountain of the same name and Cerro San Antonio. Its surroundings are covered with aquatic plants; from a distance, the clear water appears black. The lagoon has an ecosystem characteristic of the Suni or Jalca natural region. It is one of the prioritized tourism resources of the Alto Amazonas ZDT and is classified as a natural site and a body of water of the lagoon subtype.

An older route description gives the walking distance from Longuita to Laguna Changalí as 12 km and the duration as three hours. You can take both the distance and the stated duration into account when planning your time. Have the current route confirmed locally before planning the trip.

Huiquilla and Conservation Goals

The Huiquilla Private Conservation Area is also located in Longuita District and covers 1,140.5429 hectares. Recognized in 2006, the area has conservation goals for numerous plant and animal species, including endemic species, for pure water resources, and for archaeological remains within the area. Huiquilla therefore focuses on preserving specified natural and cultural values, while Laguna Changalí is characterized above all by its elevation and lagoon landscape.

Foods, Festival Dates, and Local Lore

Traditional foods in Longuita include Purtumote, Mote, Locro, Cuy con papas, and Picante de chocho. The patron saint festivals in honor of San Miguel and San Francisco in Longuita are associated with the period from October 4 to 10. Foods, festival dates, and local lore represent different cultural connections: a culinary tradition, a period in the traditional calendar, and stories associated with the lagoons.

Local lore attributes the name Laguna Changalí to the surname of José Changali, who is said to have been enchanted in its waters. A story is also associated with Laguna de Cucha Cuella, which is located in Longuita District: María Cuella is said to have been enchanted in its waters. Both stories remain legends and, as such, form part of the cultural perspective on the lagoons.

Which of these matter for your stay depends on your own travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Nuevo Tingo, Lamud District, Florida District, Bagua Grande, San Jerónimo District.

Go to the main travel overview: Amazonas.