Huánuco: Kotosh, Waterfalls and Lauricocha

Laguna Lauricocha is a turquoise, horseshoe-shaped lake, about seven kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide. It is fed by glaciers in the Cordillera de Raura. Activities at the lake include hiking, observing flora and fauna, boat trips, landscape photography and artisanal fishing.

Lake, Waterfalls and Cave

Possible activities at Laguna Lauricocha range from hiking and wildlife observation to boat trips and photography. This lets you get to know the lake from different perspectives; artisanal fishing is also among the activities mentioned.

The Tres de Mayo route leads to the Gloriapata, Sol Naciente and Salto del Ángel waterfalls. Their clear pools invite you to swim. The La Quinceañera route combines hiking and wildlife observation with the 43-meter-high Quinceañera waterfall and a natural bathing pool. The routes therefore have different focuses: Tres de Mayo leads to three named waterfalls, while La Quinceañera combines hiking and wildlife observation with a single waterfall whose height is specified.

On the route to Cueva de las Lechuzas in Tingo María National Park, you can observe stalactites and stalagmites, as well as flora and fauna. Swimming in the river and camping are also possible activities. The cave experience complements the waterfall routes with these cave observations and other activities by the river.

Kotosh and Its Temples

The Kotosh Archaeological Monumental Zone includes the White Temple, the Temple of the Crossed Hands and the Temple of Niches. These three specifically named temples are the focus of an archaeological visit. Kotosh offers a different focus from the nature experiences at the lake, waterfalls and cave.

From Huánuco’s Plaza de Armas, you can reach Kotosh by private car via a paved road. The distance is 5.8 kilometers, and the drive takes about 15 minutes. Road conditions and journey times may change, so check them before you travel.

Visiting Hours and Trip Planning

The official visiting hours are 08:00–17:30 for Cueva de las Lechuzas and 08:00–15:00 for the Tres de Mayo and Quinceañera sectors. Visiting hours may change, so check them before your visit. This will help you plan your stay around the hours set for each attraction.

Festival de Los Negritos de Huánuco

Festival de Los Negritos de Huánuco is officially held on the third Sunday in January and runs from December 24 through that Sunday. Huánuco locro is offered free of charge at the festival each year. The specific program may vary; if you want to plan your trip around the festival, check that year’s dates and program.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

The themes can be clearly distinguished for trip planning: Kotosh is known for its archaeological monumental zone, Lauricocha for activities at the lake, and the named routes for waterfalls or the cave. First, consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay. This can also guide your search for hotels in Huánuco: you can plan your accommodations around the travel interests that matter most to you.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Puerto Inca, Rupa Rupa, Huanuco, Madre De Dios, Ancash, Amazonas, Arequipa, Apurímac.

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