Puerto Leguía: River Connections and Landscape Diversity

On a road map, Puerto Leguía and the designations PE-30C and PE-34B appear together. A natural feature near Puerto Leguía is the confluence of the Río Araza and the Río Inambari. The Araza flows into the left bank of the Inambari. When planning your trip, you can consider two levels: the river connection near Puerto Leguía and the scenic sites in Ayapata District.

The other scenic sites are in Ayapata District: Nevado de ChichiQhapaq and Vinchuco Canyon are in the community of Hanac Ayllu; Laguna de Qañuccota is in Taype.

Mountains and trekking in Ayapata

Nevado de ChichiQhapaq is a 5,614 m-high granite massif in the community of Hanac Ayllu in Ayapata District, Carabaya Province. It is part of the Carabaya Cordillera and the Andes. ChichiQhapaq is considered suitable for nature tourism, trekking, mountaineering and landscape photography. The massif appeals to travelers interested in mountain scenery and nature photography.

At a moderate pace, the ascent to the middle section of Nevado ChichiQhapaq takes approximately 60 minutes; this section is considered relatively easy. For access details, arrangements should be made with the community president. If you plan to make the ascent, coordinate with him in advance.

Rock formations at Vinchuco Canyon

Vinchuco Canyon is in the Levita sector of the community of Hanac Ayllu in Ayapata District. It lies between the Río Ayapata and the Río Taype: on the left bank of the Río Ayapata and the right bank of the Río Taype. The area covers 15 hectares and features sandstone and rock formations shaped by water and wind. Sedimentary formations rise more than 80 m above the canyon edge. Rock paintings can be seen along the trail through the canyon. Here, shaped rocks and archaeological markings sit alongside the geographic links to both rivers. While ChichiQhapaq is mainly associated with mountain scenery and trekking, the canyon offers a different focus on rock formations and paintings.

Lagoon and archaeological traces

In Taype, in Ayapata District, lies Laguna de Qañuccota, a well-known body of water on the district’s seven-lagoon circuit. It is formed by meltwater from Nevado Allin Capac, covers about 15 hectares and is an average of 8 m deep. Native birds observed there include ducks, gulls, ibises and coots. The lagoon thus offers a view both of a body of water fed by meltwater and of the birdlife observed there.

Remains of pre-Inca structures, chullpas and circular dwellings are found on an island of about one hectare in the lagoon. Access to the island is partially restricted and requires prior authorization. If you are interested in the archaeological traces, take this requirement into account when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Mañazo, Juliaca, Huillanopampa, Tambopata, Ayculaca, Ocosuyo, Anapia, Tililaca

For the broader travel overview: Puno.