Laguna Changalí is located in Longuita District at an altitude of 3,523 m, between the mountain of the same name and Cerro San Antonio. The area around the lagoon is covered with aquatic plants; from a distance, its clear water appears black. It is classified as a natural site and as a body of water of the lagoon subtype. Its ecosystem is considered characteristic of the Suni or Jalca natural region.
Laguna Changalí: landscape and classification
Within the ZDT Alto Amazonas, Laguna Changalí is one of the priority tourism resources. Administratively, it is located in Longuita District, in Luya Province and the Department of Amazonas. The lagoon is reported to have a temperature of 13 °C. Animals listed there include trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), among others. Photography and filming are listed as activities at the lagoon.
A walking route with an estimated time
An older tourism description gives the walking distance from Longuita to Laguna Changalí as 12 km and three hours. Use this time estimate as a planning guide and check the route and trail conditions locally before planning the hike.
For planning purposes, the figures serve different functions: three hours is the estimated time for the described walking route, while 3,523 m is the lagoon’s altitude. The Área de Conservación Privada “Huiquilla,” by contrast, is defined by its area and conservation objectives. This distinguishes a specific time estimate from a conservation topic.
Protected area and regional context
The 1,140.5429-hectare Área de Conservación Privada “Huiquilla” is also located in Longuita District. The private protected area’s conservation objectives include preserving numerous plant and animal species, including endemic species, pure water resources, and archaeological remains within the area.
As part of a regional initiative announced in March 2023, the town of Lónguita was included among the places in the Valle del Alto Utcubamba considered to have ecotourism and archaeological potential. This regional perspective complements the specific nature-related topics in the district without limiting them to the lagoon alone.
Food, festival traditions and local legends
Typical dishes associated with Longuita include Purtumote, Mote, Locro, Cuy con papas and Picante de chocho. This gives culinary traditions their own place in the district’s travel picture alongside its landscapes and conservation topics.
The patron-saint festivals in honor of San Miguel and San Francisco in Longuita are associated with the period from 4 to 10 October. This gives the festivals a specific place on the calendar; they sit alongside local stories, which offer a different way to discover the area’s culture.
According to local tradition, the name Laguna Changalí comes from the surname of José Changali, who is said to have been enchanted in its waters. Laguna de Cucha Cuella is also located in Longuita District. Another local story tells of María Cuella, who is said to have been enchanted in the waters of this lagoon. Both stories remain traditions, not verified historical events.
Discover more destinations: Florida District, Lamud District, Bagua Grande, San Jerónimo District, Nuevo Tingo
Return to the main travel overview: Amazonas.
