At Laguna Azul, the size of the body of water and the open landscape shape its character as a nature destination. Catarata Bella Encantadora, in turn, is particularly defined by its seasonally changing water flow. Both are in Huarango District; their location and route details differ.
Laguna Azul and Catarata Bella Encantadora
Laguna Azul is near the hamlet of La Laguna and the Barrio Chino sector. It is about one kilometer long and 600 meters wide. Extensive grasslands and tall pajonales (bunchgrass) surround the lake. A paved road leads from Puerto Ciruelo via Huarango and El Porvenir to Laguna Azul; the route is 30 kilometers long. Road conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.
The rainy season, from November to June, is considered the most suitable time to visit Catarata Bella Encantadora. During the other months, the water flow is significantly lower because of the dry season. Rainfall and the waterfall’s water flow vary from year to year. If seeing the waterfall is important to you, take these seasonal differences into account when planning your trip.
The natural surroundings of Catarata Bella Encantadora are also diverse. Medicinal plants growing there include quina or cascarilla, sangre de grado, carqueja and yerba de la postema. Native flowers and colorful orchids can also be found. The natural area is home to hummingbirds, Andean cocks-of-the-rock, chosco, peccaries, hedgehogs and sloths, among other animals. These details describe species found in the area; they do not guarantee that individual animals will be seen during a visit.
Nature and activities in the district
The landscape can also be understood at the district level: Huarango comprises six life zones. These include tropical dry forest transitioning to premontane humid forest, very humid premontane forest, very humid lower montane forest, premontane humid forest, tropical humid forest and very dry tropical forest. This classification provides a broad framework for understanding the district’s natural features; it does not describe every location in the same way.
The AsociaciĂłn Comunal de Turismo AgroecolĂłgica Las Malvinas (ACOTALMA) offers nature and adventure tourism at Catarata Bella Encantadora. Its offerings in the district also include activities related to coffee, birdwatching, adventure and nature, as well as mystical activities with the local shaman. Activities and participation requirements may change. Before your trip, contact the association to ask what is currently offered and how access is arranged.
Huarango is the district capital. The municipal tourist information office is located at the Municipalidad Distrital de Huarango. Check contact details before your trip to make sure your inquiry reaches the right place.
Plan your journey in stages
Several sections of the route to Catarata Bella Encantadora are described, with the mode of transport, distance and approximate travel time for each. From Jaén to Puerto Ciruelo, the distance is 63.9 kilometers and the journey takes about one hour by combi. From Puerto Ciruelo to Huarango District, the distance is six kilometers and the journey takes around 25 minutes by combi. For the final leg from Centro Poblado Huarandoza to Las Malvinas, the stated distance is ten kilometers, with an approximate travel time of 30 minutes by private car. Travel times may vary, so do not plan on arriving at an exact time.
Festival traditions throughout the year
The anniversary of the district’s political founding is celebrated on May 12 together with its associated settlements and hamlets. The date offers a recurring opportunity to learn about the district’s history and sense of community, without specifying a venue in central Huarango.
A documented anniversary program from 2023 also included a singing competition. It was intended to celebrate the traditional popular song repertoire of the district’s rural and urban areas. The selected songs were to highlight a sense of connection with Huarango and Peru. This competition was part of the 2023 program; this does not mean it is held in other years.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Encañada, San Juan, Namora, Magdalena, Santo Tomas, Chontabamba, Jaén, San Agustin.
Back to the main travel overview: Cajamarca.
