Lake Lauricocha
Lake High Andean lake near ancient Lauricocha archaeological sites
High in Peru’s Huánuco region, Lake Lauricocha is an Andean lake used as a base for nearby trails and pastoral landscapes; visitors interested in highland scenery and local mountain villages pass through.
Lake Lauricocha is a high Andean lake in Peru’s Huánuco Department. It lies in the upper Andes and forms part of the headwater region for major river systems.
Visitors encounter high-elevation landscapes, pastoral communities and access to highland trails. The area is of interest to people on trekking routes and to those studying Andean hydrology and pre-Columbian sites nearby.
The lake and surrounding valley have long been occupied by Andean communities and were noted in exploratory and mapping accounts of the region. The lake basin has cultural and hydrological importance as part of the upper river systems that feed into larger Amazon tributaries.
Situated in the Peruvian Andes within Huánuco Department, the lake lies at high altitude amid rugged mountain terrain and puna grasslands, accessible via regional highland roads.
- Source region of major rivers: Located in the high Andes and forming part of the upper Marañón watershed, making it one of the lakes contributing to Amazon headwaters.
How to Get to Lake Lauricocha #
Drive: Access from the town of Yanahuanca or nearby regional centers via mountain roads. Overland travel typically requires a sturdy vehicle and acclimatization to altitude.
Tips for Visiting Lake Lauricocha #
- This is high-Andean country-pack for cold nights and strong UV at altitude.
- Combine with treks to pre-Inca trails and local archaeological sites for cultural context.
- Bring cash for small markets and services; rural towns may not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit Lake Lauricocha #
Best during the Andean dry season (southern-hemisphere winter) when trails and roads are more reliable.
Weather & Climate near Lake Lauricocha #
Lake Lauricocha's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -2°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (883 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (144 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 15 mm.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 15 mm.
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
