Lake Umayo

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Lake Umayo

Lake

Lake Umayo is a highland lake in the Atuncolla District of Peru's Puno Region. Visitors come for the nearby pre-Inca funerary towers at Sillustani and the broad altiplano scenery.

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Lake Umayo essentials

Address: Atuncolla District, Puno Region, Peru

Lake Umayo lies on the Andean altiplano at about 3,844 metres elevation and measures roughly 8 km long by 3 km wide, set in a broad highland plain surrounded by low hills.

The most notable cultural feature near the shore is the Sillustani funerary complex of above-ground burial towers (chullpas), which overlooks the lake from a rocky peninsula.

Visiting Lake Umayo feels remote and quiet compared with nearby Lake Titicaca; the shoreline and surrounding farmland are sparsely populated and give open views across the water and altiplano.

The site is straightforward to combine with a trip to Puno or excursions on the altiplano, and most visitors see the lake while visiting Sillustani rather than as a standalone destination.

  • Sillustani funerary towers: A dramatic group of pre-Inca chullpas on a rocky peninsula with views down to the lake and across the plains.
  • Lakeshore viewpoints: Open shorelines and low hills provide uninterrupted views for photography and watching changing light on the water.
  • Altiplano landscape: Wide, sparsely settled highland scenery around the lake illustrates typical Andean puna and grazing land.
  • Waterbird and shorelife watching: The lake attracts high-Andean waterbirds and other shoreline wildlife - good for a quiet birdwatching walk.
  • Sunset reflections: Evening light often produces strong reflections on the lake’s surface and good colors for landscape photos.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Lake Umayo#

The climate is highland Cwb with a distinct dry season and a wet season; the dry months are generally the most pleasant for visiting.

Dry season (best)
May - October · -2°C - 18°C (28°F - 64°F)
Clearer skies, less afternoon rain and stable conditions make this the most reliable period for sightseeing and photography.
Wet season
November - April · 3°C - 18°C (37°F - 64°F)
Rain is frequent, especially in the austral summer months, with more cloudy afternoons and occasional storms that can limit views.
Shoulder months
April and October · 3°C - 18°C (37°F - 64°F)
Transitional months can offer a balance of fewer crowds and improving or declining weather - expect variable conditions and plan accordingly.

Weather & Climate near Lake Umayo#

Climate

Lake Umayo's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -2°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (623 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 57 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 5° - 16° 10° 132 mm overcast 64% 2.1 m/s 3.3 extreme 12.8h
February Acceptable 5° - 16° 10° 136 mm overcast 67% 2.2 m/s 3.3 extreme 12.5h
March Good 5° - 16° 10° 111 mm partly cloudy 67% 2.1 m/s 3.1 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 3° - 16° 9° 34 mm partly cloudy 64% 2.1 m/s 2.7 extreme 11.6h
May Excellent 1° - 16° 7° 11 mm mostly sunny 56% 2.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.3h
June Excellent -1° - 16° 6° 2 mm mostly sunny 55% 2.3 m/s 2.0 very high 11.1h
July Excellent -2° - 16° 5° 2 mm mostly sunny 54% 2.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.2h
August Excellent -1° - 17° 6° 5 mm mostly sunny 53% 2.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.5h
September Very Good 1° - 17° 8° 23 mm some cloud 54% 2.6 m/s 2.8 extreme 11.9h
October Very Good 3° - 18° 10° 29 mm some cloud 54% 2.5 m/s 3.2 extreme 12.3h
November Very Good 4° - 18° 11° 44 mm partly cloudy 53% 2.5 m/s 3.5 extreme 12.7h
December Good 5° - 17° 11° 94 mm partly cloudy 60% 2.3 m/s 3.3 extreme 12.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Lake Umayo#

The nearest regional centre is the city of Puno on Lake Titicaca; the nearest airport is in Juliaca.

From Puno or Juliaca the last stretch to Umayo and Sillustani is covered by road transport - hire a taxi, arrange a local tour, or take local shared transport where available and then walk short distances at the site; check local options and schedules in advance.

Tips for Visiting Lake Umayo#

  • Take time to acclimatize in Puno or elsewhere before strenuous activity - the lake sits at high altitude (about 3,844 m).
  • Bring warm layers and sun protection - days can be sunny and cold at altitude, and conditions change quickly.
  • Respect the archaeological site: do not climb or touch the chullpas and follow any signs or instructions from site staff.
  • Carry cash for small local services and entrance fees, and confirm visiting hours or guided-tour availability locally.
  • If you plan photography at sunrise or sunset, allow extra travel time because light and weather can change rapidly.