Less than 30 km southeast of Cusco by paved road, this lake is a popular birding destination. The lake once supplied water to the nearby pre-Inca Wari culture site of Pikillacta.

As well as the water birds on the lake itself, the grassland around the lake is home to other fascinating species: Bearded Mountaineers, Rusty-fronted Canasteros and even Streak-fronted Thornbirds. On the lake itself Plumbeous Rail are easily found, and the reedbeds hold Yellow-winged Blackbird, Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant and Wren-like Rushbird. Among the waterfowl are Puna Teal and Yellow-billed Pintail, while Red Shoveler has also been reported. Migrant shorebirds can be found in season, with regular visitors including Baird's Sandpiper. Upland Sandpipers have also been recorded.