THE CENOTE OF CHAPALLA

 

 

 

 

This unique cenote is located in the town of Carampa, in the district of Alcamenca, in the Ayacucho region, 600 kilometers from Lima. It is a freshwater cenote fed by the waters of an underground river located at an altitude of 3,555 meters. The cenote is 20 meters deep and 50 meters in diameter. Its waters flow into the Pampas River, a few kilometers from the cenote.

  

 This unique tourist attraction was only recently unveiled in 2022. For centuries, it was hidden from the eyes of tourists until the local government made improvements, such as steps and signage, to enhance the visitor experience, which has rapidly increased over time.

  

According to specialists, a cenote is a deep well fed by water from underground rivers and rainwater seepage. Cenotes are formed by the dissolution of limestone rock due to precipitation that seeps through the ground and mixes with carbon dioxide, forming carbonic acid, which dissolves the rock and creates underground cavities that, over time, leave openings on the surface exposed by the collapse of the ground, revealing a cenote.

  

 For many years this Cenote was known by the local inhabitants as HUARIÑAHUI which translated into Spanish means THE EYE OF MOTHER EARTH since before the arrival of the Spanish this place was considered a sacred site for ancient civilizations where they came to perform special rites and ceremonies.