Cerro Khapia Reserved Zone Landscape Reserve, Nature reserve in Province of Chucuito, Peru.
The Cerro Khapia Reserved Zone Landscape Reserve protects the Cerro Khapia massif, which reaches 4,960 m and descends to 4,000 m, on the southwestern shore of Lake Titicaca, 110 km southeast of Puno. It covers 183.14 km² across the districts of Yunguyo, Copani and Cuturapi (Yunguyo Province) and Zepita and Pomata (Chucuito Province). Near the summit lies the mountain lake Laguna Huarahuarani, also called Warawarani.
The reserve was created on 28 May 2011 as a Zona Reservada, a transitional category of protected area, to conserve the biological, cultural, landscape and ecosystem values of Cerro Khapia. Its management plan recognises the land titles of the surrounding campesino communities and their traditional farming, religious and spiritual practices. It is administered by SERNANP and covers 183.14 km².
Local communities near the reserve view Cerro Khapía as an Apu, a sacred spirit in Andean beliefs. This reverence appears in ceremonies and respect for the mountain, which holds an important place in local spirituality.
Visitors find multiple hiking trails throughout the reserve while following SERNANP guidelines for conservation and safety. The high-altitude climate is harsh, so prepare for changeable weather conditions.
The reserve's streams feed 23 tributaries of Lake Titicaca, and near the summit lies the mountain lake Laguna Huarahuarani (also Warawarani). Its waters hold Orestias pupfish and catfish of the genus Trichomycterus, while the Titicaca grebe (Rollandia microptera) lives in the area.
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