Cachipuquio, Saltwater spring in San Pedro de Cajas District, Peru

Cachipuquio, also called Cachipozo, is a saltwater spring west of San Pedro de Cajas in Tarma province, Junín, Peru. The salina consists of two regular-sized wells where the water collects; one is saltier than the other. In colonial times they were named San Pedro and Santa Catalina, names still used today.

Salt from Cachipuquio was already in use during the Formative period (1900 BC–AD 150), when ceramic fragments of several styles show that the spring drew people from outside the Tarma region. Between AD 150 and 850 the salt pools of Cajas, San Blas and Yanacachi attracted neighbouring groups and distant peoples such as the Chupaichos and Huarpas, and under Huari expansion (AD 850–1100) local herding and farming were tied to that imperial centre. In colonial times the two wells were baptised San Pedro and Santa Catalina, names still used.

The name Cachipuquio comes from the Quechua cachi (salt) and puquio (spring). The two brine pools were baptised in colonial times as San Pedro and Santa Catalina, names still used today. The 1614 account by Father Fabián de Ayala records a legend in which the salt water sprang from the urine of a white llama that sank into the ground.

Cachipuquio lies west of San Pedro de Cajas, in Tarma province, Junín, reached by a natural track with no visitor facilities, so sturdy footwear and a local guide help. The two salt wells, San Pedro and Santa Catalina, are open basins where the water is left to deposit salt; keep to the edges rather than bathing. Cold Andean nights follow strong daytime sun, so bring sun protection and warm layers.

The two wells were named San Pedro and Santa Catalina during the colonial period, and both names are still used today. The water of one well is saltier than that of the other, a difference a visitor can notice when comparing them.