Lake Sauce, also known as Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon), was originally called Saucicocha, a name derived from the historical abundance of willow trees, a species now found in smaller numbers. It is a tourist attraction of great natural beauty and ecological value, characterized by its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings. Located in the San Martín region, on the outskirts of the town of Sauce, at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level, its surface area covers 430.8 hectares, with a maximum length of 5,000 meters and a depth of up to 37.5 meters. The temperature ranges between 26°C and 28°C, and the waters display greenish-blue hues due to the reflection of the sky and the abundant surrounding vegetation, giving it a paradisiacal appearance. Its banks are surrounded by dense vegetation and are home to a rich array of wildlife, including birds such as herons, kingfishers, ospreys, and guans. Its waters teem with fish like bujurqui, carachama, catfish, paiche, and mojarra, as well as crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, and mollusks like churos, freshwater snails, and clams.
Amphibians and reptiles can also be found, contributing to the ecosystem's biodiversity. The surrounding area supports agricultural activities such as the cultivation of rice, corn, beans, plantains, cassava, coffee, cacao, and citrus fruits, along with livestock farming, including cattle, horses, guinea pigs, and poultry, and fish farms raising tilapia, gamitana, and paco. In addition, there are various lodging establishments and rural recreation areas, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery and tranquility of the region. Among its most relevant aspects, it is worth noting that this natural resource is located within the buffer zone of the Cordillera Azul National Park. Its main tributaries are the Pucayacu and Yacu Sisa streams, which originate in the upper reaches of the sub-basin, where the Sacha Runa conservation concession is located, covering 2,300 hectares.
The lake, with an approximate volume of 79,806.19 million cubic meters of water, resembles a large reservoir. In addition to its ecological importance, the lake plays a key role in the lives of the local inhabitants, who use it as a means of transportation by canoe, rowboat, and aluminum motorboats, facilitating the movement of people and cargo, as well as the development of their daily and economic activities. Considered one of the most visited destinations in the San Martín region, Lake Sauce is distinguished by its breathtaking scenic beauty, its rich biodiversity, and the wide variety of experiences it offers visitors. It's the ideal place for activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and motorboating, offering an authentic connection with nature. Its combination of tranquility and ecological richness makes it an unmissable destination for nature lovers seeking to enjoy unique landscapes and outdoor activities.
Description
On the outskirts of the town of Sauce, in the San Martín region, lies Lake Sauce, also known as the Blue Lagoon. This tropical paradise is such a wonderful destination that it has already captivated thousands of travelers, becoming one of the most visited places in the region.
Forget the noise, the worries, and even your cell phone, and immerse yourself in a natural destination where tranquility and adventure await you for an exciting experience!
What is Lake Sauce like?
Covering 504 hectares, this lagoon was originally known as Saucecocha due to the abundance of willow trees in the area. Later, it became known as Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon) due to the distinctive color of its waters, which are tinged with beautiful shades of green and blue.
This phenomenon is the result of the reflection of the sky and the lush vegetation surrounding the lake, leaving all who visit it in awe. On its shores, you can find an impressive variety of medicinal plants such as cat's claw, bachuja, ayahuasca, and horsetail, which give it that unique Amazonian touch and enhance the surrounding environment.
However, the flora is not the only star of this paradise. The lagoon also harbors a great diversity of fauna. If you are a bird lover, here you can observe herons, kingfishers, and the curious hoatzin, also known as the shansho.
Beneath its waters, aquatic life is equally fascinating. Here you will find fish such as mojarra, tilapia, and peacock bass, as well as shrimp, crabs, snails, and clams.
But without a doubt, what's most surprising about Lake Sauce is the warmth of its waters. With temperatures ranging between 25°C and 28°C, it's the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing swim.
And if you're wondering why it has such warm waters, the reason lies in its proximity to an inactive volcano, which gives it this unique characteristic. Furthermore, its sandy bottom, similar to a beach, makes swimming a truly authentic experience.
What to do at Lake Sauce or Laguna Azul?
This beautiful destination is the perfect place for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. If you're a fan of outdoor challenges, sport fishing is an experience you can't miss. The serene waters of the lagoon offer the ideal setting to enjoy an afternoon searching for the perfect catch.
For the more active, kayaking is an excellent option for exploring the lagoon and discovering its hidden corners. If you prefer to relax, swimming in its warm waters will be a wonderful experience.
And if you're just looking for a break, I recommend relaxing in a hammock by the water while listening to the birdsong. The peace in this place is indescribable!
Remember that around the lagoon you'll find cozy hotels and restaurants where you can savor delicious cuisine and enjoy a starry night under the moonlight.
How to get to Lago Sauce?
If you're traveling from Lima, take a flight from Jorge Chávez International Airport to Guillermo del Castillo Paredes International Airport in Tarapoto. You'll land in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From there, take a mototaxi or car to the Sauce bus stop, located in the district of La Banda de Shilcayo, on the 7th block of the Carretera Marginal Sur. This journey will take about 10 minutes. Once there, you'll need to take a shared taxi (colectivo) which, after about 2 hours, will finally take you to Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon).
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with family, Lake Sauce is one of those destinations that promises not to disappoint. Dare to discover it for yourself. San Martín awaits you!
