Bagua Grande, located in Peru's Amazonas region, combines natural beauty with cultural richness and commercial activity.
It’s part of the Utcubamba Province and is surrounded by lush woods that add to its picturesque appeal. Agriculture drives the town's economy, with crops like coffee, cacao, and various fruits playing important roles. Furthermore, modest companies and vibrant local markets liven up the town's commercial scene.
Two minutes away from this small village, You’ll find La Laguna de Burlan (Burlan Lake), popularly known as the "Laguna de los Ángeles" (Lake of the Angels)," which covers half a square kilometer. This lake was formed by the flow of agricultural streams surrounding the area, which features rice terraces. The warm water creates a one-of-a-kind environment.
This location boasts unequaled scenic splendor and houses wild ducks and fish like tilapias and carp. In case you want a better look at this location, you can explore the higher sections of the terrain nearby.
Two Stories About Burlan Lake
Natives and locals tell two myths about the origins of this beautiful lake, which is just minutes from Bagua Grande. One of them refers to ancient times when people in a crowded town were devoid of moral standards and infested with vices. One day, an elderly man arrived at the area and requested water from several of the residents.
These people, laughing at the old man, threw him out the town. Then, when the man walked away alone, he cursed the city, causing it to overflow and drown all its residents, creating the lake we see today. The elderly man was actually “James the Great”, who is now Bagua Grande's “patron” (A designation that means he’s the saint of the area)
Some other people have a different story. Alcides Chacon, a leader in the Burlan Lake area, said that about 15 years ago, the lagoon was about the size of a professional soccer field or roughly one hectare. In 2003, heavy rains caused the floodplains around Burlán to flood.
Mr Chacon added that in 2005, he felt a great explosion in the lagoon, the animals were screaming, and he believed a large rock had tumbled down from the hills. Since then, the lake has grown to its current size of 50 hectares and a depth of 12 meters.
What to do
Families in the area as well as tourists will find Burlán to be a great place. The area’s got camping spaces there, and the association offers motorized trips on the water, as well as rowing boats. There are hiking routes where you may take in the various landscapes of the area, including the chance to see wildlife.
In the calm seas, swimming is also an option. While some come to fish for the various kinds of fish found in the lagoon, others come to observe the numerous bird species that soar overhead.
