Last weekend, we visited the Qoricocha lake, a stunning location nestled deep in the Peruvian Andes. Known as the “Golden Lake,” Qoricocha is famed for its breathtaking beauty—the way the sun hits the surface, casting a golden hue over the water, surrounded by lush, green mountains. But as we walked along the lake, we couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and disappointment.
As we approached the water’s edge, the natural beauty was quickly overshadowed by a troubling sight. Plastic bottles, food wrappers, and discarded bags cluttered the shores. The crystal-clear waters of the lake were muddied by pollution, and every step revealed more trash tucked under the bushes or tangled in the reeds. A large blue water bottle floated near the bank, lodged between rocks, its label faded from months of exposure. It wasn’t alone—plastic bottles in varying states of decay peppered the shoreline, some crushed and others bobbing aimlessly in the water. Each piece of litter felt like a scar on the landscape.
What made it worse was the contrast. The sunlight reflecting off the water made the lake look like molten gold, surrounded by towering mountains and vibrant vegetation. Birds chirped in the distance, and the soft sound of the flowing water should have been peaceful. Instead, we found ourselves distracted by the overwhelming amount of debris, wondering how such a magical place could be treated this way.
It’s heartbreaking to see how human carelessness can ruin something so magnificent. The Qoricocha lake should be a place where people come to experience the serenity of nature, not to witness the damage we’ve done to it.
That’s why we’re asking for your help. This beautiful lake, and others like it, deserves to be restored to its natural state. If we don’t act now, future generations may never know what a clean Qoricocha looks like. The local wildlife depends on it, and so do the communities that live nearby.
You can make a difference by volunteering for clean-up efforts, donating to fund environmental projects, or simply spreading awareness. Together, we can bring back the beauty of Qoricocha and ensure it stays that way for years to come.
Let’s work towards a future where this golden lake is free from waste and able to shine in all its natural glory once again.
If we don’t act now, future generations may never know what a clean Qoricocha looks like