Chungará Lake: a high altitude lake

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The Chungará Lake gets its name from the Aymara phrase chunkara, which means moss on the stone. These people lived and survived long time due to water resources provided by the lake.

With an area of 21, 5 Km2, Lake Chungará, stands out due to the height where it is located, considered one of the highest in the world. In its vicinity are snowy peaks that grace the landscape, among them are the Nevado de Payachatas (means twins in Aymara) composed by the Pomerape and Parinacota volcanoes, in addition to the snow-covered Sajama and Guallatiri
It is located in the XV region of Arica and Parinacota (first region of the Chilean territory from north to south), the lake is part of the tourist attractions of the Province of Parinacota, Commune of Putre in the extreme north of Chile. It is located 54 km from the city of Putre, and 9 km west from the border with Bolivia. The lake is located at a height of 4,570 masl and is part of Lauca National Park, declared World Biosphere Reserve
To fully get to know the attractions of the Chungará Lake it is necessary to spend the night in the town of Putre, from there start the km long trail ending at the lake. As you progress you may familiarize with the fauna present at the place: alpaca, taruca, viscacha, guanacos, vicuna, pumas, llamas and foxes.
Upon reaching the shore of the lake it possible to find partridges, flamingoes, condors, coots, including more than 130 native species that live there
Enjoy a snack on the river, possible because there are two appropriate sites with tables, benches, grills and parking; however it is not possible to camp on the site.