In Aymara, “moss on the stone”.
The lake is located in the province of Parinacota, Region of Arica and Parinacota, in the extreme Northern part of Chile.
With an altitude of 4.570m above sea level, it is one of the highest lakes in the world. It lies beneath various snowy peaks, among them the twin peaks Payachatas (volcanos Parinacota and Pomerape), the peak of Sajama and the Guallatiri. Sitting peacefully in the middle of the National Park Lauca, the lake gives home to a unique and varied fauna with more than 130 native species, for example flamingos and ducks.
The Lake Chungará is located 192km from Arica and 51km from Putre. It has a surface of 21,5km² and a Depth of no more than 33m. Two rivers form the main inflow: River Chungará and River Sopocalane.
Surrounded by a singular fauna and characterized by the extreme altitude, the Lake Chungará is one of the main attractions within the National Park Lauca. It offers a beautiful landscape and topography for visitors and recreational purposes as well as perfect conditions for nature observation.
The plains and peaks contrast with the shallow waters of the Lake Chungará. This scenic composition facilitates the sighting of different animal species, like alpacas, tarucas, vizcachas, guanacos, vicuñas, pumas, lamas and foxes. Also many birds inhabit the region, for example the Chilean flamingo, the Andean goose, the Andean ostrich, the Puna tinamou, the condor, the giant tagua and the Chilean teal.
The water of the lake is very cold and of turquoise color. It beautifully reflects the snowy peaks of the volcano Chungará.
From the lake, one can visit the village of Parinacota with its picturesque church, which is located only 13km away.