In Aymara “complex of lagoons”.
The Lagoons of Cotacotani are located in the very North of Chile, within the Chilean Altiplano and close to the village of Putre in the National Park Lauca.
In Aymara, Cotacotani means “complex of lagoons”, and this complex lies only about 4km away from the majestic Lake Chungará. The lagoons are surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Payachatas (volcanos Parinacota and Pomerape) as well as the peak of Sajama and Guallatiri.
Volcanic rocks separate the single lagoons from each other, forming numerous little islands made out of lava that was produced by the circumjacent volcanos. The water that fills the lagoons flows in from the Lake Chungará and the River Desaguadero.
The climate here is relatively dry, with few rains in the summer and snow in the winter. Temperatures range between 20°C during the day and -10°C during the night.
The Lagoons of Cotacotani are located within the National Park Lauca. Their wetlands offer a hábitat to more than 130 different native species, forming one of the beautiful natural wonders in Chile.