Lake Kotakotani
Chile, Parinacota, Arica, Lauca National Park
Description:
Lake Cotacotani is a high-altitude lake located in Lauca National Park in northern Chile. The lake consists of numerous lakes located on the Andean plateau in Putre commune, Parinakota province. It is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the volcanoes Parinakota, Pomerape, Sahama and Gualjatiri.
Lake Cotacotani lies 4 kilometers northwest of Lake Chungara, from which it receives water in an underground form, but is supplied mainly from the small Desaguadero River. Lake Kotakotani is separated from Lake Chungara by volcanic rocks, and its main characteristic is a large number of lava islets formed by active volcanism of this zone. The area of the lake is 6000 square meters.
Not far from Lake Cotacotani there is a part of the marshy areas, of which the most famous is Bofedal de Parinacota. In the valley of the lake and marshes there are about 130 species of animals and birds, among which there are flamingos and ducks.