The Chungará Lake is a lake in the province of Parinacota, Region Parinacota and Arica, in northern Chile. It is one of the highest lakes in the world with 4570 meters altitude. He is surrounded by several snow-capped peaks, like the two sibling volcanoes Payachatas consisting of the volcano Parinacota and the volcano Pomerape, and also surrounded by other volcanoes like Sajama and Guallatiri.
Since it is placed in Lauca National Par, the place he belongs administratively to is Putre. It is located about 54 km east of Putre and 9 km west of the international border with Bolivia.
In the area there are a number of wetlands and ponds as the lagoon Cotacotani. In this area are also living a variety of birds such as the rhea, or Suri, Partridge, Puna, Chilean flamingo, Guallata, Yeco, giant coots, ducks, condor and many other smaller species. Mammals that live here are guanacos, vicuna and llamas, alpacas, Tarucas, cougars, foxes and vizcachas.
The lake water is very cold, so you can only take a very quick dip. Its water is turquoise and reflects the volcano Chungará.
From Lake Chungará you can visit the village Parinacota, which is 13 km away and where a beautiful church can be visited.
