Chungará Lake

Chungará Lake is a high-altitude lake in Chile’s Arica y Parinacota Region within Lauca National Park. The lake lies at roughly 4,500 metres above sea level and is noted for its clear water, Andean wildlife, and views of nearby volcanic cones.

Broad shallows and reed-fringed margins support waterbirds such as flamingos and provide grazing areas for vicuñas and other high-Andean mammals. The lakeshore offers classic photo views of the twin volcanic peaks Parinacota and Pomerape that rise directly above the basin.

The lake and surrounding landscapes have been part of Chile’s protected-area network and are managed for conservation and regulated tourism. The area is important for indigenous use, grazing, and as a refuge for high-altitude wildlife.

Chungará Lake lies in northern Chile near the Andean border with Bolivia, inside Lauca National Park and relatively close to the small highland towns and access roads that serve the park.

• Altitude: Sits at high elevation, roughly 4,500 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes globally and a location where altitude affects visitors.
• Protection: Located inside Lauca National Park, the area is protected for its wildlife and high-Andean ecosystems.

What to See#

• Wetlands and shores: Shallow wetlands and reed beds at the lake margins that provide habitat for resident and migratory bird species.
• Volcanic backdrop: The lake sits beneath the volcanic cone of Parinacota and offers classic views of the high volcanic peaks across the water.

Chungará Lake (Laguna Chungará) lies in Lauca National Park in northern Chile near the village of Putre, at high altitude close to the Bolivian border. Most visitors drive from Arica along Route 11 east to Putre and then continue to the park; organized day tours from Arica to Lauca/Chungará are common.

By road the drive from Arica to Putre takes a few hours depending on stops and conditions; from Putre the lake is reached by a short additional drive on local park roads. Note the lake sits at very high elevation, so allow time to acclimatize.

• Allow time to acclimatize before spending long periods at Lago Chungará-the lake sits at very high altitude (around 4,500 m), so short excursions and slow movement reduce risk of altitude illness.
• Access the lake from Putre via Route 11 and enter Lauca National Park; check park opening status, road conditions and any entrance fees before you go, especially in shoulder seasons.
• Plan an early-morning visit for clearer skies and calmer winds-afternoons on the altiplano are often windier and can reduce visibility of the surrounding volcanoes and wildlife.