Cotacotani LakeCotacotani Lake at a Glance
About Cotacotani Lake
Cotacotani Lake is a cluster of small high‑altitude lakes and wetlands in Chile’s Arica y Parinacota Region on the Andean altiplano. It is a notable water system in the high Andes near the larger lacustrine systems of the area.
The site offers scenic shallow lagoons, reed beds and open water that attract Andean waterbirds and other altiplanic wildlife. The mosaic of ponds and marshes provides photographers and birdwatchers with close encounters and reflected views of nearby volcanic peaks.
The lake system is the result of volcanic and glacial processes that shaped the altiplano hydrology, creating interconnected ponds and channels rather than a single deep lake. Human use has been limited by the remote, high‑altitude environment.
Cotacotani sits on the northern Chilean altiplano near the Parinacota volcano and the larger Chungará area, within the Arica y Parinacota administrative region. The landscape is open, high plain framed by steep volcanic cones.
- Setting: Sits on the high Andean altiplano and is visible in views together with the neighbouring Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes.
- Wildlife: Important wetland habitat for Andean waterbirds and native high‑altitude flora.
Best Time to Visit Cotacotani Lake
High-altitude lake - best during the local dry season (May-October) for road access and clearer skies; take time to acclimatize.
Weather & Climate near Cotacotani Lake
Cotacotani Lake's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -11°C to 13°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -2° - 13° | 3° | 106 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -1° - 12° | 3° | 81 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 12° | 3° | 70 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -5° - 12° | 1° | 3 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -8° - 11° | -2° | 0 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -11° - 9° | -5° | 1 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -11° - 8° | -5° | 1 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -10° - 9° | -4° | 0 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -7° - 11° | -2° | 4 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -6° - 12° | 0° | 5 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -4° - 13° | 2° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 13° | 3° | 50 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Cotacotani Lake
Cotacotani Lake is in Chile’s Arica y Parinacota Region, accessible by road from the town of Putre. Putre is reachable by bus from Arica; from Putre local roads and guided tours reach the high plateau and lagoon systems. High-altitude travel requires appropriate acclimatization and local guidance.
Tips for Visiting Cotacotani Lake
- Plan for altitude: Cotacotani Lake sits above 4,000 m - allow time to acclimatize and watch for symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
- Bring warm layers and a windproof jacket; temperatures drop sharply after sunset even in the dry season.
- Combine the lake visit with nearby volcanic and highland scenery; the area rewards a slow day of photography and short hikes.