Cotacotani Lakes
Lagunas de Cotacotani
A string of emerald lakes scattered among volcanic lava, with Parinacota volcano as the backdrop, and a classic viewpoint on the Lauca route.
The Lagunas de Cotacotani lie west of Chungará Lake. Formed by volcanic mudflows damming the valleys, a dozen or so small lakes are scattered among black lava. Their colour shifts from emerald to deep blue depending on the light, and Andean geese and llamas are often seen. A viewpoint by the road gives an overview, or you can walk down the slope to the lakeshore. They are usually visited on the same day as Chungará Lake and Parinacota village.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Parinacota
- Payachatas (Parinacota & Pomerape)
- Lake Chungará
- Lauca National Park
- Las Cuevas Viewpoint
- Termas de Jurasi
- Putre
- Socoroma