- Address: Putre, Arica-e-Parinacota, Chile;
- Catchment area: 119 km²;
- Area: 6 km²;
- Height of the surface above sea level: 4,495 m.
The Lauka National Park attracts travel enthusiasts with interesting landscapes and many beautiful places. High-mountain lakes are not uncommon for this unique reserve in northern Chile . One of these reservoirs rests comfortably at the foot of the Parinacota volcano, surrounded by snow-white peaks of the volcanoes Pomerapa, Sahama and Gualatiri. Lake Kotakotani has an area of only 6 square kilometers, but this does not prevent it from being one of the main attractions of the park.
Information about the lake Kotakotani
In translation from the language of the Aymara Indians, "kotakotani" means "a group of lakes". This can be seen already at the entrance to the lake, when from the height of the plateau opens a view of the water surface, variegated with lava islands and islets. The lake is relatively young: it was formed after the change of the riverbed of the Desaguadero River in 1962. This river feeds the lake to this day, but also part of the water enters the lake underground way from the neighboring Lake Chungara , located 4 km to the north-west. The depth of the lake does not exceed several meters. From Kotakotani begins the Lauka River, which carries water to Bolivia, and further to Lake Koipasa.
What to see on the lake?
Water in places has a rich emerald shade, which, in combination with the shores covered by faded vegetation, looks very unusual. A common phenomenon is extensive colonies of birds, for example, the Andes goose, the mountain ibis, the Chilean flamingo. Sometimes the Andean condor will fly overhead. In total around the lake there are about 130 species of animals and birds. Nearby there are swampy areas, the most famous of which is the Bofedal de Parinacota. In the vicinity of Kotakotani there are campsites and equipped areas for stops. The most popular tourist attractions are traditionally fishing, mountaineering and trekking.
How to get there?
To get to the national park of Lauka , you need to fly to Santiago , from there on an internal flight to the north, to Arica . From this city, located 190 km from the lake, daily bus routes are operated. You can get there by sightseeing bus, or on a passenger bus, for example, following the route Arica - La Paz. For convenience, it is better to use the first option or rent a car. The starting point for excursions to the park is a tourist center in the town of Parinacota, about 25 km from Lake Kotakotani, which will provide visitors to the park with answers to all questions of interest.