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South America is a continent of great natural beauty that has a large number of exceptional lakes with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. With history, leisure and natural splendour in conjunction, these lakes extend from expansive saline basins in the Andes to high altitudes from where water would flow. These famous lakes in South America make for great escapes from a busy daily schedule, whether you are a resident or an intrepid traveller.
Top 10 Lakes In South America
Here is a list of the most stunning lakes in South America including Lake Titicaca, Laguna Colorada, and General Carrera Lake.
1. Lake Titicaca
Photo: Jeison Higuita / Unsplash
Largely because it is the highest navigable lake in the world, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is approximately 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) high. Having an area of around 8,372 square kilometres (3,232 square miles), it is the largest lake in South America, water-wise. They came to Mexico hoping that the lake would provide them with life and that it was a cradle for ancient civilisations, just like the Incas. Visitors can travel to the floating Uros Islands, constructed entirely from reeds, and the Isla del Sol, which is believed to be the birthplace of the Incan sun god.
Location: Border of Peru and Bolivia
Activities: Visiting the floating Uros Islands, exploring Isla del Sol, engaging with local communities, and enjoying boat rides
2. General Carrera Lake (Lake Buenos Aires)
Photo: Jorge Morales Piderit / Wikimedia Commons
This extensive body of water that straddles the Chilean and Argentine borders — which covers approximately 1,850 square kilometres (710 square miles) and is thus the third largest lake in South America — is known as General Carrera Lake in Chile and Lake Buenos Aires in Argentina. The lake is tucked inside the Andes mountain range and is known for its turquoise waters and the mesmerising Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) – natural formations shaped by the action of waves over centuries.
Location: Spanning the border between Chile and Argentina
Activities: Exploring the Marble Caves by boat or kayak, fishing in the pristine waters, and hiking in the surrounding Patagonian terrain
3. Lake Argentino
Photo: julian urrutia / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Lake Argentino (Spanish Latin: lago argentino) is located in the heart of Patagonia, Argentina and is the largest freshwater lake in the country, measuring 1,415 square kilometres. The lake is a gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier and its particular status in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lake’s glaring blue tones and enormous ice formations create a surreal and magical valley.
Location: Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Activities: Embarking on boat tours to the Perito Moreno Glacier, hiking trails within Los Glaciares National Park, and observing native wildlife
4. Mar Chiquita
Photo: kvn.jns / Wikimedia Commons
Mar Chiquita is the largest salt lake in central Argentina, occupying the largest endorheic (closed basin) salt lake region in South America. During austral summer, the lake area is approximately 2,000 sq. km and ranges up to 6,000 sq. km in austral winter. It is one of the largest saline lakes in South America and acts as a critical habitat for many species of birds, including large populations of flamingos. With its high salinity levels and fluctuating water levels, the high salinity puncture ecosystem supports a wide range of flora and fauna.
Location: Córdoba Province, Argentina.
Activities: Observing flamingos, migratory birds and the surrounding wetlands
5. Lake Nahuel Huapi
Photo: Fernando / Wikimedia Commons
Located within Argentina’s Lake District, Lake Nahuel Huapi covers approximately 530 square kilometres in area and is known for its crystal clear water and surrounding snow-capped mountains. A part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the oldest national park in Argentina, the lake is also very popular for relaxation and adventure. Parallelly, the neighbouring city of San Carlos de Bariloche offers a charming alpine atmosphere, with great architecture of type Swiss and known chocolate shops.
Location: Río Negro Province, Argentina
Activities: Water sports such as kayaking and sailing, hiking through lush forests, skiing in the winter months, and exploring the vibrant town of Bariloche
6. Lake Maracaibo
Photo: Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Maracaibo is situated in northwestern Venezuela; its area, according to the consensus of experts, is 13,210 square kilometres. Thus, it is often referred to as the largest lake in South America. It is directly connected to the Gulf of Venezuela and is used as a vital transportation route with the natural phenomenon of the Catatumbo lightning, which is made of spectacular lightning storms that appear over the lake, lighting the night sky. Catatumbo lightning is a type of atmospheric phenomenon that takes place along the Catatumbo River, which enters the lake, generating flashes of lightning up to 280 times an hour (28 lightning strikes per minute).
Location: Zulia State, Venezuela
Activities: Boat tours to witness the lightning phenomenon, visit the city of Maracaibo, and experience the local culture
7. Lake Viedma
Photo: Liam Quinn / Wikimedia Commons
At about 1,088 square kilometres, Lake Viedma straddles the border with Chile, and though it is one of the largest lakes in South America, it is best known for a catastrophic volcanic disaster. Surrounded by rugged Patagonian landscapes fed by the Viedma Glacier, its striking blue waters are a serene environment for visitors and are fed by the Viedma Glacier. The largest glacier in Argentina is the Viedma Glacier, which empties directly into the lake from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Location: Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, and Magallanes Region, Chile
Activities: Boat tours to the Viedma Glacier, trekking in the surrounding national parks, and capturing the stunning scenery through photography
8. O’Higgins/San Martín Lake
Photo: Roberto Araya Barckhahn / Wikimedia Commons
This lake is known as O’Higgins in Chile and San Martín in Argentina and has a surface area of about 1,013 square kilometres. Being famous for its deep blue waters and the surrounding Andean mountains makes it a beautiful or even picturesque destination for nature lovers. At its maximum depth, the lake measures around 836 meters deep, one of the deepest in the Americas.
Location: Aysén Region, Chile, and Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Activities: Fishing for trout and salmon, embarking on boat excursions, and exploring nearby hiking trails
9. Lake Poopó
Photo: olivier hodac / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Poopó happened to exist in Bolivia, some 1,000 square kilometres in area and was the country’s second-largest lake in South America. Nevertheless, the lake has been reduced in size over the recent years because of climatic changes and water diversion. It is nevertheless an important site for understanding environmental change in the region, despite this. The desiccation of the lake has had major impacts on local biodiversity and livelihoods, providing a powerful example of the vulnerability of the environment.
Location: Oruro Department, Bolivia
Activities: Observing migratory bird species and studying the ecological impacts of climate change
10. Lake Fagnano (Cami Lake)
Photo: Diego Alarcon / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Fagnano, also known as Cami Lake, has an area of about 645 square kilometres extending across the border of Argentina and Chile in Tierra del Fuego. The lake sits inside the deep valley of a glacier, making for beautiful scenery around the mountains and forests. It is geologically unique and is of interest to geologists as well as nature enthusiasts.
Location: Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina, and Magallanes Region, Chile
Activities: Fishing for trout, exploring nearby hiking trails, and enjoying the tranquil natural surroundings
One of the many reasons South America is so beautiful is that the lakes are another indication of the diversity of South America’s landscapes. Lakes in South America provide an experience that blends history, ecology, and adventure from the culturally rich shore of Lake Titicaca to the glacial gloriousness of Lake Argentino. From the thrill of exploration to the peace of nature’s embrace, these prominent lakes offer the perfect place for an unforgettable journey.
Cover Photo: WILLIAN REIS / Unsplash
