Travelers to South America will find a treasure trove of natural beauty in the continent’s lakes. From high waterfalls and ancient rainforests. There are many amazing places to visit in South America, from the well-known lakes of Argentina and Brazil to those hidden gems that you need a good offbeat adventure for.
I have been lucky enough to see most of these destinations on my travels - but there's still quite a few more left on our ever-growing list! Here are some of the most beautiful lakes you shouldn't miss on your next trip down south.
1. Lake Titicaca
So, our list begins with one of the amazing and largest lake in South America which is Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca sits at nearly 4,000 meters altitude straddling the border of Bolivia and Peru. It is also one of South America’s household-name landmarks. The world's highest navigable lake provides a home to enormous schools of fish that are an important food source for many in the area around it (Bolivia).
The lake is not just a natural spectacle but also holds a special place in the region's history as it was once an important focal point of the Inca civilization. On its banks, you can visit two islands and explore archaeological ruins against snowy Andean mountains. A guide to Copacabana town explains how:
Titicaca is one of Bolivia’s top attractions for travelers interested in archaeology and enjoying lakeside views with snow-capped peaks all around them. The island on Isla Del Sol has many ancient relics from when this area was part of the Tihuanaco culture that thrived here thousands of years ago while those who head over to Isla De La Luna will find more well-preserved structures such as tombs.
2. Guatape Reservoir
El Peñón de Guatapé is a famous rock in Colombia that rises high into the sky. The emerald green waters of its reservoir surround it, and visitors can climb 700-odd steps to get an impressive view from up there. It's located only 80 kilometers away from Medellin so taking a day trip out there would be perfect!
It's possible to climb the 700-odd steps up the rock for a view out across impressive man-made waterways at this natural landmark!
3. Nahuel Huapi
The mother of lakes in Argentina’s Lake District, Nahuel Huapi stretches over 500 square kilometers. It is surrounded by postcard scenes and Valdivian rainforest. The pretty city San Carlos de Bariloche sits on the lake's southern shore to serve as a launchpad for exploring both the lake and national park – which share its name - with hiking up Cerro Campanario or taking a chairlift 1,000 meters above from where you can get an amazing view of it all below.
4. Laguna Colorada
The lagoon is a popular destination for tourists and provides the perfect setting to see flamingoes. The bright pink birds swim in this red-hued lake, which can be found close to Bolivia's salt flats.
The rich-red Laguna Colorada looks almost like a giant pool of blood in the Bolivian mountains. Located near the famous Salar De Uyuni, visits are often included on tours there.
This natural habitat hosts flocks of iconic pink flamingos bathing or splashing around with their long necks sticking out over its surface.
5. Laguna Tebinquiche
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest place on Earth outside Antarctica, but it still features some alluring water masses. One such body of water lies 40 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama: Tebinquiche Lagoon. The turquoise waters here look inviting at first glance and contain so much salt that you can float freely atop them as if afloat an inner tube.
6. Lago Argentino
Another largest lake in South America is Lago Argentino. Lago Argentino is the largest freshwater lake in Argentina. It's located between Patagonian Steppe and South Patagonian Ice Field, with Lomo de la Costa mountain range on its eastern side while Perito Moreno Glacier stretches out to the west of it.
To get an up-close view of the glacier, you can visit El Calafate city where there are plenty options for excursions available including tours that take visitors right onto this massive ice sheet!
7. Lake Pehoe
The much-celebrated W Trek multi-day trail begins and ends at opposite ends of Lake Pehoé. On the ferry between Pudeto and Paine Grande you get the full view of Los Cuernos, a mountain ridge in Torres del Paine National Park, from across its waters.
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8. Lake Villarrica
Don’t ever forget to take on a trip to Pucón. It's about 750 kilometers from Santiago, so it would be the perfect stop on your way south towards Patagonia if you are traveling by car or bus. We have heard that there is great adventure sports available at Lake Villarrica which has gained renown as being one of Chile’s most recognizable landmarks since its white-doused conical volcano rises high above it.
The vast water of this largest lake in South America provides the perfect playground for aquatic skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. The strong breeze makes it easy to row and fish in these calm waters under the watchful eye of Mount Kilauea.
Conclusion
So, you have got to know about the largest lakes in South America. And we are pretty sure you will be planning your next trip to visit these magnificent lakes. What other amazing lakes do you know, share with us in the comments section.
