Conguillío Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conguillío Lake |
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The lake with Sierra Nevada in the background.
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 Conguillío Lake
Location in Chile
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| Location | La Araucanía Region |
| Coordinates | 38°38′S 71°38′W / 38.633°S 71.633°W |
| Primary outflows | Underground outflow |
| Basin countries | Chile |
| Surface area | 7.8 km2 (1,900 acres) |
| Surface elevation | 1,122 m (3,681 ft) above sea level |
Conguillío Lake is a beautiful lake located in the La Araucanía Region of Chile. It is found inside the amazing Conguillío National Park. This special lake was formed in a very unique way. A long time ago, a huge flow of lava from the Llaima volcano blocked the Trufultruful River. This natural dam created the lake we see today.
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Discover Conguillío Lake
Conguillío Lake is known for its stunning natural beauty. The lake's clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains and forests. It is a popular spot for visitors who want to enjoy nature. The lake is a key part of the larger Conguillío National Park.
Where is Conguillío Lake?
Conguillío Lake is located in the southern part of Chile. It is in the La Araucanía Region, which is known for its volcanoes and ancient forests. The lake sits high up, about 1,122 meters (3,681 feet) above sea level. This high elevation makes it a cool and refreshing place to visit.
How Conguillío Lake Was Formed
The formation of Conguillío Lake is a fascinating story involving volcanoes. The Llaima volcano, one of Chile's most active volcanoes, played a big role. Many years ago, a powerful eruption sent a massive stream of lava flowing down the mountain. This lava flow moved across the land and eventually blocked the Trufultruful River. The river's water then began to collect behind this natural lava dam, slowly forming the large lake we see today. This type of lake is called a "lava-dammed lake."
Exploring Conguillío National Park
Conguillío Lake is entirely within Conguillío National Park. This park is famous for its ancient Araucaria trees, also known as monkey puzzle trees. These trees are very old and look like something from prehistoric times. The park is also home to various animals, including pudú (a small deer) and many types of birds. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the unique volcanic landscapes around the lake. The park's name, "Conguillío," comes from the Mapudungun language, meaning "pine nuts in the water," referring to the seeds of the araucaria trees.
Fun Facts About the Lake
- The lake covers an area of about 7.8 square kilometers (3 square miles). That's roughly the size of 1,927 football fields!
- Even though rivers flow into the lake, the water leaves through an underground outflow. This means you won't see a river flowing out of the lake's surface.
- The lake's clear waters are perfect for seeing the reflection of the Sierra Nevada volcano in the background.
