Laguna del Laja National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laguna del Laja National Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Antuco volcano
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| Location | Bío Bío Region, Chile |
| Nearest city | Los Ángeles |
| Area | 119 km2 |
| Established | 1958 |
| Visitors | 48,837 (in 2012) |
| Governing body | Corporación Nacional Forestal |
Laguna del Laja National Park is a special protected area in Chile. It is located high up in the Andes mountains. This beautiful park is known for its amazing landscapes, including volcanoes, tall peaks, and a large lake. It sits between 37°22’ and 37°28’ south latitude and 71°16’ and 71°26’ west longitude.
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Exploring the Park's Landscape
Laguna del Laja National Park offers stunning mountain views. Its main attractions are the Antuco Volcano, the towering Sierra Velluda, and the large Laguna del Laja (Laja Lake). The park gets its name from this lake, even though the lake only borders the park.
The park's elevation changes a lot. It goes from 976 meters (about 3,200 feet) up to 3,585 meters (about 11,760 feet) at Sierra Velluda. Even in Chile’s summer, the two major peaks of Sierra Velluda are covered in snow. Antuco volcano also has some snow on its top.
This rugged region has sharp ridges and deep valleys. Some areas are bare rock, while others have lush green plants. Another peak in the park, called Cerro Cóndor, is 1,668 meters (about 5,470 feet) tall.
The park is part of the Bío Bío River area. Some small streams that flow into the Laja River start inside the park.
Amazing Wildlife and Plants
The park is located in an area known as the Valdivian temperate forests. This type of forest is found in parts of Chile and Argentina. It is known for its cool, wet climate and unique trees.
Laguna del Laja National Park is home to many different animals. You might spot a cougar, which is a large wild cat. There are also different types of foxes, like the chilla and the culpeo. Scientists have found 47 different kinds of birds living in the park.
The park also protects some rare and endangered plants. These include the ciprés de la cordillera, a type of cypress tree. You can also find the araucaria tree, which has unique umbrella-shaped branches. Other special plants are maitén del Chubut and radal enano.
Fun Activities in the Park
There are many exciting things to do inside Laguna del Laja National Park and in the areas nearby. You can go climbing up the mountains or enjoy trekking on the park's trails.
During winter, skiing is a popular activity. If you enjoy fishing, you can also try your luck in some of the park's waters.
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One of the park's waterfalls
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A beautiful view inside the park
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Ice caves formed at the foot of the Sierra Velluda in summer.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Laguna del Laja para niños
