- Address: Laguna de Limpiopungu, Cotopaxi National Park, Pichincha, Ecuador;
- Height: 3800 meters above sea level;
- It was formed: 2000 years ago.
In the national park of Cotopaxi, there are incredibly many places that are worth visiting and capturing in photos. These places include Lake Limpiopungo with its charming scenery and a view of the greatest mountain peaks of Ecuador .
History
High-altitude lake Limpiopungo was formed at an altitude of 3800 m due to the melting of glaciers. It happened a long time ago, about 2000 years ago. The lake was quite full, it was full of fish, which provided food for the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. But since the agriculture began to develop in the region, and the local people began to take water for irrigation of the fields, the lake has considerably grown shallow. To date, there is very little water in it, the state is doing everything possible to prevent the complete disappearance of the unique natural monument.
What to see in the vicinity of the lake?
Limpiopungo is located in the central part of the mountainous Ecuador. It is famous for the amazing panorama of the Alley of Volcanoes from its shores: in clear weather, it seems that the tops of Cotopaxi , Sincholagua and Ruminyavi are at arm's length. This circumstance determines the good attendance of the lake at any time of the year. Despite the considerable height, the lake is densely populated. Along the lake leading to the lake, herds of llamas and deer graze, almost flocks of rabbits, the most numerous inhabitants of these places, flock to the feet. On the lake there are gulls and ducks, coots, and very rare species of birds, such as the white-backed ibis - the number of these birds hardly exceeds a hundred. In total, there are about 24 species of birds. The climate is not very soft, at night the temperature reaches zero, during the day it is often cool and windy. Nevertheless, under such climatic conditions, more than 200 plants grow, many of which have medicinal properties. Everywhere on the shores there are bog rosemary and shrubs. Around the lake is organized a trail, which is maintained in good condition and equipped with a viewing platform. In order to completely bypass the lake, one and a half hours is enough.
How to get there?
Lake Limpiopungo is located 30 kilometers south of Quito , about the same distance separates it from the large city of Lakatunga , the center of the province of Cotopaxi. You can get to the lake from any city by car in less than an hour. The lake is actually located at the foot of two volcanoes - Cotopaxi and Ruminyavi.
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