Sometimes we think we've already explored our planet to its full, and there must be no secret spots left to be discovered, but this very red lagoon testifies the opposite. Set high in Chilean Andes at nearly 3,700 m above the sea level in extremely remote Camarones area near Camiña, this lagoon was unknown to the Chilean Tourism Office until 2009, when it became a local tourist attraction.
Even though it has become known to public relatively recently, the lake has already gained quite an interesting reputation. The legend says the red lagoon or red sea, as locals refer to it, belongs to the devil himself. Alleged reports of mysterious deaths and disappearances along the coast, and also of those who took some water from the lake, serve as the evidence. Wildlife also stays away from the area, which obviously means something. Most likely it's because of quite hot water, temperatures hitting some 50°C.
Provided we discarded all the superstitions, the lake still remains blood-red, and so do the nearby streams. If you dip your feet into the weird-coloured liquid, you'll leave rather creepy red footsteps.
Biologists suppose that color is caused by algae living on the bottom of the lake. By the way, the depth of the Red Lagoon is yet to be discovered. Despite all the conducted studies, the natural site continues to be quite a mystery.
Since 2009, several tourist agencies have been offering tours to this mystic destination. The access to the area opens from Camiña. Outside of summertime, Andean Mountains see cold weather, nights are particularly freezing. Snow and ice could also hinder the way. Therefore, it's recommended to visit the area during hiking season—between late November and late March.
Practical info
When is the ideal time to visit Laguna Roja in Chile?
Laguna Roja is located in the Andean Mountains and the best time to visit this natural site is between November and March. This is recommended for hiking when the weather is ideal, unlike summertime when it's freezing at night, and snow and ice can hinder progress. This makes the hike more challenging. Thus the perfect season to visit Laguna Roja in Chile is between the stipulated period. Show more
Where is the red-colored Laguna Roja found?
Laguna Roja is located in the remote area of Camarones near Camiña in the Chilean Andes. Getting to this natural attraction is quite challenging since access to the area opens from Camiña, and it requires a hike to reach the lagoon. However, despite its remoteness, the red-colored lagoon has emerged as a favorite tourist district in the region. Show more
How did the red-colored Laguna Roja come by its name?
Legend has it that the lagoon got its name, Devil's Lagoon, as it belongs to the devil. Here, there have been reports of deaths and disappearances of visitors who take the water from the lake. The area sees no wildlife, including birds and other animals, due to the high water temperature that can reach 50°C. Though the red color of the lake is thought to be algae, the legend has significantly contributed to its popularity. Show more
What is the currently known depth of the Laguna Roja?
Despite all the conducted surveys, researches have not been able to know the exact depth of Laguna Roja. Therefore, the site remains shrouded in mystery. Studies have suggested that the red color of the lake is due to algae living on the lake's bed, adding to the natural beauty of the site. For visitors who are interested in the depth of the lake, it size continues to be a subject of curiosity. Show more
What time of year is the best for hiking in the Andean Mountains?
The ideal time for hiking in the Andean Mountains is between November and March since the weather is conducive at this time. At other times, the weather may be too cold, and hiking becomes very challenging. Apart from the weather conditions, snow, and ice could make it difficult to reach Laguna Roja in particular. Therefore, it is always advisable to visit during the recommended time to avoid any inconvenience. Show more
