At an altitude of 3,700 meters, in the foothills of the Arica and Parinacota region, there is a mysterious blood-red lagoon that, in addition to being visually impressive, fascinates with the myths and legends it has inspired in the local culture.
According to the locals, centuries ago, an Aymara community settled on the banks of the spring, not knowing that its owner was the devil himself, who, as a warning, had given it a slight red color to keep away anyone who discovered it. . The inhabitants ignored the threat, drank from its waters and died for it. That is how they contributed to the red blood that the lagoon has today.
Like this legend, there are others, and the same happens with scientific explanations. There have not been many studies on the subject; therefore, there is still no conclusive explanation, although it is believed that some sediment and certain types of algae give this unique color to this body of water. What is proven is that it is a therma whose temperature ranges from 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.
It is impressive, but despite this, this wonder of the municipality of Camarones, located 200 km from Iquique, is so unknown that many maps do not even appear, and that SERNATUR did not register it until 2009. Not even, or his sisters.
Because the red lagoon is not alone, near it are the green and yellow lagoons, which make this place even more mystical. In addition, on the way from Iquique, it is possible to delve further into the Aymara culture by visiting towns such as the Camiña and observing the petroglyphs of Chillayza.
Had you ever heard of her?