Best lake destinations in South America

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South America's lake destinations range from the high-altitude lakes of the Andean plateau and the glacially carved finger lakes of Patagonia to the vast shallow wetland systems of the tropical interior. The continent's most celebrated lakes combine extraordinary natural settings with cultural and ecological significance that rewards engagement well beyond the shoreline, with indigenous communities, endemic wildlife and volcanic landscapes adding depth to destinations of considerable visual drama.

The Andean plateau lakes sit at elevations that produce an intense quality of light and colour unlike any equivalent elsewhere, with reed islands, flamingo colonies and ancient cultural traditions built around waters that have sustained human settlement for millennia. Patagonia's glacial lake districts offer a contrasting experience defined by temperate rainforest, hanging glaciers and the particular stillness of deep water surrounded by peaks of extraordinary scale.

Altitude sickness is a consideration at the continent's highest lake destinations and acclimatisation time is essential before visiting sites above 3,500 metres. Weather in Patagonia is unpredictable and flexible itineraries are more practical than fixed schedules around specific lake destinations. Your money goes a long way across most of the continent making extended lake itineraries practical even when reaching remote Andean and Patagonian sites requires organised transport.