Chile: Lauca National Park – Lake Chungara

Laka Chungara is one of highest lakes in the world at an elevation of 4,517 m (14,820 ft). You drive here from the sea level in Arica and the elevation takes a serious toll – you are dizzy, sleepy, puky, and low energy. But it’s worth it – the landscape is surreal with two massive volcanoes looming over the lake’s dark waters – Parinacota (20,827 ft / 6,348 m) and Pomerape (20,413 ft / 6,222 m). Weird flora covers ground and rocks at this altitude and rain turns into hail in mere minutes.