Laguna del Diamante, High-altitude lake in Catamarca Province, Argentina.
The lagoon sits at 4,600 meters elevation within a volcanic caldera, containing water with extremely high alkaline levels and elevated salt concentration.
Scientists discovered in 2010 that flamingos managed to establish colonies at the lake despite its extreme environmental conditions.
The lake serves as a research site for scientists studying microorganisms that survive in conditions similar to early Earth environments.
Access to the lake requires advance preparation and consideration of altitude-related health risks due to low oxygen levels at 4,600 meters.
The water contains arsenic concentrations 20,000 times above EPA safety standards, yet supports specialized microorganisms that flamingos consume.
Location: Catamarca Province
Elevation above the sea: 4,600 m
GPS coordinates: -26.04000,-67.05000
Latest update: March 18, 2025 12:46
Northwest Argentina combines desert areas, wine regions and Andean valleys. The region includes salt flats, geological formations, pre-Columbian sites and traditional mountain villages.
Quebrada de las Conchas
134.1 km
Ruins of Quilmes
111.5 km
Los Cardones National Park
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Campo de Piedra Pómez
83.1 km
Galán
15.3 km
Quebrada de las Flechas
98.3 km
Cerro Blanco
105.6 km
Robledo
105.2 km
Cuevas de Acsibi
126.5 km
Museo Pachamama
128.2 km
Antofalla
98.8 km
Antofagasta de la Sierra
37.4 km
Cerro El Cóndor
146.4 km
Vine and Wine Museum
107.5 km
Parque provincial Cumbres Calchaquíes
150.4 km
Our Lady of Rosary Cathedral, Cafayate
107.4 km
Peinado
124.6 km
Cerro Colorado
133.9 km
Las Parinas
116.5 km
Pucará de La Alumbrera
37.9 km
Archaeological Museum of Cachi
135.8 km
Los Colorados
127.1 km
Museo Rural Comunitario Barranca Larga
110.1 km
Iglesia de San José en Cachi
135.8 km
Areas del Pueblo de Cachi
135.8 km
Museo Arqueológico Pío Pablo Díaz
135.8 km
Iglesia San Pedro Nolasco de los Molinos
101.3 km
Areas del Pueblo de San Carlos
113.4 kmReviews
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