Laguna de Urao, Natural salt lake in Lagunillas, Venezuela
The Laguna de Urao spans 870 meters in length and reaches an average depth of 5 meters within a semi-arid environment.
The Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Xuarez discovered the lake in 1558 during an expedition through the Venezuelan Andes, leading to the settlement of Lagunillas.
Indigenous communities extracted salt rocks from the lake bed to create chimo, a traditional mixture combining pulverized salt with dried tobacco.
The lake contains sodium sesquicarbonate mineral deposits that emerge through underground water sources and sediment accumulation in the region.
The water level and mineral concentration in the lake remain constant throughout the year due to the continuous flow from subterranean springs.
Location: Mérida
GPS coordinates: 8.50428,-71.39967
Latest update: March 29, 2025 00:23
Venezuela contains locations away from standard routes. The Andes contain waterfalls and colonial towns. The coast features remote beaches and islands. Inland areas offer caves, rock art, and nature parks. The region includes rare natural phenomena such as regular lightning storms.
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