Lake Parinacochas[1][2] (possibly from Aymara parina flamingo,[3][4] Quechua qucha lake, lagoon,[5] "flamingo lake") is a lake in Ayacucho Region in Peru.[2] It is located west of Sara Sara volcano[1][6] at an elevation of 3,272 metres (10,735 ft) above sea level.[7] The lake is 12 km long and 9 km wide,[2] and has a catchment area of 606.5 square kilometres (234 sq mi).[7]
| Lake Parinacochas | |
|---|---|
 Sara Sara volcano rises above Lake Parinacochas | |
  Lake Parinacochas | |
| Location | Ayacucho Region |
| Coordinates | 15°18′S 73°42′W / 15.3°S 73.7°W |
| Catchment area | 606.5 km2 (234.2 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Peru |
| Max. length | 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Max. width | 9 km (5.6 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 3,272 m (10,735 ft) |
Lake Parinacochas is a shallow brackish lake, with some salt pan areas appearing at low water levels.[8]
Inkawasi, a ruined village of Inca origin, lies on the north-western shore of Lake Parinacochas.[9]
Ecology
Flora
The lake is located in a dry puna grassland region. Aquatic vegetation is represented by reeds of Typha sp. and submerged plants of genus Potamogeton.[8]