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Peru's
geography is reflected in its thousands of lakes and lagoons,
which,according to the environment, feature their own particular
characteristics.
The inter-Andean lakes are usually of tectonic or glacial
origins. One superb tectonic lake is that of Lake Titicaca,
which thousands of years ago formed a vast inland sea together
with the lakes of Arapa and Yapupampa. Tectonic lakes often
teem with life forms. Lake Parinacochas, in the department
of Ayacucho, is famous for the pink flamingoes which thrive
there, while Junín is home to Lake Paca and Lake Junín,
in addition to the picturesque towns steeped in history. The
most stunning of them all are the Llanganuco Lakes in the
department of Ancash, which split the imposing peaks of Mount
Huascarán and Huandoy.
The waters of the jungle lagoons in the Amazon are dark due
to the amount of life forms and high temperatures. Many of
these jungle lakes have formed in riverbeds and are fed by
rainfall. The largest of them is Rimachi, a surprisingly lovely
lake featuring floating islands and treetrunks which shift
during the day. The only tectonic lake in the jungle is that
of Sauce, in the department of San Martín, which exposes
fertile land for local farmers when waters recede.
Peru's waters also boast medicinal properties. The seven lakes
at Las Huaringas ("sacred lakes" in the Quechua
language) have been used since pre-Hispanic times for magical
and healing ceremonies. Peru, after all, has been blessed
with hot springs and mineral baths which are visited with
fervor by the local population. The most famous of Peru's
hot springs are the Inca Baths in Cajamarca, in the northern
Andes, where temperatures can reach 74°C. The hottest
springs, however, are found in Tacna to the south, which the
local townspeople have dubbed Caliente (Hot) as it can reach
a temperature of 98°C. |
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