Lago Villarrica
| Lago Villarrica | ||
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| View over the Lago Villarrica to the volcano Villarrica | ||
| Geographical location | Chile , Region IX Región de la Araucanía | |
| Tributaries | Río Trancura (drains the Lago Caburgua, among others ) | |
| Drain | Río Toltén | |
| Location close to the shore | Villarrica and Pucón | |
| Data | ||
| Coordinates | 39 ° 15 ′ S , 72 ° 5 ′ W | |
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| surface | 176 km² | |
| Maximum depth | 165 m | |
Lago Villarrica is a large lake in southern Chile .
It is located in Region IX ( Región de la Araucanía ). The lake is located between the towns of Villarrica and Pucón . To the south of the lake is the well-known active volcano Villarrica with a height of 2840 m.
The Lago Villarrica has an area of around 176 km² with a length of 23 km and a maximum depth of 165 m. There are many wonderful beaches by the lake. It is the source of the Toltén River .
To the east of the lake are two national parks , the Villarrica National Park and the Huerquehue National Park .
history
From 1604 to 1881 the area was under the control of the Mapuche . It was not until 1883 that the city of Pucón and then shortly afterwards the city of Villarrica could be founded.
The area has been repeatedly destroyed by the eruptions of the Villarrica volcano. The first recorded eruption was in 1558. In 1575 the town of Villarrica was devastated by a severe earthquake, killing 350 people. Other major eruptions followed in 1640 and 1948. In 1971 there was a mudslide created by melted ice and hot lava . The mudslide destroyed a number of houses, farmland and bridges.
In the very strong earthquake of May 22nd, 1960 , the lake overflowed its banks and destroyed many houses near the shore.
tourism
The lake is ideal for sailing and fishing. Excursions to the national parks and the Villarrica volcano are very popular. There are also thermal springs in the area.
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economy
Tourism, fishing and forestry play an important role in the area.
