Chile's Red Lagoon

In the town of Camina, in northern Chile, 147 km from the city of Iquique, and approximately 3,700 meters above sea level, a Red Lagoon. The waters of the lagoon are so intense red that it seems like ink or blood. The lake was known to locals, but unknown even to the National Service of Tourism until 2009. According to experts, the lagoon’s colour is a result of different species of algae living in its depths. 

This area has historically been populated by the Aymara culture and ancient civilization, who have managed to preserve the secrets and legends of its land, and which have just recently been revealed. Like the mysterious curses that have been associated with Egyptian tombs, this red pool is possesses by a curse that affects those who approach its red waters. That's why nobody knows where it is exactly and it does not appear on maps. The disappearance of thousands of Aymaras is also attributed to this lake because they drank from its waters.

Photos credit to Vladimir Prieto on Flickr

via AmusingPlanet

You can find Red Tides and Algae Blooms here