Lake Chakumiri

Lake Chakumiri
View of the lake with the volcano Pico Humente in the background
Location	Pecario
Type	Lake
Basin countries	Pecario
Max. length	105 mi (169 km)
Max. width	40 mi (64 km)
Surface area	2,000 sq mi (5,200 km2)
Average depth	350 ft (110 m)
Max. depth	381 ft (116 m)
Water volume	205 cu mi (850 km3)
Residence time	1,250 years
Islands	27
Settlements	San Castellino, Alzilejos

Lake Chakumiri, ( Iberic: Lago Chakumiri; Quepec: Chacumiri Gola) is a large freshwater lake in Pecario. Spanning approximately 169kms in length, and 64kms in width, it has a surface area of 5,200km2. It is the largest lake in Pecario and within Mesothalassa.

Name

The Lake Chakumiri derives its name from the Quepec language. In Quepec, "Chaku" refers to the traditional process of fishing, while "Miri" means "to watch" or "to observe". Thus, the name "Chakumiri" can be interpreted as "the place where one observes the fishing hunt".

Overview

It is filled with water from rain runoff and snowmelt. Here and there, on the natural islands, one can see terraced crops, carefully separated by dry stone walls and cactus hedges, as well as villages. The main coastal cities are San Castellino and Alzilejos.

Islands

The most populous islands are Isla Brillante with 2,000 inhabitants, Gapacha with over 2,500 inhabitants and Isla Serena with approximately 2,300 inhabitants. The coastal populations are mostly of Quepec origin.

Legend of Nayarak

According to an ancient Tuachec legend, the lake was the most precious jewel bestowed by the gods of the land and water. During the creation of the world, the gods entrusted the lake to a water goddess named Nayarak, whose beauty rivaled the splendor of the lake itself. Nayarak was the sacred guardian of Chakumiri, watching over its crystalline waters and deep mysteries. She was revered by the inhabitants of the surrounding lands, who believed in her benevolence and protection.

However, on a dark and ominous day, an ambitious prince named Quoya, blinded by his desire for power, decided to seize the lake for his own benefit. He sent his warriors to capture the lake, determined to conquer its riches and mystical power. Sensing the looming danger to her aquatic realm, Nayarak called upon the spirits of the mountains and forests to defend the lake. A terrible battle ensued between the forces of light and Quoya's armies, shaking the very foundations of the earth.

Ultimately, the goddess Nayarak, with the help of the natural elements, triumphed over the invaders and imprisoned Quoya in an underwater dungeon for eternity. Since then, it is said that those who dare defy Nayarak's will are captured and imprisoned forever in the murky waters of the lake.

Gallery

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  View of the lake from the town of San Castellino

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  Panorama of the North of the Lake from Gapacha

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  Ferries and fishing boats in the port of San Castellino

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  Close-up view of a traditional totora reed boat.

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  A view of Lake Chakumiri and Isla Marrón in the background