Laguna del Negro Francisco is a remote high-altitude lake nestled in the Atacama Region of Chile, situated approximately 200 kilometres northeast of the city of Copiapó in the high cordillera. Resting at an elevation of roughly 4,125 metres (13,533 feet) above sea level, this striking body of water spans approximately 10 kilometres in length and 4 kilometres in width, covering a surface area of about 20.7 square kilometres. Despite its impressive footprint, the lake is remarkably shallow, averaging only about 1 metre in depth throughout. A distinctive peninsula — believed to have originated as a glacial moraine and later shaped by wind-driven sand accumulation — divides the lake into two halves: a north-northwesterly section and a south-southeasterly section, each exhibiting notably different water color and chemical composition. The surrounding landscape offers dramatic views of the Copiapó Volcano, which rises to 6,052 metres and sits approximately 25 kilometres from the lake, along with sweeping vistas of the broader Andean cordillera. A CONAF (National Forest Corporation) building is located near the southwestern shore, and the area is widely regarded for its exceptional scenic beauty. A colony of pink flamingos inhabits the lagoon, adding to the extraordinary wildlife experience of this high-altitude desert environment.