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Ch'iyar Quta lake, Bolivia
Of condors and contrasts
With its bald top and winglike flanking peaks, the conical mountain in the top left is known as Kunturiri for its resemblance to the Andean condor, or kunturi – a national symbol here in Bolivia and other South American countries. While the condor's feathers are typically slate-grey, the ragged granite of the Cordillera Real is tinged with a rusty brown. Paired with scrubby yellow grasses, the mountains contrast beautifully with the waters of Ch'iyar Quta – whose name translates to 'black lake', despite the intense teal tone it owes to its glacial origin.
Of condors and contrasts
With its bald top and winglike flanking peaks, the conical mountain in the top left is known as Kunturiri for its resemblance to the Andean condor, or kunturi – a national symbol here in Bolivia and other South American countries. While the condor's feathers are typically slate-grey, the ragged granite of the Cordillera Real is tinged with a rusty brown. Paired with scrubby yellow grasses, the mountains contrast beautifully with the waters of Ch'iyar Quta – whose name translates to 'black lake', despite the intense teal tone it owes to its glacial origin.
The mountain in the top left of our photo is noted for its resemblance to a beloved local bird.
© Anton Petrus / Moment / Getty Images 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :