El Junco Lagoon is one of the most distinctive locations in the Galapagos Islands; it is the only permanent freshwater lake in the archipelago which formed when an extinct volcano crater collapsed and was filled with rain from the abundant highland. The lake boasts 360,000 cubic meters of water and its mysterious mist-shrouded views are a treat for visitors. This unique location is popular among bird-watchers; frigate birds can be observed swooping down to clean salt from their wings and other species such as white-cheeked pintail ducks, cattle egrets and pied-billed grebes inhabit the lake. Nature lovers also enjoy exploring the lush vegetation that the lake's cooler temperatures provide, and snapping photos of the exceptional panoramic view of El Junco provided at the main viewpoint. This lake is usually part of the Highlands Tour (Tour Parte Alta) that also takes you to the Giant Tortoise Reserve and to the Puerto Chino Beach.