The lake is located in to west of Guayaquil the city, at kilometre 26 of the  Guayaquil - Salinas road. It is an artificial reservoir that receives water from the Chongón and Perdido rivers, which originate in the coastal mountain range. The Chongón River receives water from the Guasmo, Aguas Negras, El Papagayo, Las Piñas and El Balsamo Marshes, before heading out tpwards the Pacific. You will often find sandbanks in the estuary, due to the high levels of sediment that the river carries down from higher altitudes. Corazon and Fragatas islands formed in this way, as is La Isla del Sol.

There is a public use area where activities such as hiking, bike rides, picnics and walking/running trails are availble. There is also a playground. 

Culture, biodiversity and attractions

Although there are no villages within the recreational area, it has always been used and visited by nearby communities to collect firewood and for artisanal fisheries. The reservoir is an artificial ecosystem created less than 30 years and aquatic fauna that exists now comes from the rivers that feed it. You can find fish like the 'old blue' or the bocachico, which is considered good eating. Birdlife is also attracted to the reservoir, particularly waterfowl and migratory birds. More than 70 species are recorded, the most common of which include cormorants, herons, ducks and kingfishers. This recreation area offers a quiet environment good for family-based activities such as hiking, boating, bird watching, picnicking and bike rides.