Which lake is the largest in South America by volume?

Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America by volume.

The lake lies high in the Andes on the border between Peru and Bolivia. Its water volume is commonly estimated at about 893 cubic kilometres, making it South America’s largest lake by volume as well as by surface area. It is divided into larger and smaller basins connected by the narrow Strait of Tiquina.

Titicaca is an ancient lake, and its high-altitude setting gives it several superlatives. At roughly 3,812 metres above sea level, it is often called the world’s highest navigable large lake. More than two dozen rivers flow into it, while the Desaguadero River provides its main natural outlet; evaporation removes most of the remaining water.

A frequent source of confusion is Lake Maracaibo, which has a larger surface area. Maracaibo is hydrologically connected to the Gulf of Venezuela and is often classified as an estuary or semi-enclosed bay. Under the usual lake comparison, Titicaca is the canonical answer.