Marichini Lakes

Marichini Lakes (Bulgarian: Маричини езера) are a group of four glacial lakes situated in the eastern part of Rila mountain range of southwestern Bulgaria at an altitude between 2,301 m and 2,508 m. They are situated in the Marichin cirque between the summits of Blizantsite (2,779 m) to the west, Marishki Chal (2,765 m) to the south and Mancho (2,771 m) to the southeast.

The first lake is the highest, situated at an altitude of 2,508 m in a small cirque in the northern foothills of Marishki Chal.

The second lake is located at 300 m to the northeast of the first one at an altitude of 2,374 m. It is the largest and deepest in the group with an area of 2.2 ha, length of 240 m, width of 140 m and depth of 11 m.[1] In its south corner flows a small stream from the first lake and from its north corner flows the Tiha Maritsa.

The vegetation consists mainly of scrubs and meadows, with smaller area of coniferous forests; there are rare and endemic species, including significant populations of Rila primrose (Primula deorum) which is restricted to Rila.

To protect the habitats and the wildlife, the Marichini Lakes Reserve was declared in 1951 with a total area of 1,500 ha.