Straddling the borders of Chile and Argentina, General Carrera Lake is one of Patagonia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Formed by ancient glaciers and framed by the snow-capped Andes mountain range, the lake covers a total area of 1,850 square km, of which 880 square km are in Chile. And with a maximum depth of almost 600 meters, it’s not only one of the biggest lakes in South America, it’s also one of the deepest.
Once home to the indigenous Aonikek peoples, the lake was known as ‘Chelenko’, which means ‘stormy waters’; an accurate description of the lake which can quickly turn from calm waters to dramatic scenes in Patagonia’s changeable and often stormy weather. And while the lake is extremely remote, it can be reached with relative ease from the local tourist hub of Coyhaique in Chile’s Aysén Region, via the scenic Carretera Austral highway.
The lake is probably best known for its marble rock formations, namely the Marble Chapel, the Marble Cathedral, and the Marble Caves. Over many thousands of years water and wind erosion have carved out these beautifully sculpted formations from the solid marble rock along parts of the lake’s shoreline. Visitors can kayak or boat through these natural monuments on guided tours to see the formations up close, where the constantly changing light reflects off the deep sapphire and turquoise waters to produce dancing patterns on the smooth marble walls.
Along the shores of the lake, visitors can stay in eco-lodges or in one of the nearby towns. You can discover secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, rustic villages and some of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. General Carrera Lake is an ideal destination for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking the wilder side of Patagonia. Adventurous travelers can enjoy hiking, fishing, and scenic road trips, while couples will appreciate the romantic scenery and peaceful atmosphere of the remote landscapes.
How to Get To General Carrera Lake, Chile, South America
Reaching General Carrera Lake for international visitors will take a little planning and a few connecting flights, but the journey through the Chilean Patagonia is one of the highlights of the trip! And as you fly into Chile, over the mountains, you’ll enjoy some amazing views from the plane, so try to get a window seat if you can.
For international visitors, the most convenient gateway to General Carrera Lake is Balmaceda Airport (BBA), located about 55 km from the regional capital of Coyhaique, an ideal place to base yourself during your time in the area. To reach Balmaceda Airport, you’ll first need to fly into Chile’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL), also known simply as Santiago International Airport.
From Santiago International Airport, you’ll need to transfer to a domestic flight which will take you on the last leg of your journey to Balmaceda Airport, in Chile’s Aysén Region. Total flight times to Balmaceda, including your flight to Santiago, en route layovers, and the connecting flight to Balmaceda, typically take about 18 to 24 hours from London, 24 to 30 hours from Singapore, and about 20 to 24 hours from Dubai.
Once you land in Balmaceda Airport, it’s a 45 to 60 minute drive to Coyhaique, the largest town in Chile’s Aysén Region and a great place for tourists to stay. The best thing to do is to take a taxi from Balmaceda Airport to Coyhaiuque. Once you arrive in the town, it has a good selection of accommodation, including hotels, resorts, and lodges, as well as supermarkets, restaurants, bars, tour operators, and car hire companies.
Most visitors chose to base themselves in Coyhaique and then make excursions into the surrounding wilderness – usually with a local guide for safety and convenience. You can take single day trips to regional attractions such as the Marble Caves, glaciers, and hiking trails, or you can join longer, more extensive week-long tours of the region, all departing from in and around Coyhaique.
What’s the Best Time to Visit General Carrera Lake, Chile?
Chile’s Patagonia has a diverse climate that ranges from semi-arid desert and steppe conditions to temperate rainforests and cool, oceanic plains. The weather in Patagonia is famously unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly from day to day, and even from a pleasant sunny morning to a stormy afternoon! Fortunately for visitors, General Carrera Lake has its own micro-climate which is a little warmer than the surrounding region. Even so, it’s pretty chilly, so you’ll need to bring warm clothes and windproof jackets and trousers.
The best time to visit General Carrera Lake is between December and February, during the Patagonian summer. Daytime temperatures during the summer range from about 15 to 25 Degrees Celsius, and the longer daylight hours give you more time to explore than during the short days of the bleak Patagonian winters. The summer in Patagonia provides the ideal conditions for hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing, as well as safe conditions for driving if you decide to hire a car.
A good alternative to the summer, if you want to avoid the modest crowds in summer and grab a few bargains on flights and accommodation, is the spring or autumn shoulder months. The Patagonian spring is between October and November when temperatures range from 8 to 18 Degrees Celsius, while the autumn months of March and April are also a good time to visit.
As a general rule, you’ll probably want to avoid the winter, when temperatures drop below zero, the winds are high, and there’s frequent snowfalls that blanket the region in snow and ice. And while the scenery looks stunning during the winter, unless you’re a seasoned hiker in extreme conditions, it’s probably not a great time to visit.
Overall, the summer is by far the best time to visit General Carrera Lake in Chile. The weather is fantastic for exploring and the tour operators and tourism services are all operating at full capacity.
What’s There To Do at General Carrera Lake, Patagonia, Chile?
Stay at Patagonia House B&B, Coyhaique, Chile
Patagonia House B&B provides guests with a warm, welcoming, and flexible home from home on the outskirts of Coyhaique. Just 7 miles from the town center, it’s close enough to make easy trips into town, while being far enough out of town to enjoy the tranquil setting of rural Patagonia.
Each day starts with a complimentary breakfast, after which the hotel staff are always happy to help you arrange transport and share local insights and sightseeing advice. The B&B has excellent on-site amenities, including free WiFi, free parking, a lovely restaurant, a snack bar, a communal outdoor fireplace and picnic area, a sun terrace, and bicycle hire, as well as easy access to fishing spots on the property.
All the guest rooms are equipped with the modern conveniences, a flatscreen TV, private refrigerator, free bottled water, in-room safe, and daily housekeeping services. There’s also a daily laundry service, a real lifesaver when you’ve just returned from a long hike in the wilderness!
An ideal option for couples, families with children, small group tours and solo travelers, the Patagonia House B&B provides you with the perfect place to use as an HQ while you explore the Chilean Patagonia.
You can find out more about the Patagonia House B&B, and reserve your rooms for your stay, here.
Marble Chapel, Marble Cathedral, and Marble Caves Day Trip from Coyhaique – including Lunch
Departing from Coyhaique, this full day trip to the famous Marble Chapels on the shores of General Carrera Lake showcases one of the region’s most treasured natural features. Starting with a hotel pickup, you’ll be driven down the Cerretara Austral highway to the lake shore, driving through some of the most spectacular scenery in the area, including views of Cerro Castillo and the sweeping wilderness of Patagonia.
Once you reach the lake shore, at Puerto Rio Tranquilo, you’ll board the tour boat which will take you out across the lake to see the marble wonders of General Carrera Lake. When you reach the Marble Chapel, Marble Cathedral, and Marble Caves you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the stunning beauty of the scene. As the waters wash through the marble formations, the light is constantly changing its hues giving the natural spirals on the smooth marble walls an other-worldly feel, almost as though they have come to life in a magical cinematic display.
After exploring the Marble Chapel, Marble Cathedral, and Marble Caves, you’ll be driven back to the shore where you’ll stop for a tasty lunch at a local restaurant in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. You’ll also have some free time to explore the small town, take some photos, explore the shops, and refresh yourself before the drive back to Coyhaique.
At the end of the tour you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel, with plenty of time to relax before your evening meal.
You can find out more about the day trip to the Marble Chapel, Marble Cathedral, and Marble Caves, and book your place on the tour, here.
Coyhaique Sightseeing Tour, including Hotel Pickup
While the Patagonia wilderness tends to grab the headlines, the town of Coyhaique has a lot to offer visitors and the region’s history, which stretches back for thousands of years, is fascinating to learn about. This tour of the town will take you through some of the dramatic landscapes that surround the settlement, as well as diving into the local culture, and even giving you the chance to taste some of the region’s locally made craft beer!
The tour starts with a hotel pickup after which your guide will take you to see the highlights of Coyhaique, including a visit to the Piedra del Indio, an amazing rock formation that is said to resemble the face of an indigenous face. You’ll also visit the Pioneer Square in town, as well as the Shepherd Monument, the bustling Artisan Fair, and the unique Plaza d Armas. To finish off the tour you’ll stop by a local brewery for a tasting session.
This is a great tour for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of Coyhaique, and the wider region, as your bilingual guide will regale you with stories and legends about the town and its peoples.
You can find out more about the sightseeing tour of Coyhaique, and book your tickets, here.
The Best of the Southern Carretera Austral – an Epic 8 Days/7 Nights Guided Tour
This 8 day, 7 night guided tour of the Southern Carretera Austral will take you through the most amazing scenery of the Chilean Patagonia, including stops at all the top attractions and sights. You’ll travel in comfort throughout while your guide explains the culture and heritage of the region, stopping at landmarks and small towns throughout the Aysen Region.
The tour meets up at the Balmaceda Airport – about 45 to 60 minutes drive from Coyhaique – after which you’ll set out along the Carretera Austral highway towards Puerto Rio Tranquilo, passing turquoise lakes, mountain peaks, and the impressive Cerro Castillo.
Each night you’ll stay in pre-arranged accommodation, and all meals are planned for – with plenty of choices on offer to meet the various dietary needs of the guests. Some of the main highlights of the tour include a boat trip to Marble Chapel, Marble Cathedral, and the Marble Caves, a day trip through the Patagonia National Park, visiting Chile Chico and the ‘Pearl of the Lake’, Puerto Guadal, as well as a scenic ferry crossing of the General Carrera Lake itself.
After a whirlwind week of Patagonian adventures and sightseeing, the tour concludes with a city tour of Coyhaique, and a free afternoon for you to browse the shops and pick up any souvenirs you may like.
You can find out more about this fantastic week-long adventure tour of the Chilean Patagonia, and reserve your seats on this popular tour, here.
Spend a Week in the Patagonian Wilderness at the Luxury Mirador de Guadal Lodge
Located on the forested shores of General Carrera Lake, surrounded by 10 hectares of native forest, Mirador de Guadal Lodge is a wonderful base for a week of unforgettable Patagonia adventures. Mirador de Guadal Lodge has excellent facilities, is well appointed with all the modern conveniences, and it arranges a wide selection of tours and activities for its guests. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant serves a delicious menu of international and Chilean cuisine each night for its guests.
And after a day of explorations, you can return to the luxurious comfort of the lodge’s beautifully designed cabins, all of which were built with native Lenga and Coigue hardwoods. There’s standard, superior, and family cabins to choose from, each with several bedrooms, private bathrooms, a spacious living area, a fireplace, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private outdoor terrace with sofas and chairs.
The lodge provides an amazing range of activities for your time in the wilderness, including kayaking, fishing, guided hikes to glaciers and hidden valleys, horseback riding, rafting adventures on the Baker River, and trips to the numerous viewpoints in the area. There’s also great fly fishing, and nature lovers can explore the pristine forests in search of rare flowers and exotic bird life.
So if you’re looking for a hassle free way to experience the best of the Chilean Patagonia, then you can book a week, or more, at the Mirador de Guadal Lodge. Not only will you be staying in the lap of luxury, but there’s so many activities to try you’ll be able to experience the full wonder of the region without having to worry about making detailed plans in advance.
You can find out more about Mirador de Guadal Lodge, and all the activities on offer, and book your cabin in the woods, here.
