Lagoon of San Rafael
Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales
In Patagonia is located the second largest lake in South America, the "Chelenko", named for the Tehuelches, native inhabitants of this sector, known as General Carrera Lake. Throughout 978.12 kms.² of surface a paradisiacal landscape extends, in which, in addition to the predominance of the green color, both in the water and in the vegetation, it is possible to appreciate the peaks of Monte San Valentín and Monte San Lorenzo, covered with glaciers. It is the largest lake in Chile, it has 200 kms. long, is 350 meters. of altitude and has a maximum depth of 590 meters. As for its flora, forests of lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) and coihue (Nothofagus dombeyii) cover the steep slopes of its north and west shore, while on the opposite shore a drier climate has only allowed the development of low vegetation. The magnitude of the lake has given rise to a microclimate with plenty of sun, pleasant temperatures and a level of rainfall much lower than the rest of the region.
The General Carrera Lake flows into Lake Bertrand, from where the Baker River, the largest in Chile, flows for 200 km. towards the south-west, to finally go out to sea. In its delta is the town of Tortel. This river offers numerous rapids suitable for descents in raft and is navigable for smaller boats a few kilometers before its mouth in Caleta Tortel. Lake Bertrand and the Baker River are currently considered a Zone of National Tourist Interest (ZOIT).
The General Carrera Lake flows into Lake Bertrand, from where the Baker River, the largest in Chile, flows for 200 km. towards the south-west, to finally go out to sea. In its delta is the town of Tortel. This river offers numerous rapids suitable for descents in raft and is navigable for smaller boats a few kilometers before its mouth in Caleta Tortel. Lake Bertrand and the Baker River are currently considered a Zone of National Tourist Interest (ZOIT).
But, the General Carrera Lake not only offers this type of tourist attractions, but also in its vicinity, to the east of the southern Andes, rock art manifestations, which make up the so-called "Patagonian Art Style", the oldest in America. from the south. Its best-known representations are those of hands, the scenes of guanacos and the frets that, although poorly conserved, reach even some eaves of the pampas region that extends north of the Strait of Magellan. Due to Patagonia's isolation from cultural currents, the basic characteristics of the style remained unchanged for millennia. All this set makes Lake General Carrera and the Baker River one of the favorite places for tourists when visiting Patagonia.
Attractions
An exceptional flora and fauna and a wide variety of sports activities make Lake General Carrera and the Baker River an obligatory tourist attraction for visitors to Chilean Patagonia. Also in it you can find an attractive variety of typical crafts.
Activities
You can perform various sports activities, according to the needs of each tourist. These include horseback riding, cycle tourism, fly fishing, rowing, sailing, picnic, rafting, kayaking, flora and fauna contemplation, photography, trekking, sailing and high mountain.
Information of interest
1When to go
It is possible to visit the General Carrera Lake and the Baker River throughout the year, due to the microclimate that occurs here, allowing a visit that is not exposed to the rigors of time.
2Location
It is located in the Eleventh Region of Aysén, located 112 kms. to the southwest of Chile Chico and 290 kms. south of the city of Coyhaique.
3How to get
It is possible to do it in two ways: The air, from Coyhaique (Teniente Vidal aerodrome and Balmaceda airport), to the airfields with asphalted roads of Chile Chico and Cochrane. This section lasts approximately 2.5 hours of flight. Other tracks in the area, of minor importance, are those of Bahía Murta and Puerto Sánchez. From Cochrane to Tortel, the flight time is 30 minutes and it is landed on a granular track. The land route is from Coyhaique to Puerto Ibáñez, where they stretch 116 kms. of gravel and asphalt. Towards Murta, Puerto Tranquilo, Puerto Bertrand and Cochrane (including the latter) there are 345 kms. of gravel road and asphalt. In as much of Cochrane to Tortel there are 128 kms. of stabilized gravel road. Even Chile Chico can be accessed from Coyhaique coming from Argentina.
4Weather
In the XI Region there is a cold climate, with an annual average temperature of 9 C. The precipitations are abundant throughout the year, with an average of 600 mm. to 4,000 mm. annual However, as we mentioned before, the General Carrera Lake produces a microclimate with pleasant temperatures and low rainfall.
5Services
All kinds of accommodation, food and transportation needs can be met.
6Surroundings
Caleta Tortel, Bahía Exploradores, Cerro Castillo, Las Manos Cave, Bertrand Lake, Cochrane Lake, Lake Leones, Mount San Lorenzo, Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Cerro Castillo National Reserve, Tamango National Reserve, Baker River, Nature Sanctuary Marble Chapel, Jorge Montt Ventisquero, Lions Ventisquero and Soler Ventisquero.
Destinations
General Carrera Lake
Cerro Castillo National Reserve
Sanctuary of Nature Chapel of Marble
Tamango National Reserve
Baker River
Porth Path
Porth Tranquilo Way - Explorers Bay
Lake Bertrand
Cochrane Lake
Bernardo Ohiggins National Park
