Lago General Carrera

Lago General Carrera Review

It takes a 280-km (174-mi) drive from Coyhaique along the rutted, unpaved Carretera Austral to reach this beautiful, almost surreally blue lake, the biggest in Chile (and the second-largest in South America, after Lake Titicaca). But this spectacular place is more than worth the trip. Tourism has only just started developing here, but already, travelers have been making the pilgrimage in four-wheel-drive vehicles to fish, hike, and gasp at the mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls that dot the landscape. A great place to stay in the area is

Terra Luna, which occupies 15 peaceful acres at the southeastern edge of the lake. The property is serene, with charming (very basic) redwood cabins, grazing horses, and a beautiful main lodge where all meals are served. Excursion packages are offered; you can trek in nearby mountains, raft or kayak on the lake or more lively rivers, or take scenic flights over ice fields and glaciers. The remoteness and changeable weather of the region mean these excursions aren't always guaranteed to happen as planned—but if it's too windy for your plane ride, you can always borrow a mountain bike, or relax in the waterfront hot tub. Km 1.5, Carretera Austral, Puerto Guadal. 67/431-263. www.terraluna.cl.