Lago Chapo | Puerto Montt

The destination

A glacial lake
barely discovered

Set at 240 metres above sea level with a surface area of 50 km², this pristine glacial lake rests at the foot of Calbuco Volcano, flanked by Llanquihue National Reserve to the north and Alerce Andino National Park to the south.

Its deep waters with temperatures ranging from 9°C in winter to 18°C in summer make it one of the best lakes in the region for rainbow trout sport fishing.

This lake has a deep pre-Hispanic legacy: in 1999, a historically low water level revealed an ancient indigenous dalca canoe from the Huilliche community, dated between 1440 and 1510.

The place

Lago Chapo glaciar volcán Calbuco bosque nativo Puerto Montt Patagonia

Kayak en el Lago Chapo con vista a la cordillera y el Calbuco

Ribera del Lago Chapo con vegetación nativa coigüe avellano alerce

What to do

Activities &
trails

Lakeside Trail

A panoramic walk along the shore with privileged views of Calbuco Volcano. The route passes through dense native vegetation of coihue, hazel and alerce trees.

Easy 3 km ~1 hr

3

km

Lake Kayak

Guided paddling by local operators to explore the serene bays. Unbeatable perspective of the mountains and Calbuco from the water. Mainly available at weekends.

Actividad guiada — km 2–4 hrs

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Sport Fishing

Recognised as one of the best bodies of water in the region. Its cold, deep waters are home to abundant rainbow trout. Local guides recommended to maximise results.

Pesca deportiva — km Día completo

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Cycling in the surroundings

Rides along quiet dirt roads connecting farmsteads and forest patches. Bicycle hire available in the village at weekends.

Easy — km 2–3 hrs

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Nature

Wildlife, flora &
natural highlights

Rainbow Trout

The most sought-after species for sport fishing, living in the cold, deep waters at the centre of the lake.

Coipo

Chile's largest native rodent, semi-aquatic, frequently spotted swimming near the forested shores.

Huillín

Threatened and very elusive southern river otter, found in the clearer tributaries feeding the lake basin.

Kingfisher

Unmistakable bird with brilliant plumage and low skimming flight, easily spotted diving for fish.

Black-necked Swan

Majestic endemic waterbird usually gathered in the calm bays and wind-sheltered areas of the lake.

Pudú

The small shy deer of Patagonia, hidden in the dense native forest on the lake slopes.

Before you go

What you need
to know

Practical tips

→Bring everything you need — the rural character and the gravel road limit permanent services and phone signal.

→Prioritise weekend visits to take advantage of local guides, cafés and activities; on weekdays the place is almost deserted.

→Llanquihue National Reserve is just 15 minutes by car — you can combine both destinations in one day.

→The lake level fluctuates due to Colbún power station operations — in dry years the rocky shores can be more exposed.

→Contact the Lago Chapo Tourism Board via social media to confirm availability of water tours before visiting.

How to get there

From
Apart Hotel Colón

Leave Puerto Montt on Route 7 towards Chamiza. Before the bridge, turn onto Route V-65 towards Correntoso (19 paved km) then continue 8 km east on gravel. Total: approx. 55 minutes. Rural buses also run daily from the municipal terminal.