Lake General Carrera

General Carrera covers around 1,850 square kilometres, of which roughly a third is in Chile and the rest in Argentina, where it is called Lago Buenos Aires - it is the largest lake in Chile and the second largest in South America. The water is an intense turquoise from glacial flour, and the lake is deep, cold and notorious for the wind, which can raise a serious sea within an hour. On its western shore at Puerto Rio Tranquilo are the marble caves, and the microclimate around Chile Chico on the southern shore is dry and warm enough to grow cherries and apricots in Patagonia.

What you actually see

• The largest lake in Chile - about 1,850 square kilometres with Argentina.
• Turquoise from glacial flour - the colour the lake is known for.
• Wind that raises a sea - fast and dangerous for small boats.
• Fruit grown at Chile Chico - a dry warm pocket in Patagonia.

When to go

December to March. Several days.

Honest expectations

Boat trips are cancelled by wind constantly, which affects the marble caves in particular. Roads around the lake are gravel and slow. Fuel and supplies are limited and should be planned. The ferry across needs booking in season.

Nearby

The marble caves are at Rio Tranquilo; Chile Chico is on the southern shore.