A small lakeside town on the shores of Lake General Carrera, known for its sunny microclimate and cherry orchards. Gateway to the Jeinimeni National Reserve.
Chile Chico, a town of 3,000 residents, sits on the southern shore of Lake General Carrera in Chilean Patagonia. The town's unique climate, with warm summers and mild winters, supports cherry orchards and the Undurraga vineyard - the southernmost in South America. You can walk among cherry trees, taste local wines, swim in the clear waters of Lake General Carrera, or hike to Plaza del Viento for panoramic views of the Andes mountains.
Getting to Chile Chico
You can reach Chile Chico by car ferry from Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez on the north shore of Lake General Carrera, or by road from Argentina through the Los Antiguos border crossing. The ferry runs three times daily in summer (December-February) and twice in winter, weather permitting. Local buses connect Chile Chico with other Patagonian towns, though schedules change frequently and services are limited. The road from Argentina is paved and maintained year-round.
Climate and Agriculture
Chile Chico receives only half the rainfall of nearby Balmaceda due to its position in the rain shadow of the Andes. Summer temperatures reach 25°C (77°F), while winters stay above freezing, creating ideal conditions for growing cherries and other fruits typically found 1,000 kilometers north. At the Undurraga vineyard, you can tour experimental plots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes during weekday visits. From December to February, local farmers sell fresh cherries at roadside stands throughout town.
Lake Activities and Views
Lake General Carrera drops to depths of over 590 meters, with the Andes mountains rising from its northern shore. You can walk the 3-kilometer waterfront path from the town center to reach swimming beaches and fishing spots. The hiking trail to Plaza del Viento viewpoint takes about 45 minutes each way and gives you clear views of both Chilean and Argentine shorelines. Between October and April, local boat operators run daily tours on the lake, including trips to the marble caves near Puerto RÃo Tranquilo.
Border Crossing Information
The Chile-Argentina border crossing operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. You'll need to cross a 6-kilometer stretch between border posts, which takes about 45 minutes on foot. Taxis run from both Chile Chico and Los Antiguos to their respective border posts - a 10-minute drive. If crossing with a vehicle, bring your vehicle registration, insurance documents, and a permit for international travel with a Chilean vehicle.
