At 1,850 km², Lago General Carrera is Chile’s largest lake and one of the most important landmarks along the Carretera Austral. The Marble Caves lie in its glacial, turquoise waters. General Carrera Province stretches around the basin of the lake of the same name, from the Argentine border in the east to Parque Nacional San Rafael in the west. The lake gives the province a shared geographic setting; its towns and experiences reveal different sides of this landscape.

Along the lake and across the border

The paved Ruta 265 connects Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez with Chile Chico and runs along the shore of Lago General Carrera. Another route is the paved Paso Jeinimeni, which connects Chile Chico with Los Antiguos in Argentina. The two routes therefore offer distinct options: Ruta 265 follows the lakeshore, while Paso Jeinimeni crosses the border. When planning, you can first consider whether the lakeside route or the connection to Argentina better suits your travel interests.

Trails in Parque Nacional Patagonia

Parque Nacional Patagonia is located in General Carrera and Capitán Prat provinces and includes the municipalities of Chile Chico and Cochrane. In the Jeinimeni sector, there are two trails to choose from, with different distances and durations: Escorial El Silencio is 2.6 km long, takes about an hour in total and is rated easy. There is also a 300 m paved trail with railings and edge barriers leading to Lago Jeinimeni. It offers a shorter route to the lake, while Escorial El Silencio is designated as a longer walk. Seasonal closures for the sector are listed separately; check the latest notices before your visit.

History and community in Chile Chico

The Cementerio Viejo in Chile Chico, also known as Cementerio Antiguo, is associated with the settlement of the southeastern lakeshore in the early 20th century. It is home to the oldest recorded grave: that of Cantalicio Jara, dating from 1934. The town’s history can also be seen in the Fiesta de la Cosecha Comunitaria. The annual cherry and apricot harvest festival takes place in the Plaza de Chile Chico. If you would like to include it in your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

Discoveries around Puerto Ibáñez

In Puerto Ibáñez, women artisans make the locally characteristic Cacharrito, as well as wool and leather crafts. Cerro Piramide offers a different perspective on the surrounding area: the 1,743 m-high mountain has an almost pyramidal shape, and its hiking trail offers panoramic views of Lago General Carrera and the Río Ibáñez valley. For birdwatching, the urban wetland Humedal Urbano Vientos del Chelenko is recommended. Horseback rides are also available nearby, offering views of the lake and its turquoise waters.

The promenade along the shore can be explored on foot; in summer, you can swim along the lake’s shores. Saltos del Río Ibáñez is 6 km from Puerto Ibáñez. The waterfall formed after the last eruption of Hudson Volcano. There are also local chacras around Puerto Ibáñez, where the microclimate supports the production of fresh vegetables and fruit for jams and liqueurs. The X-723 is an inland route along the Las Ardillas stretch between Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Ibáñez.

Boat trips, kayaking and glaciers near Puerto Río Tranquilo

Via Valle Exploradores, Puerto Río Tranquilo is one of the main gateways to Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael and Campo de Hielo Norte. Boat and kayak trips to the Catedrales de Mármol, designated a natural sanctuary, are offered from there. Travel information updated on November 25, 2025, states that a guided tour booked in advance is the only way to access the formations; check current booking options before your visit.

At Glaciar Exploradores, a trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Patagonian ice fields. Another tour begins in Bahía Exploradores: the full-day boat trip goes to Laguna San Rafael and is organized by tour operators. As no departure times are listed, confirm the current schedule with an operator in advance. The options range from trips on the water to a trail leading to a glacier viewpoint, each with its own timing and planning considerations.

Discover more destinations: Puerto Guadal, Chile Chico, Río Ibáñez, Capitán Prat Province, Coihaique Province, Aisén Province.

Return to the main travel overview: Aisén Region.