About This Route
Straddling Chile and Argentina, Lago General Carrera (also Buenos Aires) is the world's second-largest freshwater lake, renowned for marble caves and crystal-clear depths ideal for organized open water swims. Launch from Puerto Río Tranquilo or Chile Chico; patagoniaswim.com events cross channels here. Summer water hovers at 12-15°C (54-59°F), milder than glacial lakes but still demanding. Respect CONAF access rules and Leave No Trace by using marked entry points near Capilla de Mármol. Hikers report euphoric post-swim views of floating icebergs, but currents from Andean runoff demand respect.
Safety Considerations
Strong winds funnel through the Andes, generating choppy conditions; monitor Windy app forecasts. Submerged marble ledges risk entanglement. Isolation is acute; nearest help is hours away in Coyhaique. Adhere to REI's open water checklist: acclimate gradually, sight landmarks for navigation. Organized swims with patagoniaswim.com provide safety boats, reducing solo risks. Blue-green algae blooms occasionally occur; check local advisories.
Essential Gear
Opt for a 4/3mm wetsuit from Rip Curl or O'Neill. GPS watch like Garmin Swim 2 for tracking. Bright tow buoy for visibility. Neoprene socks, swim cap, anti-fog goggles. Post-swim: wool base layers, chemical hand warmers, and energy bars.