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Located very close to the border with Argentina and on the shores of the gorgeous Lake General Carrera––the second-largest lake in South America––Chile Chico has a microclimate that allows for the cultivation of species typically found in Chile’s central zone, such as cherries. For this reason, it’s also known as the “City of Sun” or “Sun of Patagonia”.
Chile Chico is also one of the oldest communities in the region. Its first inhabitants arrived from Argentina in 1905. Its history was marked by conflict between its earliest settlers and large cattle ranchers; one episode in 1918 was known as “The War of Chile Chico.” In 1931, the town was officially incorporated, and today it’s known for its beautiful landscapes and, in particular, the contrast between the dry pampas and moonscape valleys, the clear waters of the General Carrera and Jeinimeni Lakes, and the striking Lenga forests that turn bright red in the fall.
Various lodging options, including hotels, cabins, campsites, and other alternatives are available in Chile Chico, where you can also find tourist agencies and restaurants. For more information, visit:
Chile Chico is located 237 miles of Coyhaique. Head south on the Carretera Austral. At the Maitén intersection, take Route CH-265 to Puerto Guadal. Drive along the shores of Lake General Carrera and cross the Las Llaves Pass, until finally arriving at Chile Chico.
You can also travel from Coyhaique to Puerto Ibáñez, where you can take a ferry (prior reservation required) and cross Lake General Carrera, docking at Chile Chico. The voyage in ferry takes around 2 hours.
Finally, you can also reach Chile Chico from Argentina, crossing from Los Antiguos at the Río Jeinimeni Pass.
Bus routes are available connecting Chile Chico to Puerto Tranquilo, Coyhaique, and Cochrane. Find out more by calling Buses Aldea at +56 672638291.
There is no sea access to Chile Chico, but you can get there via lake from Puerto Ibáñez, where ferries depart for Chile Chico.
If you’re coming from Puerto Natales, you can take a ferry to Puerto Yungay. From there, drive 82 miles north on the Carretera Austral, until you reach Cochrane. From Cochrane, continue to Chile Chico.
Sky and Latam airlines offer daily flights to Balmaceda, 34 miles south of Coyhaique. In Balmaceda, you can rent a car or take a bus. From Balmaceda, take the road 7.5 miles west to arrive at the Carretera Austral and continue your journey.
Chile Chico also has an aerodrome. Private flights are available.
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Aniversario de Chile Chico
The last week of January, the people of Chile Chico celebrate their town’s anniversary, which culminates in the International Festival of the Voice.
Festival Internacional de La Cereza
In mid-January, Los Antiguos hosts the International Cherry Festival.
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