Lago Carlota National Reserve, National reserve in Coyhaique Province, Chile
Lago Carlota National Reserve is a protected natural area in the commune of Lago Verde, Coyhaique Province, in Chile's Aysén region, close to the border with Argentina. The landscape shifts between dense forests of lenga and ñirre trees and open steppe, with the lake sitting at the heart of the reserve.
The area was officially designated a national reserve by Chilean authorities to protect the forests and habitats typical of the Aysén region. Its classification as an IUCN Category IV area means the focus is on actively managing specific species and their habitats, rather than simply leaving the land untouched.
The reserve lies in the commune of Lago Verde, and camping and excursions are permitted within its 18,060 hectares. Its cold steppe climate brings a short wet season and winter averages near 0 °C. Visitors can look for Andean condors, pumas, huemules and black-necked swans among lenga and ñirre woods.
Access to the reserve is via route X-25 from Villa Amengual, a small town along the Ruta 7 (Carretera Austral). A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, especially after rain or snow, as road conditions can be rough on the approach.
The reserve covers 18,060 hectares in the commune of Lago Verde, created by decree 391 on 8 June 1965 and formally established on 4 February 1969. Its cold steppe climate brings under 500 mm of annual precipitation and winter averages near 0 °C. Among the animals recorded here are the huemul, the black woodpecker and the Chilean flamingo.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,635 contributors worldwide.
