Yelcho Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yelcho Lake |
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Yelcho Lake as seen from the southern tip, near Puerto Ramirez
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 Yelcho Lake
Location in Chile
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| Coordinates | 43°18′S 72°18′W / 43.300°S 72.300°W |
| Primary inflows | Futaleufú River |
| Primary outflows | Yelcho River |
| Basin countries | Argentina, Chile |
| Surface area | 116 km2 (45 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 127.6 m (419 ft) |
| Water volume | 14.8 km3 (3.6 cu mi) |
| Surface elevation | 42 m (138 ft) |
| Settlements | Puerto Cárdenas |
Yelcho Lake is a large, long lake found in the beautiful region of Patagonia in southern Chile. It is located in the Palena province, which is part of the Los Lagos Region. The lake gets its water from the Futaleufú River at its southern end, near a small place called Puerto Ramirez.
The water then flows north through mountains and areas with glaciers. Finally, it leaves the lake through the Yelcho River and empties into the Gulf of Corcovado, close to the town of Chaitén. Yelcho Lake is a very popular spot for fly fishing, and there are several places to stay, like lodges and hotels, along its shores.
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About Yelcho Lake
Yelcho Lake is known for its unique shape, which looks a bit like a fjord. A fjord is a long, narrow inlet of the sea, but Yelcho is a freshwater lake. It's surrounded by amazing natural scenery, including tall mountains and forests. The lake is quite deep, reaching about 127 meters (418 feet) in some spots.
Where is Yelcho Lake?
Yelcho Lake is in the southern part of Chile. It's specifically in the Los Lagos Region, which means "The Lakes Region." This area is famous for its many lakes, rivers, and stunning landscapes. The lake is part of a larger river system that connects to the Pacific Ocean.
Getting to Yelcho Lake
Most people visit Yelcho Lake by traveling through the town of Chaitén, which is to the north. You can fly to Chaitén from Puerto Montt with small airlines. Another way to get there is by taking a ferry. Ferries can come directly from Puerto Montt or from the town of Hornopiren. You can also take a ferry from Quellón, which is on the island of Chiloe, across the Gulf of Corcovado.
Road Access and History
The main road that runs along the western side of Yelcho Lake is called the Carretera Austral. In December 2017, a part of this road was closed because of a big mudslide in a nearby village called Villa Santa Lucía. This made it hard to travel to the lake for a while. However, the road was fixed and reopened in February 2018, making it easy to visit the lake again.
Fun Activities
Yelcho Lake is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures.
- Fishing: It's especially famous for fly fishing. Many people come here to catch fish like trout.
- Boating: You can explore the lake by boat, enjoying the calm waters and beautiful views.
- Nature Watching: The area around the lake is full of wildlife and amazing plants. It's a great spot for nature lovers.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Yelcho para niños
