Caburgua Lake

Lake Beautiful lake near Villarrica with clear waters

A lacustrine spot in Araucanía near Villarrica, Caburgua Lake attracts swimmers, kayakers and day-trippers to sandy beaches, forested shores and nearby springs.

Main image

Lago Caburgua is a freshwater lake in the Araucanía Region of southern Chile. It is part of the southern Chilean lake district near the volcanic axis around Villarrica and Pucón.

The lake is known for clear waters, sandy beaches and nearby springs and waterfalls that provide short nature excursions. Popular activities around the shoreline include swimming, informal boating and day trips to nearby natural attractions.

The lake is a natural basin whose shoreline has developed for tourism and small local settlements in the 20th and 21st centuries. Facilities are generally low-density and oriented to outdoor recreation rather than large resorts.

Geographically it sits in Chile’s Lake District within Araucanía, in the highlands near the Villarrica volcanic complex and the town of Pucón. The surrounding landscape is a mix of forested hills and volcanic terrain.

  • Ojos del Caburgua: A scenic waterfall and spring system known as Ojos del Caburgua sits on the lake's outflow and is a common short excursion from the shore.
  • Best time to visit: Peak local tourism and warmest weather occur in the Southern Hemisphere summer, roughly December through February, when the lake is most used for swimming and boating.
Caburgua Lake
Lago Caburgua, near Pucón, Araucanía Region, Chile
-39.1246, -71.7746
Open year-round
No municipal entrance fee for general access; facilities (boat rentals, cabins) priced locally

How to Get to Caburgua Lake #

From Pucón, drive east on Route 199 for about 15-25 minutes (roughly 18 km) to reach the eastern shore of Lago Caburgua. There are local bus services and rental-car options from Pucón.

Tips for Visiting Caburgua Lake #

  • Visit during Chilean summer (December-February) for warm water and lake activities.
  • Drive the scenic Route 199 from Pucón and stop at viewpoints along the east shore for the best photographic angles of the lake and nearby volcanoes.
  • Check local forestry rules before collecting firewood or using lakeside shelters.

Best Time to Visit Caburgua Lake #

Best visited December-February for swimming and lake activities; shoulder seasons offer quieter roads and comfortable hiking weather.

Summer
December-February · 15-25°C
Warmest water temperatures; ideal for swimming and boating.
Spring-Autumn
September-November, March-May · 8-18°C
Fewer tourists, good for hiking and exploring waterfalls.

Weather & Climate near Caburgua Lake #

Climate

Caburgua Lake's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 24°C. Heavy rainfall (2034 mm/year), wettest in July.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
24°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
24°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (298 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

298 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (327 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

327 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (337 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

337 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (260 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

260 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

169 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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