Cochrane/Pueyrredón Lake
Lake Patagonian lake near remote Torres del Paine region
A mountain lake in southern Chile near the town of Cochrane, visited for fishing, boating and as a base for hiking into Patagonian countryside and nearby gaucho settlements.
How to Get to Cochrane/Pueyrredón Lake #
Drive the Carretera Austral (Chile Route 7) to the town of Cochrane, which is the usual gateway to lakes and hiking around the area. Cochrane is reached by road from the north/south; the nearest regional airport serving the area is Balmaceda/Coyhaique (fly into Balmaceda and continue by road).
From Cochrane follow local gravel roads and signed forest/park tracks down to lakeshores and trailheads-access within the lake area is by vehicle on local roads and then on foot. There is no frequent public rail service; local buses or private transfers from Cochrane are the normal option for visitors.
Tips for Visiting Cochrane/Pueyrredón Lake #
- Aim for early morning visits when winds on Patagonian lakes are typically calmer - you'll get the best mirror-like reflections and clearer light for photography before the usual afternoon breezes pick up.
- Use the town of Cochrane as your base and approach the lake via the Carretera Austral; short drives from town lead to accessible lakeshore viewpoints so you can avoid long, unmarked backcountry approaches.
- Many visitors stay near the main shoreline; walk a little farther along lesser-used bays to find quiet viewpoints and more wildlife activity (including waterfowl) that are often missed by day-trippers.
Best Time to Visit Cochrane/Pueyrredón Lake #
Visit in the austral summer (December-February) for the mildest weather and best access to outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Cochrane/Pueyrredón Lake #
Cochrane/Pueyrredón Lake's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 20°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 17 mm and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 52 mm of rain.
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
