Laguna de Aculeo
Lake Former freshwater lake near Santiago, largely desiccated
A former weekend lake southwest of Santiago long used for boating and swimming; in recent years the water level has declined dramatically.
Laguna de Aculeo was a natural freshwater lake in Chile’s Santiago Metropolitan Region that historically served as a local recreational and ecological resource. In the 2010s the lake experienced severe shrinkage and in many years the basin has been largely dry, transforming its role in the landscape.
When filled it supported boating, swimming and lakeside recreation and was a focal point for nearby rural communities. The recent loss of open water has provoked local concern, legal actions and interest in water-management responses rather than recreational use.
The lake formed naturally within the region’s hydrology but has been strongly affected by changing precipitation and human water use, which together produced the recent desiccation trend.
Located southwest of Santiago in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, the basin lies among agricultural lowlands and small towns that formerly used the lake for leisure and water supply.
- Drying status: Once a popular recreational spot for boating and watersports near Santiago, the lake has largely desiccated in recent years due to prolonged drought and water extraction.
How to Get to Laguna de Aculeo #
From Santiago, drive southwest via Ruta 78 and local roads to the Paine/Isla de Maipo area (about a 1-1.5 hour drive depending on traffic). Local signage points toward the former lake basin and surrounding towns.
Tips for Visiting Laguna de Aculeo #
- Check current conditions before visiting-Laguna de Aculeo has experienced significant desiccation and may be dry or reduced to mudflats.
- Talk to local residents in Paine for the most up-to-date reports on water levels and access.
- If water is present, morning light on the remaining surface can still be beautiful; otherwise the drained basin has its own eerie textures.
Best Time to Visit Laguna de Aculeo #
Best when there has been winter rain-check local news for lake levels; otherwise visit for the surrounding countryside.
Weather & Climate near Laguna de Aculeo #
Laguna de Aculeo's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (524 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (147 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
