Laguna del Inca
Lake High Andean lake by Portillo ski resort
Beside Chile’s Portillo on Ruta 60‑CH, this high Andean lake frames ski slopes in winter and alpine hiking routes in summer.
Laguna del Inca is a high-altitude Andean lake in Chile’s Valparaiso Region, located close to the Portillo ski resort near the international pass to Argentina. It is well known for its striking green water and mountain setting.
A compact scenic lake framed by steep Andean slopes provides a frequent stopping point for travelers on the mountain road and for guests at the nearby ski resort. The lake is a common subject for photography and short viewpoint stops rather than extensive on-lake activities.
The lake is tied to local Andean and Inca-era folklore that explains its name. Its prominence increased with development of mountain transport routes and alpine recreation facilities in the surrounding area.
Situated in the high Andes near the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores border crossing, the lake lies adjacent to the Portillo resort in the Valparaiso administrative region of central Chile.
- Best viewpoints: The lake sits immediately below the Portillo ski resort and is often photographed from the roadside and resort terrace.
- Cultural note: Local folklore links the lake to an Inca legend about a drowned princess, which gives the lake its popular name.
How to Get to Laguna del Inca #
Located along Route G-60 and close to Portillo ski resort, the lake is a short stop on the road between Santiago and Mendoza. From Santiago it’s roughly a 2-3 hour drive depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Tips for Visiting Laguna del Inca #
- Visit from the Chilean side at Portillo's viewpoints for the classic mirror-like reflections of the Andes.
- Combine with a stop at the Cristo Redentor border monument area for mountain panoramas.
- In winter the surrounding road (Paso Los Libertadores) can close due to snow; check conditions.
Best Time to Visit Laguna del Inca #
Summer months (Dec-Mar) give easiest road access and best visibility; winter conditions are spectacular but can be restrictive.
Weather & Climate near Laguna del Inca #
Laguna del Inca's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -8°C to 14°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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June
June is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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August
August is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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September
September is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
