Lake Ranco

Lake Ranco
Lago Ranco
View of the lakes southeastern embayment from Mirador Piedra Mesa
Lake Ranco Lago Ranco is located in Chile
Lake Ranco Lago Ranco
Lake Ranco
Lago Ranco
Coordinates40°14′51″S 72°23′07″W / 40.24750°S 72.38528°W / -40.24750; -72.38528
Primary inflowsCalcurrupe, Caunahue, Nilahue
Primary outflowsBueno River
Basin countriesChile
Surface area410 km2 (160 sq mi)[1]
Max. depth199 m (653 ft)
Surface elevation70 m (230 ft)[1]
IslandsHuapi Island, Illeifa
SettlementsFutrono, Lago Ranco, Llifén, Puerto Nuevo, Ilihue
References[1]

Lake Ranco (Spanish: Lago Ranco) is situated in the Ranco Province of Los Lagos Region in Chile. Covering an area of 442 km2, it is the largest lake in the Los Ríos Region and the fourth largest in Chile. It has approximately 25 islands and islets, but only 4 are currently inhabited.

The lake is known for sport fishing and offers attractions like La Piedra Mesa and the Nilahue waterfall. Popular spots like Coique Beach attract both residents and visitors. The town of Lago Ranco, founded in 1941, is rich in native vegetation. Its name originates from the Mapudungun language, meaning "water with waves." Around 30 indigenous communities live along its shores.