Lake Ranco
| Lake Ranco Lago Ranco | |
|---|---|
View of the lakes southeastern embayment from Mirador Piedra Mesa | |
| Location | Ranco Province |
| Coordinates | 40°14′51″S 72°23′07″W / 40.24750°S 72.38528°W |
| Primary inflows | Calcurrupe, Caunahue, Nilahue |
| Primary outflows | Bueno River |
| Basin countries | Chile |
| Surface area | 442 km2 (171 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 122 m (400 ft) |
| Max. depth | 199 m (653 ft) |
| Water volume | 53.92 km3 (12.94 cu mi) |
| Shore length1 | 154.6 km (96.1 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 70 m (230 ft) |
| Islands | Huapi Island, Illeifa |
| Settlements | Futrono, Lago Ranco, Llifén, Puerto Nuevo, Ilihue |
| References | |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
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.