Lake Rapel is an artificial reservoir in the O'Higgins Region, created in 1969 to feed the Rapel hydroelectric plant, which over time became one of the closest freshwater resorts to Santiago. It holds up to 695 million cubic meters and sits in the coastal dryland, fed by the Cachapoal and Tinguiririca rivers and the Alhué stream, according to Wikipedia. In December 2013 its shores were declared a Zone of Tourist Interest, covering the municipalities of Las Cabras, Litueche and La Estrella.
This guide covers things to do at Lake Rapel, its areas, when to go and how to get there, with information checked on 10 November 2026.
View the data as a table
| Area | 72.8 km² |
| Capacity | 695 hm³ |
| Power plant capacity | 350 MW |
| Year created | 1,969 |
Things to do at Lake Rapel
- Water sports: windsurfing, sailing, catamarans, water-skiing, wakeboarding and jet skis, which made the lake famous.
- Fishing from the shore or by boat.
- Campsites, cabins and marinas where the lake's three arms meet, the busiest area.
- Sail at sunset, when the lake calms down.
- See the Rapel dam and power plant, at the end where the Rapel river begins.
Source: Wikipedia. Since 2011 the lake level has been kept high in summer, because of demand from tourists and residents, and lowered in the off-season to generate power.
Lake Rapel areas: where to stay
El Estero, Llallauquén and Las Balsas are on the south shore, linked by a road that runs along the lake and branches off Route 66, the Carretera de la Fruta, at El Manzano (Wikipedia). To the north, Las Cabras is the gateway municipality from Santiago.
| Area | Location | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Las Cabras | Las Cabras | Gateway from Santiago; shops and services |
| El Estero | Where the three arms meet | Campsites, cabins, marinas and hotels |
| Llallauquén | South shore | Holiday homes and lake access |
| Las Balsas | South shore | Resort by the lakeside road |
| La Estrella and Litueche | South and west shores | Part of the Zone of Tourist Interest |
Source: Wikipedia. Sernatur's Vacaciones Tercera Edad program for older adults includes a 3-day, 2-night trip to Lake Rapel (Las Cabras): we explain it in Sernatur senior holidays.
| Las Cabras | North, access from Santiago | Shops and services |
| El Estero | Where the three arms meet | Campsites, cabins, marinas, hotels |
| Llallauquén | South shore | Holiday homes |
| Las Balsas | South shore | Lakeside resort |
| El Manzano | Route 66 | Turn-off to the lake road |
Lake Rapel in figures
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 72.8 km², the largest reservoir in the DGA inventory | DGA |
| Capacity | 695 million m³ | MOP, via Wikipedia |
| Average stored volume | 526 hm³ | Wikipedia |
| Power plant capacity | 350 MW | Wikipedia |
| Year created | 1969 | Wikipedia |
| Zone of Tourist Interest | Since December 2013 | Wikipedia |
Sources: Wikipedia and the DGA inventory, analyzed in Chile's largest lakes.
When to go to Lake Rapel
| Season | What the lake is like |
|---|---|
| December to February | High season: high water level, water sports and crowds at weekends |
| March and April | Fewer visitors and still-warm days |
| May to August | The level may drop for power generation; rain and cold |
| September to November | Quiet spring, good for fishing and walks |
Compiled by Viajando Chile with Wikipedia's information on the lake level. This summer is expected to be hotter than normal: see what to expect from the El Niño summer.
How to get to Lake Rapel from Santiago
By bus, the most direct option is Las Cabras: departures between 07:20 and 20:20, from CLP 6,500 to CLP 11,000, taking 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours, with Ruta Bus 78, Tacoha and Transantin, according to Kupos (checked on 10 November 2026). By car you can enter via Las Cabras or take Route 66 to El Manzano and follow the lakeside road. Note: the village of Rapel, in Navidad municipality, is on the coast, not on the lake.
Lake Rapel can be combined with a tour of the O'Higgins valleys: see the Central Valley and wineries road trip and Chile's wine routes. For nearby ocean beaches, Pichilemu.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Rapel natural?
No. It is an artificial reservoir created in 1969 for the Rapel hydroelectric plant, fed by the Cachapoal and Tinguiririca rivers and the Alhué stream.
How far is Lake Rapel from Santiago?
By bus, the trip to Las Cabras takes 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours, from CLP 6,500.
What can you do at Lake Rapel?
Water sports such as windsurfing, water-skiing and wakeboarding, fishing, camping, cabins and boat trips.
