Lago General Carrera / Lago Buenos Aires is a massive glacial lake straddling the border between Argentina and Chile in Patagonia. On the Argentine side, it falls within the Lago Buenos Aires Department of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina's least populous province. The lake has a total surface area of 1,850 square kilometres, with approximately 880 square kilometres belonging to Argentina, making it the country's fourth largest lake. At its deepest point it reaches 586 metres, and its waters are of glacial and tectonic origin, drained primarily westward to the Pacific Ocean via the Baker River. The indigenous Aonikenk name for the lake, Chelenko, translates to "stormy waters" — a name that reflects the lake's character well.

The Argentine shore is remote and sparsely populated. The small town of Los Antiguos sits near the border crossing opposite Chile Chico on the Chilean side, separated by only a short distance. Reaching the Argentine side typically involves an eight-hour drive from Comodoro Rivadavia, and much of the road network in the area is unpaved. Paddlers should plan accordingly for logistics, resupply, and emergency access.

Wind is a defining feature of this lake. The Patagonian environment means conditions are wild and windy for much of the year, and the lake's considerable size — stretching across a wide valley framed by the Andes — allows for significant wave development. The indigenous name "stormy waters" is an apt warning for paddlers: open-water crossings should be treated with serious caution, and conditions can change rapidly. Cold temperatures prevail for most of the year.

The surrounding landscape is dramatic, with the Andes rising on multiple sides and the lake displaying the intensely blue and turquoise coloration characteristic of glacially fed Patagonian waters. The northern shore of the Argentine side is particularly striking. Wildlife and natural features consistent with remote Patagonian environments are present throughout the region.

Given the lake's scale, remoteness, and exposure to Patagonian winds, paddling here demands careful preparation, conservative route planning, and the ability to wait out weather. Self-sufficiency is essential, as assistance from passing vehicles or other travelers on the Argentine side cannot be relied upon.