Laguna de Aculeo is a natural lagoon situated in the commune of Paine within Chile's Santiago Metropolitan Region, making it one of the closest significant natural water bodies to the capital city of Santiago. Historically, it served as one of central Chile's primary freshwater reservoirs and, alongside the Maipo River, functioned as a crucial water source for the surrounding Paine commune. The lagoon sits within a basin that has long been recognized as a notable tourist and ecological destination in the Metropolitan Region. However, anglers and visitors planning a trip should be aware of a critical environmental reality: Laguna de Aculeo experienced a sustained and dramatic decline in water levels beginning around 2009, ultimately drying up completely in 2018. The lagoon was unable to recover until 2023, a consequence of prolonged drought, significant population growth in the region, changes in land use, and increased water extraction for agriculture — including water-intensive crops such as citrus fruits, avocados, kiwis, cherries, plums, and grapes grown in the surrounding basin.