San Rafael Glacier
The ice front.
Javiercamposg7 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kenov66 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Natalia Reyes Escobar — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Natalia Reyes Escobar — CC BY-SA 4.0
One of Chile's largest national parks and a biosphere reserve, holding the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and Monte San Valentín, Patagonia's highest peak. Its best-known feature is the San Rafael Glacier, flowing from the ice field to end in a sea-linked lagoon in a wall of blue ice. Huge blocks break from the glacier front and crash into the water with a roar, floating off as blue and white icebergs across the lagoon. Visitors approach in small boats among the icebergs before the immense wall, one of the greatest natural sights in Chile. No road reaches it: long boat trips leave from the port of Puerto Chacabuco near Coyhaique, or light aircraft fly over the ice field and land near the lagoon. From Puerto Río Tranquilo, visitors walk with guides on the Exploradores Glacier in the park's northern part. Trips need advance booking and suitable weather. Patagonian weather is changeable and the wind fierce, and boat trips can be cancelled suddenly, so keep a spare day and wear protective layers.
The ice front.
Floating in the lagoon.
Glacier walk.
Northern Patagonia, by boat from Puerto Chacabuco or by light aircraft
On a long boat trip from Puerto Chacabuco near Coyhaique, or by light aircraft, booked ahead and weather permitting.