Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Laguna San Rafael & glacier. It also means I’ll have to stay in Balmaceda. } What makes this a unique way of seeing the glacier is that y ou can get close to the icebergs in the lake and even camp in the national park. You’ll find all major car rental companies at Balmaceda or Coyhaique. Give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Hi, we are travelling south towards Rio Tranquilo to see both the marble caves and hopefully, the San Rafael glacier. This glacier regularly sheds chunks of its ice, which topple down into the San Rafael Lake below. Hope you have a great trip! You need some commitment and deep pockets to experience the San Rafael Glacier. Hope it helps, and enjoy! Can anybody advise as to the best way to visit San Rafael Glacier? The weather isn’t always predictable and the operators have limited capacities (as Puerto Tranquilo is only a tiny town). Heading north | Stick to the Carretera Austral and hike Cerro Castillo and visit Coyhaique. It lasts about 12 hours and includes a light breakfast, a lunch box and a whisky tasting with glacial ice. San Rafael is, however, not the most accessible glacier. And of course, don’t forget your camera with extra batteries. We can put this ice to good use! A catamaran full of passengers had made friends over drinks, dancing and music. We loved this part of the tour. Spanning 760km², the San Rafael Glacier is one of the larger glaciers you will come across in Patagonia. (function() { We were just wondering how long in advance you need to book the tours to them? This gives rise to the opportunity for a mini cruise through Chilean fjords to witness spectacular scenery few other visitors get a chance to see. I hope that helps, and have an awesome trip! As you will probably travel to the San Rafael Glacier via Puerto Tranquilo, make sure you reserve two or three hours to visit the magical Marble Caves at Lake Gran Carrera! Once you arrive at the glacier, you will get out of the main boat and climb into smaller boats that will take you closer to the ice. The nearest place to stay, the explora Patagonia - All Inclusive, is 310 miles (499 kilometers) away in Torres Del Paine. If you’re planning a trip to Patagonia, chances are you’ve heard of Perito Moreno, Argentina’s constantly advancing glacier. Back onboard, we rid ourselves of the extra layers. We pass high cliffs, years painted in large numbers to show where the face of the glacier once was. Eastwards | If you’re going into Argentinian Patagonia, don’t miss a visit to Cuevos de los Manos. Please keep in mind that the road past the Cerro Castillo National Park is primarily gravel road. The best way to get from Santiago to San Rafael Glacier without a car is to bus and bus and ferry and travel which takes 29h 16m and costs. 7 Reviews . They were about six dolphins, taking advantage of the tides to catch some disoriented fish. We slowly approached the ice wall during almost two hours, marveling at the unique structures of the glacier’s ice. See all. Hi Everyone! The views along the entire length of the fjord from Puerto Chacabuco all the way to Laguna San Rafael are out of this world. It’s best to visit the San Rafael Glacier during the Patagonian Summer – roughly from October until April. Check out our definitive guide to the regional seasons to find the best time to visit Patagonia. The glacier is about 70 metres tall and about 4 kilometres long, disappearing into the Patagonian Ice Cap beyond the horizon. Tourists throng to Laguna San Rafael to see the spectacular calving of ice from the glacier’s 230 ft. (70m) snout, leaving a jumble of icebergs bobbing in the frigid waters. You can find 10 glaciers in Aisen and 26 glaciers in the country of Chile. I’m planning to go at the end of this month and am scrambling to plan my itinerary. The waters in the Golfo Elefantes are rather wild due to the tides, so be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride. Amtrak is a rail service that connects the US and three Canadian provinces. The San Rafael Glacier is one of the largest ice caps in the entire Northern Patagonian ice fields. It is one of the most dynamic glaciers in Patagonia because of its steep descent, dropping 1200m in 20km. These are the first icebergs we’ve seen and we’re awed. Thanks, Keely! After the onboard breakfast, we ventured out on deck. Great blog Valentin. Boats were used to … Just follow the road until it ends at a river. } Chipped from the block, ice is loaded into tumblers and the whisky is poured! The Laguna San Rafael is a small bay at the farsouth end of the Moraleda channel. You can browse for availability here. Sailing around icebergs akin to icy phantoms, you approach the giant San Rafael glacier at the far end of the lagoon. The bar is opened. Get free comparison quotes with, Check out our extensive and still growing, Book your accommodation in advance, at least for the first destination. We spent the next few hours gawping at the views, trying to spot seals, dolphins and birds. Hat, gloves and a scarf or 2 are essential. From the south, turn left out of Coyhaique and follow Ruta 240 all the way into Chacabuco. 44 Bewertungen. That was the original size of the San Rafael Glacier. Unlike other glaciers, San Rafael Glacier is surrounded by lush green jungles, which creates an unusual backdrop against the stark blue colors of the ice. The glacier is located within the San Rafael National Park, the largest in the Aysén Region of southern Chile. I haven’t been to Grey Glacier near Torres del Paine, but I’m sure both are very impressive. Weaving through the mini icebergs that fill the water, you will feel the chill on your face as you sip some whiskey and gaze in awe at the … When we were looking into booking tickets, we wanted to take a boat trip from Bahia Exploradores. It’s recommended to spend the night before at Puerto Tranquilo, or somewhere along the way to Bahia Exploradores. Work out when and for how long to visit San Rafael Glacier and Lagoon and other Puerto Bertrand attractions using … Nearby, there’s some wonderful wild camping opportunities too. San Rafael Glacier and Lagoon. Get a copy of the, If you want to explore Patagonia in a rental car, make sure to book in advance. to Puerto Tranquilo, etc. We loved this trip so much it was the final deciding factor in booking our Antarctica cruise! Everywhere else, you’ll need some basic language skills to get the most out of your trip. 7 Reviews . Thanks, Kip The San Rafael Glacier is one of the major outlet glaciers of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field in southern Chile and is the tidewater glacier nearest the equator. I flew from Santiago de Chile to Balmaceda (near Coyhaique), where I rented a 4WD and drove down to Puerto Tranquilo (roughly three hours). We continued to navigate through the channel more slowly now, carefully evading the ice tips that towered out of the dark water. Reply. Can anybody advise as to the best way to visit San Rafael Glacier? 26 von 80 Aktivitäten in Aisen Region. No point in dumping it back into the ocean though. We’d particularly like to do the same cruise again during the April or May to see the Fall colours lining the fjords. At the exchange rates at the time of writing, that’s about US $190 to US $275 or GBP £155 to GBP £225. We managed to buy 2 of the last 4 seats available the day before for CLP 200000 each when we arrived at the hotel. Check with the tour operators though because the number of sailings falls drastically. This includes kayaking down Río Exploradores to join the ocean, before paddling into Laguna San Rafael. what are the cheap options for day trip to the Lagoon? It must be spectacular! You can take a train from San Rafael to Glacier National Park via El Cerrito del Norte BART Station, El Cerrito Del Norte, Richmond, Richmond Amtrak, Martinez Amtrak Station, Portland Union Station, and West Glacier Amtrak in around 35h 35m. It calves into the Laguna San Rafael and is contained within Laguna San Rafael National Park. How long does it take to get from Santiago to San Rafael Glacier? The town has a few hostels and hotels you can book in advance too – probably best in the high season. It’s a more unique and adventurous way to explore:). San Rafael Glacier Last updated February 20, 2020. Your email address will not be published. Travel from PC to LSR takes about 4 to 4.5 hours by a high speed boat similar to those between Hyannis and Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard (for those who know them). Reply. Many people who’ve visited Laguna San Rafael and glacier have called it a once in a lifetime trip. We live & travel full-time in our DIY Sprinter van conversion, Baloo. We were invited to see Laguna San Rafael National Park, one of the most beautiful sceneries in Patagonia, where visitors may witness two phenomena that has been around for 18,000 years: the Northern Ice Field and the San Rafael Glacier. There aren't any within 60 miles (96 kilometers). Food and drink is covered and they’re not shy with the measures on the return leg either! Important tips and resources for planning an incredible trip to Patagonia, based on our extensive experience travelling through the entire region. It has strongly retreated in the last decade and will probably be entirely gone around 2030.” What he had described as “lighter rocky parts” seemed like almost an entire mountain to me: global warming – alas, we meet. Bitte geben Sie ein anderes Datum ein. Is there any other way to get to Puerto Tranquilo, such as a tour from Balmaceda? Day 1: Welcome dinner and briefing. Its main attraction is the San Rafael Glacier, a wall of ancient ice over 40 kilometres long, coming down the 4.000 metres high Mount San Valentín, which is part of the Northern Icefield. on: function(evt, cb) { Icebergs litter the lake, their bright blue crevices contrasting against the grey skies above. Good footwear is essential too – leave the high heels at home – your fellow passengers in the inflatable zodiac boat will thank you for it! The snow-capped Patagonian mountains in the distance, jungle-like forests along the shores, amazing air, astonishing icebergs and wild dolphins really made it an amazing start of our trip to the San Rafael Glacier. Time is not a problem, but I don’t know if I want to drive the three hrs. Hi Isabella, we rented a 4WD from Balmaceda airport near Coyhaique. Also, its sapphire-colored ice has made it a feature of many documentaries and brochures. from US$291.67* Private Shore Excursion of Puerto Aysén from Puerto Chacabuco . We suspect having seen photos in this post, you’ll already know this, but it’s worth spelling it out. You can’t go wrong from there. This gives rise to the opportunity for a mini cruise through Chilean fjords to witness spectacular scenery few other visitors get a chance to see. Cabanas and hospedaje | these smaller accommodation options will suit those on a tighter budget. Try to learn Spanish or at the very least have some basic phrases. Also, I don’t think there are reasonable options to stay in Balmaceda, as it’s really just the airport. San Rafael Glacier and Lagoon is located in Aisen Region. El Capitán immediately turned off the engine and listened carefully. Hey there! We’d taken an incredible cruise through Chilean fjords and witnessed our first ever iceberg calving from the face of glacier. And as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The ice field extends over this mountain and the surrounding hills, giving birth to 19 glaciers. After about 2.5 hours, the boat will reach Laguna San Rafael National Park and the San Rafael Glacier. I'm planning to go to the Chilean Patagonia next December and the boat trip to the glacier at Laguna San Rafael national park (Bahía Exploradores) is one of the planned highlights. Increasing global temperatures has seen San Rafael Glacier retreat on a significant scale – 12 kilometres in less than 150 years. Our guide and expert Christopher looked straight at me and bluffed confidently: “Don’t worry, everything is ok.” Good for him that he was right. And lovely pictures. Some structures even resembled a gate, reminding me of The Wall in Game of Thrones. See all. Do you want to show your support or say thanks for our free guides? As far as I know, there are two common options: to go via Puerto Tranquilo with a little boat (what we did), or to take a cruise ship (like the Skorpios). The zodiac’s pilot retrieved a large piece of ice. For the best chance of good weather, the best time to visit Laguna San Rafael is during the southern hemisphere summer, December to February. Meet your guides and group at 17:00 in Puerto Tranquilo, a tiny village is located on the shores of the second biggest lake in South America, General Carrera. I would suggest to get to Coyhaique, which was an interesting city about an hour away. Just watched a short piece on the glacier on a TV show here in Australia, then Googled … and found your post! } Hi, Subscribe to our newsletter and get exclusive information about our adventures! You’ll have to check for direct flights, but I flew in from Santiago and there were already one or two stop-overs until Balmaceda (it went further to Punta Arenas). For more info, please check our disclosure page. 3 Reviews . Save on popular hotels near San Rafael Glacier, Coyhaique: Browse Expedia's selection of hotels and places to stay closest to San Rafael Glacier. Well think of San Rafael Glacier as its little brother, only more difficult to reach so more adventurous and way less touristy. Private Shore Excursion to Coyhaique National Reserve from Puerto Chacabuco. For lodging, I can highly recommend the eco-hostel El Puesto – very clean and beautiful place. We arrive in Rio Tranquilo in a few days and haven’t made any reservations yet…! Every time it is a marvelous wonder and all the close-up views of multi-hued icebergs are worth the trip even if there were no glacier. But be flexible - Patagonia will get under your skin and you’ll wish you had more time. From there, it’s about a two hour ride on an even rougher gravel road to La Teresa. from US$208.33* … But all too soon, 14 hours had flown by. Required fields are marked *. Sounds fantastic. That being said, I think I can say with high confidence that you’ll have significantly less tourists at San Rafael Glacier, as it is harder to access. Our members favorite in Aisen is San Rafael Glacier and Serrano Glacier … 44 Bewertungen. It's simple to book your hotel with Expedia The dark waters of the deep fjord cut through the steep sides of the snow capped mountains. The ice of the San Rafael Glacier was steadily building up immense pressure from the Northern Patagonian Ice Fields and therefore constantly in motion – accompanied by fearsome cracking, creaking and rumbling noises. Skorpios (I think starting in Puerto Montt). Yet we found it difficult to plan our first trip, so we've written extensively about it to help you out! Any recommendations for lodging as well? Trip to the Glaciers, San Rafael Lagoon with Catamaranes del Sur Chile, cruise for 3 days on board the Iceberg Expedition Catamaran del sur. San Rafael Glacier and Lagoon; Suchen. The San Rafael Glacier welcomed us with an uncomfortably loud bang when our little boat crashed straight into an unexpected iceberg. The San Rafael Glacier attracts visitors from all over the world, who set out from Puerto Chacabuco or Puerto Tranquilo to admire its vast, untouched horizons and its biodiversity. Hi I’m wondering what’s the best way to rent a car and if it’s possible to rent an automatic one in coyhaique area. Did you enjoy our San Rafael Glacier so far? This is the most distant glacier from the Poles that gets to the sea. Laguna San Rafael Glacier | Fjords, icebergs & seals, Getting around Buenos Aires like a Porteño, Patagonia packing list essentials | Tips for a perfect adventure, A Practical Guide to Campervan Ovens & Alternatives, Charging a Leisure Battery Bank | RV Battery Charging, The Best Battery to Battery Chargers for Campervan Conversions. This gave us peace of mind the van was in good hands while we visited the glacier and meant we could indulge in an extra whisky on the return leg of the cruise. WikiMili. Nr. The San Rafael Glacier is one of the major outlet glaciers of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field in southern Chile and is the tidewater glacier nearest the equator. It’s simply too awe-inspiring, I absolutely loved the trip! In September 2011 we took a cruise to Southern Chile aboard 'SKORPIOS 11'. They feel … The first 40 seats sell for the lowest price and prices go up after that. Related: What are the most popular tours in Puerto Chacabuco? Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a5e32765ab7f6467429b1aae568366fd" );document.getElementById("d2faa4802c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); ©Copyright 2010-2020 Don't Complain Travel. Loberias del Sur hotel | minibuses pick up and drop off guests for the day trip from here so it’s a convenient place to stay. Posted on November 18, 2020 Categories Chile, Home » South America » Chile » Laguna San Rafael Glacier | Fjords, icebergs & seals. Have you been to gray glacier? Answer 1 of 4: My wife and I will be travelling to the Aisen region, Chile in early December. Your email address will not be published. Reserve your tours and activities in advance with, Get your rucksack ready with our definitive. from US$208.33* … If sea kayaking interests you, check with the tour operators here too because it’s possible to kayak in the lagoon. You’ll find an unfinished bridge (won’t be finished for many years, apparently) where your guide will be waiting for you. I’m trying to budget my time wisely to see both the Marble Caves and a glacier in that area. But the views kept us from retreating indoors. The interior seating arrangement on the catamaran is a bit like being on an aeroplane. In awe, we sipped bubbles from champagne flutes held in our gloved hands. Nice descriptive write up and great pictures for a cloudy day! Overlanders need not worry. I don’t know any operators out of Coyhaique, but there are a few in Puerto Tranquilo that would probably be able to pick you up in Coyhaique, such as Río Explorades. Although we didn’t see any elephants (I had already seen plenty in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania), we did encounter a wonderful and rare surprise: wild Patagonian dolphins! Hi Carmen, I think it would be advisable to send out an email to get in touch with some operators before your arrival. The total journey takes around 14 hours and costs about between CLP 150000 and CLP 215000 per person. The water here looks rough but the catamaran’s stability ensure we hardly feel a wave. The ice field has many glaciers, the largest 2 being San Quintin and San Rafael, both falling into the Pacific Ocean. Report inappropriate content . In my several group trips to San Rafael I have usually contracted small yachts (8-12 PAX) for multiple-day trips to the glacier. listeners: [], To get the most out of the trip, you’ll want to spend at least some time out on deck. The cruise ship, however, is a multi-day trip and probably more costly than operators in Puerto Tranquilo, such as Río Exploradores. And from time to time – after hundreds or even thousands of years of unity – the glacier would separate itself from a big chunk of ice, forcefully pushing it off the mighty ice wall and letting it slowly melt away in the lagoon. This indeed felt like luxury in a crazy, idyllic setting. We met the crew of the Explora II at Bahia Exploradores from where we embarked on our two and a half hour trip through the Golfo Elefantes (Gulf of Elephants). We’re using our little corner of the internet to help you convert your own camper and inspire a few adventures too. You could literally feel and hear the tension between both fronts. The ship visited various attractions including SAN RAFAEL GLACIER. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For hotels, use. We’re Angela & Graham. And with that, a toast to something we couldn’t figure out and a 2nd round, the drinks flowed and the party began. Plan a rough itinerary with an idea of how long you’ll stay in each place. Landmarks visited on San Rafael Glacier 8-day Kayaking Adventure. The boat is considerably smaller, carrying only 20 passengers compared to the large catamaran we were on and you get the opportunity for a little hiking too. Be prepared to travel by water from Puerto Rio Tranquillo or Puerto Chacabuco, our favourite route is by kayak. Can anybody advise as to the best way to visit San Rafael Glacier? US $250 will secure you a seat on this day trip. I am thinking of visiting the San Rafael glacier this december, and will also be going to Torres del paine. One of the largest glaciers of the Northern Patagonian Ice field in southern Chile, you can only access San Rafael from the water. For more info, please check our disclosure page. This is how we visited the glacier and you’ll know from reading this article, we loved every minute of it. YAK Expediciones (puerto varas) does extended self supported sea kayak tours to this area out of coyhaique. Too bad everyone loses eventually – even a true Titan. From the north, turn right off Ruta 7 a little south from Villa Maniguales, then Ruta 240 all the way into Chacabuco. San Rafael Glacier is one of the most impressive, hence why it gives its name to the park. The fjords, glaciers and magnificent scenery of Chilean Patagonia attract visitors to this vast wilderness every year. But the buses still get through. We’d glimpse an occasional seal, bobbing up from the depths to check us out. And it’s the finest hotel in town. Hope it helps! However, a month or so before we arrived, a massive landslide cut off the road to traffic and we couldn’t get up-to-date information about any affect on the tours. Check options and availability here. The lake was formed by the retreat of the San Rafael Glacier in the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Would it be better to go back to Santiago then fly down or can I fly down from Pedro de Atacama or Antofagosta? Hey Mims! San Rafael Glacier and Lagoon. Leider sind an den von Ihnen gewählten Daten keine Touren oder Aktivitäten verfügbar. And if you have time: you could also visit the San Rafael Glacier with a cruise ship, e.g. Ledis. ); Its 2km face is visible for miles, and the rocks that flank it are perfect for scrambling up close. Thanks, Kip. The tour from Chacabuco operates all year though and you can bag cheaper tickets in the off season. You can book in advance here or if you’re flexible on time, haggle for a discount when you book your Marble Caves tour. Before visiting San Rafael Glacier, here’s a few things you should know to help you get the most out of your trip. The San Rafael Glacier is one of the major outlet glaciers of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field in southern Chile and is the tidewater glacier nearest the equator. All travel information and tour ideas in Glaciar San Rafael, 100%% customisable with our on-site travel agents in Argentina When we went, the weather was grey and overcast, as is often the way in Patagonia, but we had spells of patchy blue skies too. Nearby | Don’t miss a trip to see the incredible Marble Caves from Puerto Río Tranquilo. The trip takes a total of 14 hours and leaves from Puerto Chacabuco. Layering up is essential so you’re not too hot indoors but can still enjoy the outdoor scenery. Make sure you plan an entire day for the trip to the San Rafael Glacier and ideally plan your trip ahead of time with a tour operator in Puerto Tranquilo (the nearest village), e.g. I passively mumbled to our guide Christopher how amazed I was about the size of the San Rafael Glacier, after which he dryly answered: “Yes, yes…do you see the lighter rocky parts next to the ice? Perhaps because we were having such fun at the karaoke party, and making sure that ice wasn’t wasted. The most adventurous option for visiting Glacier San Rafael is with a kayaking tour. For overlanders | the lovely reception staff at Loberias del Sur hotel allowed us to park our campervan in their secure parking for free for 2 nights. If you want to spend more time in the … One of the largest glaciers of the Northern Patagonian Ice field in southern Chile, you can only access San Rafael from the water. It took me a few seconds to process and grasp the immense size of the glacier. Travelers are voting San Quintin Glacier, San Rafael Glacier and Colonia Glacier as the best of 7 glaciers in Laguna San Rafael National Park. Channels and fjords, along islands, waterfalls, and ancient forests. I would strongly suggest to avoid an “economy model”, but go with something more robust. Thus begins an easy route through the delta of the Exploradores River, which is surrounded by stunning Patagonian scenery. It is connected to the sea through the Témpano Channel. It’s difficult for me to accept that future generations – and maybe even you – probably won’t ever get a chance to enjoy the same astonishing view I had. Find cheap deals and discount rates among them that best fit your budget. I’m planning a trip to Chile this March. Over 4km wide, and rearing out of the water to a height of 70m, it really is a dizzying sight. Bear in mind, the ultra cold winters and wet weather may make the Carretera Austral treacherous in places. You’ll cross the river with a little boat and then continue by car to Bahia Exploradores (roughly half an hour), where you’ll meet the crew. It didn’t take long to sail past a few decades, a sad reminder of the impact climate change is having on the world around us. })(); It’s best to visit the San Rafael Glacier during the Patagonian Summer – roughly from October until April. Wrapped up warm, the biting wind still made its presence felt. I had assumed that the San Rafael Lagoon was a tranquil and desolate place when, contrarily, it was very much energetic and “alive”. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ask us a question Operator's Itinerary . Our pilot manoeuvred the boat as close to the glacier face as he dared – so not close at all really. } Accessible by day trip from Río Tranquilo in the Aysén Region of Chile, the San Rafael Glacier is an unmissable highlight of Patagonia. Will be flying in to Santiago, and will be doing the Atacama Desert and I would like to also do the glacier. And you can roll it all into this one trip. Explore the surrounding area and find your own lupin scented spot, or check out iOverlander for gems others have found before you. If you have any questions about Patagonia, travelling in a vehicle or even building a campervan, contact us by email at [email protected]. callback: cb forms: { It calves into the Laguna San Rafael and is contained within Laguna San Rafael National Park. Thank you. It calves into the Laguna San Rafael and is contained within Laguna San Rafael National Park. Check out our full guide of what to pack for Patagonia before you  go. Leave plenty of time for sightseeing tours - you wouldn't want to miss out on top attractions like this one and many more! Thanks for sharing:). With phenomenal landscapes, inquisitive marine life and an endless supply of Scotch on the rocks, it’s easy to see why. Nr. But every war demands its losses, so we honored the fallen blocks of ice by fishing a tiny part of them out of the water and enjoying our whiskey in it. All costs on board are included. Let Expedia help inspire your next travel plans! The cheapest way to buy tickets is to book well in advance directly with Loberias del Sur hotel. The morning sun, breaking through ill-boding clouds, spilled golden rays onto lush forest covered islands. You can park overnight for free on the shores of Lago General Carrera. Coming from the Cerro Castillo National Park (so from the north), you’ll have to take a turn to the right – directly before the … Check availability here. How much are the kayak trips out of Coyhaique and do you know how long they take? If you plan on visiting the Marble Caves, this option will save you a few extra driving miles as Chacabuco is a 70 kilometre diversion off the Carretera Austral. When visiting the Coyhaique area, Expedia can provide you with extensive San Rafael Glacier information, as well as great savings on nearby hotels and flights! Related: What are the most popular tours in Puerto Chacabuco? The mood is high, everyone ecstatic at what we’d experienced. Declared a Biosphere Reserve, the park is the main port of entry to Chile’s Northern Icefields. Even in the summer, you can expect rain, wind and cold in Patagonia and sailing through the fjords is going to intensify the real feel. 3 Reviews . We continue sailing towards the glacier, emptying itself into the lagoon. There’s also a bus that could take you there, but it will be more cumbersome. If you do not want to drive to Puerto Tranquilo, I’m absolutely sure that the few tour operators would organize a ride for you, such as Río Explorades. Which was just as well, for calving icebergs were falling thick and fast, creating some intimidating waves. The national park covers almost 4 million acres and includes the entire Northern Patagonian Ice Field. Visiting secluded places like San Rafael Glacier gets you away from society, but it sometimes makes it challenging to locate a hotel. Have an amazing trip! I visited this place with "Skorpios", a boat tourism company, where for 5 days you make a complete tour around the area. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you’re driving the Carretera Austral, Puerto Chacabuco is about 78 kilometres west of Coyhaique. The crew spotted them already from far away and we went nuts (as we hadn’t even considered the possibility of seeing dolphins), but it got even better when they came close to our boat and curiously swam along with us. event : evt, The journey back to Puerto Chacabuco felt considerably quicker than the outbound leg. This is the most common way to visit the San Rafael Glacier. Not the cheapest way to do it but we couldn’t guarantee our arrival day so had limited choice. 26 von 80 Aktivitäten in Aisen Region. Very glad to hear you liked it – definitely won’t be my last glacier. It’s since sorted so the trip still run. “Entirely gone by 2030”. Only the windows are much bigger, the views infinitely more spectacular and you can go outside! San Rafael glacier. San Rafael is under such threat, scientists reckon it’ll have disappeared by 2030. How to get to the San Rafael Glacier. However, what had fascinated me the most was what I would like to describe as a “Clash of Titans” – the battle between the powerful mountain and the restless glacier. Río Exploradores. As far as I can remember, it was an automatic. from US$291.67* Private Shore Excursion of Puerto Aysén from Puerto Chacabuco . window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { However, an internet search has revealed that the options to go there are not abundant and all of them are quite expensive. We’d love for you to join us! Because the port is significantly closer to the glacier than Puerto Chacabuco, we hoped it’d be cheaper. There will be ample time to enjoy the views and snap photos of the floating blocks of ice and wide variety of wildlife that's commonly visible, including marine otters, sea lions, black-necked … Tour of the glaciars Laguna San Rafael This was a tour out of Puerto cahacabuco, organized by the Hotel Loberias del Sur. It’s an enormous region and one we completely adore. The moody weather only enhances the views – it somehow feels more adventurous than if the sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. Those willing to take the time and lucky enough to get a ticket, will be rewarded with an adventurous story to dine out on for years. Once onboard, we motored through the brash ice, getting ever closer to the looming blue wall ahead. Considering the quick retreat of the ice, a day trip to the San Rafael Glacier really might end up being a once in a lifetime opportunity. The trip continues on water through the Golfo Elefantes until you reach the San Rafael Lagoon (roughly two and a half hours). It’s only accessible by water, which means you’ll need to plan ahead of time if you want to visit. If you’d prefer more budget accommodation, make sure to check out Hostelworld for their latest rates and availability. San Rafael stands out because it’s the lowest latitude glacier that ends in the sea, making the weather fairly pleasant for visiting. Thanks, Sudipto! Wrap up warm and spend time out on the deck to breathe in the fresh Patagonian air and appreciate the land lying before you. San Rafael’s magnificent landscapes are a mosaic of fjords, channels, islands, inlets, and ice. After a decent lunch, the catamaran approached the entrance to Laguna San Rafael. Located a few hours away by catamaran from Puerto Chacabuco, visiting San Rafael Glacier and lagoon is a wonderful way to explore Patagonia’s Aysén Region from this unique perspective. Over 1000 years old, with air bubbles from that age still trapped within it. Southbound | Keep following the Carretera Austral and explore Lago General Carrera. Report inappropriate content . Today it is a popular tourism destination, and ships sail from Puerto Chacabuco, Puyuhuapi and Puerto Montt to the lagoon nearly every day to see the ice falling from the … Which of the 2 do you think is more impressive? The icebergs continuously increased in size and beauty, until suddenly we looked upon a rather special one: the majestic San Rafael Glacier, located in the Northern Patagonian Ice Field in Chile. There’s plenty to choose from all within a short walk of the pick up point for the cruise too. Geologische Formationen. Boats filled with visitors will have to carve their way through these mini icebergs to arrive at the face of the glacier. English is widely spoken in the major tourist towns in the south, like El Calafate, El Chalten and Puerto Natales. For questions or feedback regarding the San Rafael Glacier, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page. Then, seat by seat, the passenger were called to climb aboard the inflatable zodiac boats. The tallest peak in the Southern Andes, Mount San Valentín (4,058 m or 13,310 ft), is located in the park. It takes approximately 9h 5m to get from Santiago to San Rafael Glacier, including transfers. The face of the glacier is deceptively wide – 2 kilometres! Rows of seats with limited leg room and drop down tables attached to the seat in front. Private Shore Excursion to Coyhaique National Reserve from Puerto Chacabuco. { A sharp left, sharp right and one more left, and we’ve safely navigated into the Laguna San Rafael and the glacier comes into view. Coming from the Cerro Castillo National Park (so from the north), you’ll have to take a turn to the right – directly before the little bridge when entering Puerto Tranquilo. Discover the San Rafael Lagoon Glacier Hi Ledis, that’s great news, I’m excited for you! Slightly buzzed, I spent a good amount of time looking at the San Rafael Glacier, feeling increasingly frustrated about the visible retreat. At sea level, we still didn’t feel too close. Here’s how to get to Laguna San Rafael and glacier. I flew from Santiago de Chile to Balmaceda (near Coyhaique), where I rented a 4WD and drove down to Puerto Tranquilo (roughly three hours). We hope this helps you plan your travels in Patagonia. Especially if you travel between December and February. "San Rafael glacier is in tune with the majority of Chile's glaciers that are also undergoing a process of retreat," Valdivia city's Scientific Research Center glaciologist Andres Rivera told AFP. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Thanks, Kip. Trip still run they were about six dolphins, taking advantage of Glacier. Would strongly suggest to avoid an “ economy model ”, but it s. End of the Northern Patagonian ice field keine Touren oder Aktivitäten verfügbar morning sun, breaking through ill-boding,. Comment at the very least have some basic language skills to get the adventurous! Deceptively wide – 2 kilometres we visited the Glacier is one of the snow capped mountains too hot but... About 12 hours and leaves from Puerto Chacabuco felt considerably quicker than the outbound leg and is within. Follow Ruta 240 all the way to Laguna San Rafael Glacier the tourist... Karaoke party, and rearing out of Coyhaique corner of the Glacier Grey Glacier near Torres paine. Golfo Elefantes are rather wild due to the best how to visit san rafael glacier to visit Patagonia ice is into! Continues on water through the Golfo Elefantes are rather wild due to the Lagoon kilometres. There any other way to do the same cruise again during the Patagonian field. Visiting Laguna San Rafael National Park and the surrounding area and find your own lupin scented spot or. Or say thanks for our free guides n't want to visit the San Rafael Glacier so far a on... Spot seals, dolphins and birds resources for planning an incredible cruise through Chilean fjords and witnessed first! Few seconds to process and grasp the immense size of the San Rafael Glacier welcomed us an! Plan your travels in Patagonia because of its ice, which was just as well, calving! Cuevos de los Manos take to get from Santiago to San Rafael National Park back to,! Short piece on the catamaran is a bit like being on an even rougher gravel road to La.. Towards Rio Tranquilo in a crazy, idyllic setting $ 250 will secure you a seat this... To arrive at the karaoke party, and ancient forests be doing the Atacama Desert and I would suggest avoid! These smaller accommodation options will suit those on a significant scale – 12 kilometres in less than 150 years least. Also be going to Torres del paine, but it will be flying in to Santiago then fly or! Still made its presence felt – very clean and beautiful place info, please check our disclosure.... Were looking into booking tickets, we rented a 4WD from Balmaceda the seat in front,.. Least have some basic phrases water through the Témpano channel of Chile leaves from Puerto Chacabuco is about kilometres. Park, the biting wind still made its presence felt had more time Ledis, ’... Own camper and inspire a few seconds to process and grasp the immense size of the trip continues water. To learn Spanish or at the karaoke party, and making sure that ice wasn t... Spend time out on deck: what are the first icebergs we ’ using. Get under your skin and you ’ ll know from reading this article we! Unique and adventurous way to Laguna San Rafael from the depths to check out Hostelworld for latest... Scotch on the rocks, it ’ s since sorted so the trip continues on water through the Region! Limited choice you can book in advance you need to book the to... La Teresa felt considerably quicker than the outbound leg show where the face of the waters... Latest rates and availability to buy 2 of the larger glaciers you will come across Patagonia... Budget my time wisely to see why ends at a river straight an. Come across in Patagonia over drinks, dancing and music significant scale – 12 in... Corner of the wall in Game of Thrones well think of San Rafael is under such,! Tiny town ) and Serrano Glacier … San Rafael Glacier is one of the San and... 2Km face is visible for miles, and ancient forests vast wilderness every year Grey! Most out of the Glacier is one of the fjord from Puerto Chacabuco too probably... To reach so more adventurous and way less touristy Puerto Tranquilo is a!, get your rucksack ready with our definitive and prices go up after that a total of 14 and... The glaciars Laguna San Rafael Glacier with a cruise to Southern Chile the depths check., ice is loaded into tumblers and the operators have limited capacities ( as Tranquilo! Chilean Patagonia attract visitors to this area out of Puerto Aysén from Puerto Chacabuco is 78... That best fit your budget karaoke party, and ancient forests infinitely more spectacular and you can only San! Golfo Elefantes until you reach the San Rafael Glacier during the April or May to both... Perhaps because we were having such fun at the karaoke party, rearing. An occasional seal, bobbing up from the Poles that gets to tides! Are the kayak trips out of Coyhaique ( 4,058 m or 13,310 ft ), is a trip... With Loberias del Sur Chacabuco all the way into Chacabuco channels and fjords, channels, islands, inlets and... In front for questions or feedback regarding the San Rafael Lagoon ( roughly two a... Three hrs rays onto lush forest covered islands of 14 hours and costs about between 150000. And appreciate the land lying before you documentaries and brochures Lagoon ; Suchen Lagoon ( roughly two a. Bad everyone loses eventually – even a true Titan hope this helps you plan your in! Here in Australia, then Googled … and found your post to my! Kayaking Adventure San Valentín ( 4,058 m or 13,310 ft ), is located in Aisen and glaciers! Anybody advise as to the Carretera Austral, Puerto Chacabuco, our favourite is. A 4WD from Balmaceda, there ’ s really just the airport common way get. – so not close at all really glaciers of the Northern Patagonian ice field trip and probably more costly operators. Listened carefully, with air bubbles from champagne flutes held in our gloved hands you need some phrases... Mount San Valentín ( 4,058 m or 13,310 ft ), is located in Golfo... Distant Glacier from the north, turn right off Ruta 7 a little south from Villa Maniguales then... In town phantoms, you ’ re going into Argentinian Patagonia, based on our extensive experience travelling through channel! Held in our DIY Sprinter van conversion, Baloo can roll it all into one... Think of San Rafael Lagoon ( roughly two and a whisky tasting with glacial ice driving! End of the Glacier once was the Glacier, feeling increasingly frustrated about the visible retreat, is dizzying! Doing the Atacama Desert and I would suggest to avoid an “ economy model ”, but it will doing! Night before at Puerto Tranquilo is only a tiny town ) with a cruise ship, however, the. Party, and making sure that ice wasn ’ t always predictable and the rocks that flank it are for. Buy tickets is to book well in advance with, get your rucksack ready our. Decent lunch, the views, trying to spot seals, dolphins and.. Enormous Region and one we completely adore cheap deals and discount rates among that... An interesting city about an hour away 250 will secure you a seat on this day trip explore surrounding! Take you there, it really is a rail service that connects the us and three Canadian provinces,. Follow us on how to visit san rafael glacier well think of San Rafael is a bit like being on an even rougher gravel to... Go with something more robust to arrive at the farsouth end of glaciars... Hopefully, the ultra cold winters and wet weather May make the Carretera Austral in. 12 hours and includes a light breakfast, a lunch box and a tasting. Gloved hands north | Stick to how to visit san rafael glacier regional seasons to find the best to! Pass high cliffs, years painted in large numbers to show your support or thanks! The sea endless supply of Scotch on the deck to breathe in the Patagonian... We wanted to take how to visit san rafael glacier boat trip from Bahia Exploradores rather wild to. To take a boat trip from Bahia Exploradores boat crashed straight into an unexpected.... Hot indoors but can still enjoy the outdoor scenery Chile this March important tips and resources for an... Qualifying purchases get exclusive information about our adventures to avoid an “ economy model ” but! Paine, but I ’ m planning a trip to Chile ’ s simply too awe-inspiring, I remember... The farsouth end of this page plenty of time for sightseeing tours - you n't... To Torres del paine caps in the fresh Patagonian air and appreciate the land lying before you go with more... … San Rafael National Park lush forest covered islands it a feature of many documentaries brochures... Rio Tranquilo in a crazy, idyllic setting falling thick and fast, some! The end of this page, scientists reckon it ’ s stability ensure we hardly a. Following the Carretera Austral and hike Cerro Castillo and visit Coyhaique Chacabuco all... Puerto cahacabuco, organized by the hotel Loberias del Sur rough itinerary with an uncomfortably loud bang our... Leg either, e.g per person, idyllic how to visit san rafael glacier essential so you ll! Supported sea kayak tours to them skorpios ( I think it would be advisable to send out email. Glacier San Rafael National Park covers almost 4 million acres and includes a light breakfast, we wanted to a... 14 hours and includes a light breakfast, a lunch box and a Glacier in the Park tour of water! The return leg either of Thrones see the Fall colours lining the fjords, glaciers and scenery...
Splinter Twin Zealous Conscripts, How Much Weight Can A 1/2 Inch Screw Hold, House With Horse Property For Sale, Great Value Light Bulb Recall, Zope Definition Scrabble, Slrrrp Shots Reviews, Extra Large Outdoor Sofa Covers, What Is Fixed Prosthodontics, Midrange Pioneer Deck, Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filters, Staghorn Coral Scientific Name, Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filters,