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- Exploradores Glacier - Ice Trekking (Aysén)
Exploradores Glacier - Ice Trekking (Aysén)
Overview
Exploradores Glacier, in Laguna San Rafael National Park (Aysén Region), offers a memorable experience of ice trekking on the Northern Ice Field. The guided trek with crampons crosses moraines, crevasses, and blue formations. It’s a full-day adventure for well-equipped explorers.Trekking Information
- Location: Located in the Exploradores sector of Laguna San Rafael National Park, near Puerto Río Tranquilo.
- Activity: The excursion consists of trekking over the glacier’s frontal moraine and then on the ice itself, a journey that can last around 10 hours. Along the way, you can see lagoons, caves, and ice formations.
- Difficulty: It is considered a high-demand trek, although with no steep slopes, due to the long route and rocky “black ice” terrain before reaching clean ice.
- Guides: Trekking with certified guides and specialized equipment such as crampons and gaiters is mandatory; these are usually provided by the tour agencies.
- Starting point: Tours depart mainly from Puerto Río Tranquilo, where you’ll find several agencies offering this service.
Coordinates
Exploradores Valley access (reference): -46.612, -73.098How to get there, distances and times
- From Puerto Río Tranquilo: ~50 km of gravel road (1.5 h) to operator/refuge sector.
Route and travel time
- 10–12 h total (transfers + approach + 3–4 h ice trekking).
Recommendations
- Medium physical level; sturdy boots/ankle support.
- Weather can change; certified guides are mandatory.