What to visit in Patagonia
- Back to other locations
- Río Simpson National Reserve (Includes Cascade La Virgen)
Río Simpson National Reserve (Includes Cascade La Virgen)
Overview
Laguna San Rafael National Park, located in the Aysén Region, is famous for its San Rafael Glacier, which is part of the Northern Ice Field. The main attraction is the navigation that allows visitors to approach the glacier and observe ice calving into a turquoise-colored lagoon.Information about navigation to the glacier
- San Rafael Glacier: The glacier descends from the mountain and falls directly into the lagoon. It is one of the principal gateways to the Northern Ice Field on the Austral Highway.
- Trip duration: Navigation generally lasts around 5 hours through fjords and glaciers until reaching the San Rafael Glacier.
- Activities: The park offers other activities such as fishing, wildlife observation, and mountaineering.
- Best time to visit: The ideal season to visit Laguna San Rafael is from mid-September to late April, when the weather is most favorable.
- Access: There are several ways to reach the park, either by traveling the Austral Highway by vehicle and then taking a ferry, or via cruises from Puerto Montt.
Coordinates
Laguna San Rafael (reference): -46.680, -73.861How to get there, distances and times
- From Puerto Chacabuco: full-day navigation (12–15 h depending on the operator).
- From Bahía Exploradores: long day (very early departure, late return).
Route and travel time
- Catamaran/zodiac navigation to the glacier front.
- Approach among icebergs (subject to safety conditions).
Recommendations
- Thermal clothing; gloves/hat.
- Rescheduling due to weather is common.