Ventisquero San Rafael: A Glacial Giant
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ventisquero San Rafael, a Patagonian glacier calving into a serene lagoon, a highlight of Chile's Aysén region.
Ventisquero San Rafael, a stunning tidewater glacier in Chile's Aysén region, flows from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field into the San Rafael Lagoon. Known for its vibrant blue hues and towering icebergs, the glacier offers breathtaking views and a unique Patagonian experience. However, it is receding due to global warming.
A brief summary to Ventisquero San Rafael
- Aysén, Aysén, CL
Local tips
- Book boat tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
- Dress in layers as the weather in Patagonia can change rapidly.
- Bring a good camera with a zoom lens to capture the stunning ice formations and calving events.
- Consider a guided kayak trip for a more intimate experience with the glacier (if available).
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks, as amenities are limited in the area.
Getting There
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Boat
The primary access to Ventisquero San Rafael is by boat. Most boat tours depart from Puerto Chacabuco, located approximately 80 km west of Coyhaique. From Coyhaique, take Route 240 west towards Puerto Chacabuco. Buses run regularly between Coyhaique and Puerto Chacabuco, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours. Check schedules at the bus terminal in Coyhaique. Once in Puerto Chacabuco, board a catamaran or tour boat for a full-day excursion to Laguna San Rafael. These tours typically include meals and drinks. Typical Costs (roundtrip): * Bus from Coyhaique to Puerto Chacabuco: CLP$5,000 - CLP$10,000 [Estimates based on local bus fares]. * Full-day boat tour to Ventisquero San Rafael from Puerto Chacabuco: CLP$290,000 - CLP$334,000 per person.
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Alternative Boat Route
An alternative route involves traveling to Puerto Río Tranquilo on the shores of Lago General Carrera. From Puerto Río Tranquilo, take Route X-728 towards the Exploradores Valley. At the end of the road in Exploradores Valley (approximately 2 hours), various boats offer day trips to the lagoon. This route shortens the boat trip but requires travel on a gravel road. Typical Costs (roundtrip): * Bus from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo: CLP$8,000 - CLP$15,000 [Estimates based on local bus fares]. * Shared transport from Puerto Río Tranquilo to Exploradores Valley: CLP$5,000 - CLP$10,000 [Estimates based on local transport options]. * Boat tour to Ventisquero San Rafael from Exploradores Valley: USD 230-253 per person.
Discover more about Ventisquero San Rafael
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