San Rafael Lagoon, Lake in Aysén Region, Chile.
San Rafael Lagoon is a glacial lake in the Aysén Region fed by multiple glaciers that continuously discharge ice into its waters. The surface often displays floating bergs of varying sizes, while steep mountain walls rise dramatically around the shoreline.
The glacier here was a land-based ice mass in the 1600s but became a tidewater glacier by the 1700s. This shift allowed ice to calve directly into the water, fundamentally changing the lake's character and ongoing development.
Indigenous peoples once relied on these waters for sustenance, using watercraft to navigate the channels and gather marine resources. Today, the landscape still reflects this deep historical connection between communities and the natural environment.
Reaching the lake requires flying to Puerto Montt first, then traveling by boat or vehicle through the remote region. Weather here changes quickly, so visitors should pack layers and waterproof gear for any season.
The lake receives ice from nineteen different glaciers that continuously shed chunks into the water. When ice calves from these glaciers, it creates loud booming sounds that echo across the entire basin.
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