Nef Glacier, Mountain glacier in Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile

Nef Glacier is a large ice field in the Aysén Region that flows downward from higher elevations toward a lake at its base. The ice moves slowly downhill and creates crevasses and surface patterns that become visible from viewing points within the park.

The glacier formed during the ice ages in Patagonia and is part of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. Over recent decades, the ice has changed noticeably like many glaciers in this region.

Nef Glacier feeds the Nef River, whose grey-blue meltwater carries fine particles ground from the ice and flows east into the Baker River; the Baker later turns southwest and reaches the Pacific. The glacier's ice thus drains toward the Atlantic side while its water ends in the Pacific.

The best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are more accessible and visibility is clearer. Visitors should bring weather-resistant clothing and be prepared for conditions that can change quickly.

Nef Glacier drains the Northern Patagonian Ice Field southeast toward the Atlantic side, yet its meltwater ends in the Pacific: it feeds the Nef River, a tributary of the Baker River, which turns southwest and reaches the ocean. The grey-blue colour of the outflow comes from fine particles carried in the ice.