San Rafael Glacier, Tidewater glacier in Northern Patagonian Ice Field, Chile
The San Rafael Glacier descends 1200 meters over 20 kilometers, terminating at a proglacial saltwater lake filled with floating icebergs.
Scientists have documented the glacier's continuous modifications since the 1800s, noting its position as the northernmost tidewater glacier in the Southern Hemisphere.
The glacier forms part of the Laguna San Rafael National Park, where local guides share their expertise about ice formations and regional ecology.
Visitors can reach the glacier through boat tours departing from Puerto Chacabuco or Puerto Rio Tranquilo, with journey times ranging from 4 to 8 hours.
The glacier releases massive ice blocks into the lagoon throughout the day, creating waves that extend several meters from the calving point.
GPS coordinates: -46.70000,-73.83333
Latest update: March 4, 2025 03:22
Catedral de Mármol
93.7 km
Patagonia National Park
122.2 km
Mount Hudson
113.6 km
Puerto Río Tranquilo
88.8 km
Laguna San Rafael National Park
35.8 km
Northern Patagonian Ice Field
41.9 km
Caleta Tortel
124.9 km
Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez
152.2 km
Cerro San Lorenzo
152.1 km
Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo
135.5 km
Monte San Valentin
39.1 km
Villa Cerro Castillo
144 km
Exploradores Glacier
55.6 km
Nef Glacier
58.1 km
Campamento minero Puerto Cristal
111.2 km
Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve
135.9 km
Lago Cochrane Nature Reserve
119 km
Arenales
61.7 km
Faro Cabo Raper
138.2 km
San Quintín Glacier
20.9 km
Colonia Glacier
68 km
Steffen Glacier
88.4 km
Calluqueo Glacier
144.8 km
Mitchell Fjord
144.6 km
Estero Quitralco
103.5 km
Leones Glacier
47.1 km
Grosse Glacier
37.4 km
Glaciar Exploradores
52.4 kmReviews
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