San Francisco Glacier, Mountain glacier in El Morado Natural Monument, Chile.

San Francisco Glacier is located in the El Morado Natural Monument in the Andes Mountains and displays white and blue ice formations in a high alpine setting. The ice field covers a large expanse and creates a striking visual contrast against the rocky mountain slopes.

The glacier was declared a natural monument by Chile's Ministry of National Assets on 28 December 1994 to protect it from high melting. In 2010 the Chilean megadrought caused heavy retreat across the country's glaciers, including this one, and shrinkage continued until about 2020. Black carbon from copper and lithium mining explains roughly 49% of the retreat in the area.

Local communities in the San Jose de Maipo region rely on the meltwater for farming and drinking water needs. The glacier represents a vital water source that shapes how people live and work in the valley below.

Reaching the glacier requires a 4-hour hike on marked trails starting from the El Morado park entrance. Bring sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and sun protection because the high altitude and strong sunlight can be demanding.

The glacier is covered in debris, which makes its ice hard to observe directly. It lies between 2,200 and 3,400 m above sea level, and a protected area of about 3,000 hectares around it is managed by Chile's National Forestry Corporation (CONAF).