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 ice formed during the last ice age and has been continuously shrinking since then. Scientists began monitoring it in the 1950s to track how climate changes affect this mountain region over time.
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 ice remains at approximately minus 5 degrees Celsius year-round, which creates conditions for specialized alpine plants and animals found nowhere else nearby. This extreme cold supports a unique ecosystem with rare species adapted to these harsh mountain conditions.
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