Travel to Chile - San Rafael lagoon

Day 13 Coyhaique - San Rafael lagoon - Coyhaique (144 Km.)

(in 72 Km.) Puerto Chacabuco: From Coyhaique we went in the direction of Puerto Chacabuco, where we will take a catamaran that will take us to the Laguna de San Rafael. On the way to the lagoon, through the Seno Aisén and Estero Elefantes, we will encounter with icebergs off the San Rafael Glacier. We went over 200 kilometers on board the catamaran, watching along the way different estuaries, volcanoes, etc.

San Rafael Lagoon

San Rafael Lagoon

Laguna San Rafael: With 1,742,000 ha. extension, the National Park Laguna San Rafael is the largest of Aysén and includes all of the northern ice fields that give rise to many rivers and lakes. Inside the park is the highest summit of the Southern Andes, Mount San Valentín, 4.058 meters high.

San Rafael Lagoon

San Rafael Lagoon

On this and other hills are the fields of ice, giving rise to 19 blizzards, and by bearing his name as the park has become famous. The highlight of the Park is the far San Rafael Glacier, which dates back to the last Ice Age, more than 30,000 years. Due to the remote park can be reached only via air or sea.

San Rafael Lagoon

San Rafael Lagoon

Once at the lake down the catamaran and we approach the glacier by zodiac boats, paddling between sheets of floating ice, which is completely the majesty of the glacier. The sounds that make the glacier and when the ice break up, caused by the constant activity of the glacier, are one of the most amazing attractions for visitors.

San Rafael Lagoon

San Rafael Lagoon

Is due to falling ice can not be closer than 700 meters from the front of the glacier, because it leads to a strong wave that could capsize the boat. If a person falls into the water, this being at a temperature of about half a degree, you could die from hypothermia in just a few minutes. It should be remembered that although the height of the visible face of the glacier is about 60 meters, 240 meters is more submerged. Therefore, a detachment of the glacier could generate an iceberg of 300 meters, capable of overturning any boat.

San Rafael Lagoon

San Rafael Lagoon

Sunset near Puerto Aisén

Sunset near Puerto Aisén

(in 72 Km.) Coyhaique: After come back to Puerto Chacabuco pier we take the road to Coyhaique and slept again in this city.