Chile is, literally, a country of glaciers. With 24,114, Chile holds 80% of this type of ice masses in South America. A significant figure, since glaciers represent the planet's largest freshwater reserves. Today, 90% of Chilean glaciers are in retreat. This process, though geologically normal, has been severely accelerated by climate change. That's why it becomes extremely important to recognize glaciers not only for their majesty, but for how essential they are to the natural balance of our planet. Here we leave you 7 Chilean glaciers you must see before they disappear. Photo by @michaelmatti.
1. El Morado Hanging Glacier
Located in the Cajón del Maipo, this glacier is one of the most visited areas in the Metropolitan Region. At 3100 masl, the massive frozen water mass, which falls from Cerro Morado, empties fragmented into large ice blocks over a lagoon. Its walls can reach 30 meters at the thickest point. Within the sector are other glaciers that are easy to observe, such as the San Francisco glacier, which rests on the slopes of the mountain of the same name.
When and how to see it: From Santiago you must drive 93 km southeast to the town of Baños Morales, in Cajón del Maipo. From the fork, follow 6 km along the main road (without entering Baños Morales), until the El Cabrerío sector. There the path begins on the left-hand side, leading to the parking area. From there you walk a 2.5-hour trail until you reach the glacier. It's recommended to visit between spring and summer, as in winter conditions are harsh and it's necessary to walk with snowshoes.
2. Queulat Hanging Glacier
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive views you'll find in the country. The Queulat Hanging Glacier is a true tongue of ice that plunges from great height into the waters of Laguna Témpanos. It's located within the Queulat National Park and, because of this, there's a wide range of trails for all who wish to enjoy the Patagonian forest. The Ventisquero trail requires 2.5 to 3 hours to complete (round trip). Additionally, the sector stands out for its protection of species such as the chucao, the pudú, the puma, and the four-eyed frog, among others.
When and how to see it: The park is reached directly via the Carretera Austral, south of Chaitén and 165 km north of Coyhaique, in the Aysén Region. You can visit year-round.
3. San Quintín Glacier
San Quintín (790km2) is the largest glacier in the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, and between 1870 and 2011 it lost 14.6% of its surface, a retreat that continues to this day. It's located in Laguna San Rafael, of proglacial origin, which means it was formed by the meltwater of the glaciers surrounding it. In front of San Quintín is the San Rafael glacier, a neighbor of great magnitude.
When and how to see it: To access the glacier you must book a tour on Laguna San Rafael. Tours depart from Puerto Chacabuco, which connects to the city of Coyhaique via the Presidente Ibáñez bridge, the country's largest suspension bridge and a Historical Monument. It's important to mention that tours are conducted during the summer season, when weather permits navigation on the lagoon.
4. Jorge Montt Glacier
With a surface area of 464 km2, the Jorge Montt glacier is undergoing violent retreat, shrinking approximately 25 meters each day. It's a maritime glacier, as it flows directly into the sea and can be reached in less than three hours by boat from Caleta Tortel. The Jorge Montt glacier also offers an unparalleled adventure for those who wish to feel and confront the power of nature, as visitors kayak for a couple of days to reach it, and once there they climb the surrounding hills to reach spectacular viewpoints.
When and how to see it: It's located near Caleta Tortel, almost at the end of the Carretera Austral, from where expeditions to the glacier depart. About 80 km south of Cochrane, there's a fork indicating the road (22 km) to Caleta Tortel. It's visited during the summer season.
5. O'Higgins Glacier
Also known as Ventisquero Grande, it's one of the four largest glaciers in all of Patagonia, at the foot of the Southern Ice Fields. With a surface area of 820 km², its walls are among the highest that can be found, reaching up to 80 meters (similar to a 10-story building). It's located on Lake O'Higgins, the deepest in America at 826 meters.
When and how to see it: During September and April, on boats departing from Bahía Bahamondes, at the end of the Carretera Austral.
6. Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
On Monte Balmaceda lies the spectacular glacier of the same name. Its retreat is already evident, as the massive ice mass no longer reaches its mouth intact, instead you can see the erosion caused by ice in the area where it once rested. Very nearby is the Serrano Glacier, nestled within a native forest of coigües, ñirres, and ciruelillos. There are tours that include both glaciers in a single outing, with millennia-old ice-chilled whisky included!
When and how to get there: They can be visited year-round and are located in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile's largest and the world's greatest freshwater reserve. To reach it, daily excursions depart from Puerto Natales. You can book online with Nomades here.
7. Grey Glacier
The cover photo of this article, Glaciar Grey is part of Campos de Hielo Sur and stretches across the Andes between Argentina and Chile. It's also one of the most well-known, as it's located in the Torres del Paine National Park, one of the country's top tourist attractions. At 6 kilometers wide and covering 270km2, it's one of the smallest in the region. However, its incredible colors make it one of the most striking in the country.
When and How to see it: Between September and April, in Torres del Paine National Park. At Nomades we offer daily departures on the Glaciar Grey navigation, from where you can experience seeing this ice mass up close, with the Torres del Paine as your backdrop!
Extra note: Despite measures being taken to preserve Chilean glaciers, some organizations like Greenpeace have pointed out that they are not sufficient, since regulations only protect some of the thousands of glaciers that exist in the country and prioritize mining operations that lead to their destruction.
What other glaciers do you know that we should include on this list? Share your tips with our community of travelers!
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