Austral Route Queulat Puyuhuapi National Park
General Carrera Lake and Baker River
Beautiful landscapes of millenary ice, crystal clear waters and huge mountains is part of what San Rafael Lagoon National Park offers to those who venture into a navigation that will undoubtedly be unforgettable. Incorporated in 1979 into the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves network for its natural values, the park gathers all of the Northern Ice Fields where numerous snowdrifts, rivers and lagoons originate.
Located in the coastal area of Aysén, occupying part of the Taitao Peninsula and with 1,742,000 hectares, it is the largest national park in this province.
Its main attractions are the San Rafael Glacier that is born in Cerro San Valentín with 4,058 meters. It constitutes the highest peak of the austral Andes and that ends in the Laguna San Rafael after 45 kms. travel.
The lagoon, impressive for its beauty and luminosity, is formed by a small entrance of the Pacific Ocean of 15 by 10 kms. There ends a huge glacier of more than 30,000 years. Giant blocks of ice detach from the glacier, falling into the lagoon in a show that moves for its beauty.
Located in the coastal area of Aysén, occupying part of the Taitao Peninsula and with 1,742,000 hectares, it is the largest national park in this province.
Its main attractions are the San Rafael Glacier that is born in Cerro San Valentín with 4,058 meters. It constitutes the highest peak of the austral Andes and that ends in the Laguna San Rafael after 45 kms. travel.
The lagoon, impressive for its beauty and luminosity, is formed by a small entrance of the Pacific Ocean of 15 by 10 kms. There ends a huge glacier of more than 30,000 years. Giant blocks of ice detach from the glacier, falling into the lagoon in a show that moves for its beauty.
Although the biggest attraction is the lagoon, you can not forget the great variety of flora and fauna that the park offers. Here it is possible to observe numerous species of birds, both marine and terrestrial, among which are the black-browed albatross, huala duck, black-necked swans, among others.
The flora also stands out for its richness and is represented by a dense population of trees, shrubs and herbs such as cypress, lenga, evergreen and coihue, which owe their growth to the humidity of the area. In addition, it is possible to perform recreational activities such as climbing, trekking, sailing, fishing and many more.
Nor can we fail to mention the environmental educational information available to the park, since when it was declared a World Biosphere Reserve, its natural resources are studied by researchers in geology, botany, ecology and glaciology.
The flora also stands out for its richness and is represented by a dense population of trees, shrubs and herbs such as cypress, lenga, evergreen and coihue, which owe their growth to the humidity of the area. In addition, it is possible to perform recreational activities such as climbing, trekking, sailing, fishing and many more.
Nor can we fail to mention the environmental educational information available to the park, since when it was declared a World Biosphere Reserve, its natural resources are studied by researchers in geology, botany, ecology and glaciology.
Attractions
Navigate between eternal ice, glaciers and water mirrors; observe beautiful animal species that inhabit the place, venture into the forests of San Rafael National Park and, of course, having the opportunity to drink a whiskey with millenary ice freshly extracted from the lagoon are undoubtedly the greatest attraction of this wonderful destination. Nor can you forget the entertaining activities that can be performed as mountaineering, panoramic observation, photography, fishing, navigation, among many others. Without a doubt this is the ideal place for lovers of nature and adventure.
Activities
The wide variety of recreational activities to perform did not leave you time to get bored. One of the main ones is sailing with catamarans and schooners that make the trip to the park advancing south to enter the Aysén Fjord; They continue their journey through the Canal Costa until they enter the Elefantes Estuary and finally enter the San Rafael Lagoon. The landscape is truly beautiful during all the navigation and provokes an unforgettable sensation when contemplating the majesty of the summits that surround the canals. For those who like sailing, the channels are also a special attraction. Another must-see is the rich flora and fauna of the park with species such as toninas, chungungos, wolves of one hair, elephant seals and various birds. The flora is not left behind offering a dense population of trees, shrubs and herbs.
These wonderful landscapes are also the paradise for photography. Photographic safaris are gaining more and more followers. Another activity to do is trekking with the hiking trail of 5,500 meters. of approximately length. It is also possible to climb and mountaineering, being a great entertainment for the more adventurous. Fishing is also an important activity that acquires a special attraction in this breathtaking landscape.
Information of interest
1When to go
Visits can be made between January and April, and from September to December.
2Location
The San Rafael Lagoon National Park has an area of 1,742.00 hectares and is located in the coastal area of Aysén, Coyhaique; at 82 kms. south of Puerto Chacabuco and 120 nautical miles southwest of this port. The San Rafael Lagoon is located 120 nautical miles southwest of Puerto Chacabuco.
3How to get
One of the ways to get to the park is the seaway, sailing from Puerto Chacabuco south to the Aysén Fjord, continue along the Costa Canal to enter the Elefantes Estuary, then navigate through the Témpanos River to arrive to Laguna San Rafael. Or, by air, taking off from the Aerodrome of Puerto Aysén or from the Coyhaique Aerodrome to land on the runway located in the park. To get to Puerto Chacabuco by air, you fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt-Balmaceda; and then from Balmaceda to Puerto Chacabuco. You can also travel by public or private land. Puerto Chacabuco is located 15 kms. from Puerto Aysén, 85 kms. of Coyhaique and to 127 kms. of Balmaceda.
4Weather
Humid with abundant rains in the littoral sector, reaching 3,500 mm. annual In the high sectors, it rains and snows reaching 5,000 mm. annual The average annual temperature is 5 C. It is recommended to wear clothes resistant to cold, rain and wind. There may also be sunny days, so it is also necessary to wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
5Services
It is recommended to stay in Puerto Aysén or Puerto Chacabuco due to its proximity to the place of embarkation and departure to Laguna San Rafael. There are several accommodation alternatives such as hotels, cabins and hostels. Also in it is possible to find excellent places to eat for different pockets. In terms of transport, there are different alternatives such as the land route from Coyhaique (223 km) to Puerto Tranquilo. The maritime transport has tourism cruises from Puerto Chacabuco, almost 16 hours, to Laguna San Rafael. It can also be accessed with catamarans that make the trip from Puerto Chacabuco for the day.
6Surroundings
Exploradores Bay, Northern Ice Field, Quitralco Fjord, Las Guaitecas National Reserve, Quitralco Hot Springs, San Quintín Ventisquero and San Rafael Ventisquero.
Destinations
Northern Ice Field
San Rafael Ventisquero
Explorers Bay
San Rafael Lagoon National Park
Fjord Quitralco
The Guaitecas National Reserve
Termas Quitralco
