Laguna San Rafael National Park

Laguna San Rafael National Park is a protected area in Chile’s Aysén Region covering fjords, channels and glaciers on the Pacific side of southern Patagonia. It is best known for the San Rafael Glacier, which flows from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field into the lagoon bearing its name.

The park’s main attraction is the San Rafael Glacier and the surrounding icefield landscape; glacier calving into Laguna San Rafael is a major highlight for boat and expedition visitors. The park also features complex fjord systems, coastal forests and marine channels that are experienced by boat, kayak or expedition cruises.

Established to protect the glacial and marine ecosystems of this sector of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, the park has been a focus for conservation and regulated tourism because of its remote, largely roadless character. Visitor infrastructure is concentrated at coastal entry points and on expedition vessels.

Situated on Chile’s Pacific coast in the Aysén Region of southern Patagonia, the park occupies fjords and islands off the mainland; the area is remote and most visits approach by sea or small aircraft from regional ports and airstrips.

• Glacier and ice field: The park contains the San Rafael Glacier, which calves ice into Laguna San Rafael and is part of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
• Access and remoteness: There are no continuous road links into the core park; most visitor access is by boat or small aircraft from coastal gateways in Aysén Region.

What to See #

• San Rafael Glacier: San Rafael Glacier flows from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field into Laguna San Rafael and is the park's principal glacial attraction.
• Fjords and waterways: Extensive fjords, channels and coastal waterways within the park are navigable only by sea or air, forming the main approach routes for visitors.