Laguna San Rafael National Park


Basic ecotouristic information on Laguna San Rafael National Park (Chile) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.

Laguna San RafaelLocalizationLaguna San Rafael

Pacific coast of southern Chile, about 82 km south of Puerto Chacabuco

Access

Moderately difficult. By air or by car to Puerto Chacabuco and by boat to the park from there.

Characteristic

17 420 km2; Mountainous coastal region - includes the Northern Patagonian Ice Field formed by 19 glaciers and a fjord more than 16 kilometers long. This park contains a number of rivers and lakes. The park is named for the San Rafael Lagoon formed by the retreat of the San Rafael Glacier. The smelting of San Rafael glacier base causes the detachment of big ice blocks, which float on Laguna San Rafael waters, which has 106 square miles. The tallest peak in the Southern Andes, Mount San Valentín (4,058 m), is located in the park. Typical ecosystems: temperate zone forests, alpine biotopes, freshwater ecosystems, sea and sea coast. Substantial part of the park is covered by ice - Northern Patagonian Ice Fields.

Fauna + Flora

Species List - See the Attachment Below

(Species list may not be complete)

Possible activities

Good conditions for trekking - moderate to difficult. Snow trekking.

Fishing, mountaineering, sea kayak, boat trips.

Note

The park was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO

No tourist infrastructure in the park area

Best time to visit IX-IV, accesible whole year round

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