Balmaceda Glacier Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
Explore the majestic Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers via a scenic fjord cruise from Puerto Natales. Witness icy blue wonders in Bernardo O'Higgins Nati...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer days, better weather
Balmaceda Glacier Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
Best Time
Longer days, better weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the majestic Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers via a scenic fjord cruise from Puerto Natales. Witness icy blue wonders in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.
"The glacier is even more beautiful in person. Highly recommend!"
🧥 Layer Up for the Wind
Windproof and waterproof gear is essential for the boat ride. Gloves and a face cover are highly recommended!
👟 Easy Glacier Walk
The walk to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint is short (20 mins) and well-maintained. Easy for most fitness levels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Balmaceda Glacier
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
Witness the stunning Balmaceda Glacier cascading down the mountainside into the fjord. Its icy blue hues are breathtaking.
Serrano Glacier
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
A majestic glacier accessible via a short, well-maintained trail from the boat landing. Watch ice calve into the turquoise waters.
Fjord Cruise
Ultima Esperanza Sound
The journey through the fjords offers dramatic mountain scenery, potential wildlife sightings like sea lions, and a unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Elements
Book Your Glacier Tour in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Layer Up for the Wind
Windproof and waterproof gear is essential for the boat ride. Gloves and a face cover are highly recommended!
👟 Easy Glacier Walk
The walk to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint is short (20 mins) and well-maintained. Easy for most fitness levels.
💰 Worth the Splurge
While pricey, the glacier tours offer incredible service, food, and unforgettable views. A true bucket-list experience.
📸 Stunning Views En Route
The boat ride itself offers spectacular scenery and chances to spot wildlife like sea lions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Layer Up for the Wind
Windproof and waterproof gear is essential for the boat ride. Gloves and a face cover are highly recommended!
👟 Easy Glacier Walk
The walk to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint is short (20 mins) and well-maintained. Easy for most fitness levels.
💰 Worth the Splurge
While pricey, the glacier tours offer incredible service, food, and unforgettable views. A true bucket-list experience.
📸 Stunning Views En Route
The boat ride itself offers spectacular scenery and chances to spot wildlife like sea lions.
☀️ Don't Forget Sunglasses
The sun reflecting off the ice and water can be intense. Protect your eyes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, describing them as stunning and even more impressive in person. The boat journey through the fjords is also a highlight, offering spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. While the excursion is pricey, most agree it's a worthwhile, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"We took a boat to the park and from there it was a 20 minute walk to the glacier viewpoint. The trail is very well maintained with views every step of the way. Stunning colors and the glacier is even more beautiful in person. Highly recommend!"
Stephanie Clippert
"Best trip I have ever very done. Some advice to make your trip more enjoyable:
-Wind/water proof clothes it is super windy during the boat ride*
-Sunglasses
-Gloves
-Face cover"
Magdy Hassaballa
"Amazing views and very easy walk, path is completely human made"
M D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to visit Balmaceda Glacier is by taking a boat tour from Puerto Natales. These tours typically navigate through the Ultima Esperanza Sound and often include a stop at the Serrano Glacier as well. Several tour operators depart daily.
No, Balmaceda Glacier is only accessible by boat. The park itself is vast and remote, with limited road access to the fjords.
Glacier tours from Puerto Natales usually last a full day, typically from morning to late afternoon. This includes the boat journey, time at the glaciers, and any stops along the way.
Yes, most boat tours from Puerto Natales focus on visiting both Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers as they are located in close proximity within Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.
Puerto Natales is typically reached by flying into Punta Arenas (PUQ) and then taking a bus (about 3 hours). Alternatively, there are flights directly to Puerto Natales airport (PNT) from Santiago. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Often, the cost of the national park entrance fee is included in the price of the glacier boat tours. It's best to confirm this with your chosen tour operator when booking.
Prices can vary significantly depending on the tour operator, inclusions (like meals), and the season. Expect to pay a premium for these full-day excursions, as they are considered a significant investment.
It's highly recommended to book your glacier tour in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak summer season (December to February) to secure your preferred date and time.
Discounts are not commonly advertised for these specific tours, but booking in advance or looking for package deals with other activities might offer some savings.
Most tours include the boat journey, park entrance fees, and often a guided walk to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint. Some premium tours offer lunch or snacks onboard.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk from the boat landing to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint is a relatively short and easy 20-minute trail. It's well-maintained and offers beautiful views along the way.
During the boat ride through the fjords, you might spot sea lions and various seabirds. Condors have also been seen soaring overhead.
You can view Balmaceda Glacier from the boat as it's not accessible for landing. The Serrano Glacier, however, has a viewpoint trail.
The boat journey itself is a highlight, offering stunning views of the Patagonian fjords, rugged mountains, and potentially waterfalls.
While there's a specific, easy trail to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint, extensive hiking around the glaciers themselves is not permitted due to safety and conservation reasons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some premium glacier tours offer lunch or snacks as part of the package, often served onboard the boat. It's essential to check what's included when booking.
It's generally not possible to buy food during the tour itself. If your tour doesn't include meals, it's advisable to bring your own snacks and water.
Puerto Natales has a good selection of restaurants offering local Patagonian cuisine, including lamb and fresh seafood. Many options cater to tourists.
No, there are no dining facilities directly at the glacier sites. All food services are typically part of the organized boat tours or available in Puerto Natales.
Patagonian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, with lamb (cordero al palo) and king crab (centolla) being local specialties. Fresh seafood is also abundant.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire boat journey offers incredible photo opportunities of fjords and mountains. The glaciers themselves, with their vibrant blue ice, are spectacular subjects. 
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Ensure your camera is protected from moisture and cold.
The boat can be windy and bumpy, so holding on securely is important. Try to shoot from a stable position and use a fast shutter speed to avoid blur.
Mid-morning to early afternoon often provides good light for glacier photography. However, the dramatic Patagonian skies can offer stunning shots at any time.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your tour guide.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tour that includes lunch to simplify meal planning. While the cost can be a factor, the educational value and the sheer wonder of seeing glaciers up close make it a memorable experience for all ages. It’s a great way to introduce children to the power of nature and the importance of conservation.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider staying in hostels or budget guesthouses in Puerto Natales to save on accommodation. While the tour itself is a fixed cost, optimizing other aspects of your trip can help balance the budget. Packing your own snacks and water can also reduce incidental spending during the tour.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Be prepared for challenging light conditions and the elements. The wind can make handheld shots difficult, so consider a tripod if you plan on longer exposures or low-light photography. Protecting your gear from moisture and cold is paramount. The dynamic nature of the glaciers, with ice calving, offers unique and fleeting moments to capture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Fjords: The Glacier Boat Tour Experience
+1The boat ride is not just about reaching the destination; it's an integral part of the experience. The constant movement of the boat, combined with the powerful Patagonian winds, means you'll need to be prepared for a dynamic environment. Many travelers emphasize the importance of windproof and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable throughout the journey.
While the Balmaceda Glacier is viewed from the boat, the Serrano Glacier offers a more intimate encounter. After docking, a short, well-maintained trail leads to a viewpoint where you can marvel at the Serrano Glacier up close. This accessible walk allows most visitors to experience the grandeur of the ice formations and the surrounding natural beauty.
Understanding the Glaciers: Balmaceda and Serrano
Serrano Glacier, located nearby, offers a more hands-on experience. A short, easy hike from the boat landing point brings you to a viewpoint where you can stand relatively close to the glacier's terminus. Here, you can witness the raw power of nature as ice calves into the glacial lake below, creating ripples and a mesmerizing display of natural forces. The contrast between the bright blue ice and the surrounding rugged terrain is a photographer's dream.
Both glaciers are part of the vast Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile's largest national park. This protected area is a sanctuary of pristine wilderness, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the Patagonian ice fields and fjords. Visiting these glaciers is a profound reminder of the immense power and delicate balance of our planet's natural wonders.
Practicalities of a Patagonian Glacier Expedition
Footwear should be comfortable and sturdy, suitable for walking on potentially wet and uneven surfaces during the short hike to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint. Sunglasses are a must due to the intense glare from the ice and water, and sunscreen is advisable even on cloudy days. Many visitors also recommend bringing a face cover to protect against the wind.
While the tours can be a significant expense, many travelers find them to be a worthwhile investment for the unique experience and stunning scenery. Some tours offer lunch, which can be a convenient and enjoyable part of the day. If your tour doesn't include food, packing snacks and water is a good idea.
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