If you visit Puerto Natales, one of the essential activities to do is the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers boat trip or navigation, where the Patagonian landscapes and the high mountains will leave you speechless.
Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers are located in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, next to the impressive Southern Ice Field.
One of the most expected landmarks of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers boat trip, is precisely the first glacier that can be seen during the navigation, the Balmaceda.
Below is the information to plan the excursion to the Balmaceda and Serrano glacier, based on our experience.
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Why do the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers boat trip
You can clearly see how the glacier hangs for about 2000 meters from the slope of Mount Balmaceda, being able to view its course from different points thanks to navigation.
You can see at first glance that the glacier doesn’t reach the lake since there are rocks without vegetation. However, not many years ago, the glacier did reach it. This means that unfortunately this is a retreating glacier and that we all have to be aware of the negative effects of global warming on our natural heritage.
In spite of this, many tourists expect the glacier to fall into the lake, with its corresponding big noise. And while it is a spectacle to observe, in reality, hides behind the fact that it’s a piece of glacier which will not be recovered.
🔎 Check here the top 5 things to do in Puerto Natales.
Best time to do the Balmaceda y Serrano glacier boat trip
The excursion can be done all year round, even in winter, since it is mostly done on top of a boat (only a small trekking is done to reach the Serrano glacier). It is only suspended by adverse weather conditions.
Serrano and Balmaceda Glacier Tour from Puerto Natales
The excursion is made in a catamaran and lasts about 8-10 hours. Consider it a full-day excursion.
Depending on the agency you book with, it includes the transfer and return to the hotel in Puerto Natales where you are staying, if it is in the central area of the city.
What does the Serrano and Balmaceda glacier tour consist of?
The navigation is done through the fjord of Última Esperanza where you can see cormorants, condors, diverse marine fauna, the big Patagonian estancias, the mountains that surround the fjord, waterfalls and, of course, glaciers.
After three hours of navigation, you will arrive at Mount Balmaceda, where you will disembark to appreciate the Balmaceda glaciers.
These are often included:
- Guide in Spanish or English
- Entrance to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, where the glaciers are located
- Hike to the viewpoint
Another highlight of the tour is the trek from Puerto Toro to the base of the Serrano glacier, where there is a viewpoint. The hike is short and is done through a coihue forest. After carrying out this circuit, you return to the boat to start the return trip.
📷 Take a look at this tour to see Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers with a local agency. Book your place!
What to wear to do the Balmaceda and Serrano glacier snowfall hike.
To go on the excursion, we recommend that you bring a windbreaker, warm clothes and sunscreen. It is a windy area and you must take care not to get cold, especially if you want to go outside the boat to take pictures.
Is it possible to visit the Balmaceda and Serrano glacier without a tour?
You can go directly by car or bus to Puerto Bories, about 7 kilometers from Puerto Natales. From here the catamarans 21 de Mayo and Alberto De Agostini leave for the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers.
Keep in mind that the catamarans leave around 8:00 a.m., so you have to get up early that day.
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