Laguna San Rafael Glacier in Chile is a stunning glacier that many people would love to see and experience.
It’s located about an hour outside of Santiago, and is one of the most popular attractions for tourists.
With its blue ice and natural beauty, Laguna San Rafael Glacier can be hard to compete with as a destination for travelers looking for something new and exciting!
However, if you’re not too sure what this place is all about (or maybe you’ve never heard of it before), then this guide is here to help clear up some details on what makes it such a special location!
What is Laguna San Rafael Glacier?
Laguna San Rafael Glacier is a glacier that’s located in Chile.
It’s one of the most popular attractions for people visiting Santiago, and isn’t too far outside of it (about an hour).
And with its gorgeous blue ice and natural beauty, this place has to be seen to fully understand what makes it so special.
Location of Laguna San Rafael Glacier
Laguna San Rafael Glacier can be found about an hour outside of Santiago, Chile.
Its coordinates are 33°13’28.00″S, 71°41’20.60″W
Climate at the location of the Glacier
It has a temperate climate that sees warm summers (December to March) with temperatures averaging around 27°C during the day, while winters are cold (June to August), seeing average lows of 0°C at nightfall.
The area is mostly dry, even though rainfall is common during the winter.
Tips for visiting the Laguna San Rafael Glacier
- Stay up-to-date on the latest weather updates or have no idea how high the water levels will rise during certain seasons.
- Don’t forget your umbrella or rain gear, especially during the winter months!
- Bring extra food and water with you if you plan on staying for a while. It can get quite warm in the summer but chilly in the winter (and there are no bathrooms).
- Make sure to bring some sunscreen as well, the sun can be quite strong!
- Don’t forget to bring your camera as this is a sight you’ll want to capture and keep with you forever!
Interesting facts about the Laguna San Rafael Glacier
- There’s a ski resort located near the glacier, and it is referred to as one of Chile’s most famous resorts.
- The Laguna San Rafael Glacier was formed by an ice field that extended from the Andes Mountains into Argentina. It has been receding since its formation due to rising temperatures in recent decades.
- In 2002, there were over 200 glaciers located in Chile, and the majority of those were found to be receding.
- It is estimated that around 40% of all glacial ice in South America can be found on the Northern Patagonian Ice Field (the home of Laguna San Rafael Glacier).
- The glacier got its name from a Jesuit priest who was visiting the area in the 18th century. He named it after his patron saint, San Rafael Arcangel.
- There’s a meteor crater located nearby that was formed by an asteroid impact about 140 million years ago! The Laguna San Rafael Glacier sits against its north wall.
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