Boats depart from Puerto Montt's Caleta Angelmo port for the San Rafael Lagoon. This destination, a full day by boat from Puerto Montt, is inarguably one of the most awe-inspiring excursions in all of Chile. It was declared a biosphere by UNESCO in 1979 in order to protect the area's spectacular natural environment.

Ships navigate through an extensive maze of fjords, passing hundreds of multi-hued icebergs, which float to and fro in the cobalt blue water dazzling passengers with their green, blue, and gray colors. Visitors have the chance to see some of the cold-water creatures that inhabit the area, like penguins, albatross, elephant seals and otters.

The park is home to Mount San Valentin, the Andes' highest peak, as well as the immense San Rafael Glacier, Ventisquero San Rafael. Though the glacier is receding 600 feet per year, its mass still extends over two miles from end to end. The immense walls of the fjords, steep jagged Andean peaks, and rumbling of the glacier as chunks of ice break off and become part of the floating maze are incredibly humbling from your vantage point at sea. While the ships don't anchor too close to the glacier, smaller boats depart from the larger ships, allowing passengers a chance to get an up close and personal view of the massive ice wall.

Three to seven day trips aboard small cruise ships provide passengers with the opportunity relax and take in the natural surroundings. Some ships afford elegant dining experiences, open bars, and very well appointed rooms. Longer trips stop at hot spring resorts and towns in the Chiloe Archipelago on their return.

 Northern Patagonia

  Towns and Cities:
  Puerto Montt
    Puerto Montt Dining

  Pucon
    Highlights
    Sports Activities
    Lodging
    Dining
    Shopping

  Puerto Varas
  Validivia
  Temuco

  Highlights:
  Chiloe
  Frutillar
  Alerce Andino Park
  Laguna San Rafael
  Lake Crossing