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Glacier · Puerto Natales, Magalhães e Antártica Chilena
Glaciar Serrano
Glacier in Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins, reached by boat from Puerto Natales via Seno Última Esperanza, with a stop to view Glaciar Balmaceda.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Glaciar Serrano
Glaciar Serrano descends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field to a lagoon dotted with ice blocks, inside Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's largest park. There is no road to it: access is by sea, on a boat that leaves Puerto Natales and travels along Seno Última Esperanza.
On the way the boat passes the old Frigorífico Bories, a historic monument linked to sheep ranching, by rock walls where cormorants nest and by areas with sea lions. Further on appears Glaciar Balmaceda, which descends from the mountain of the same name and now mostly terminates on land, visible only from the boat.
Disembarkation takes place at Puerto Toro, from where a roughly 1 km trail through native forest runs along the lagoon shore to the Glaciar Serrano viewpoint. The path is easy and takes about half an hour round trip.
Some departures include lunch at an estancia on the return, and others continue by skiff up Río Serrano to the edge of Torres del Paine. The format varies by operator and season.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Full day, between seven and nine hours of outing from Puerto Natales.
Best time
From October to April, when departures are regular. The fjord can be rough with strong winds, and boats sometimes cancel or alter the route.
How to get there
Boats depart from the pier on Puerto Natales's waterfront, generally in the morning. There is no land access. Book with a tour operator or the navigation company in town.
Tip
Bring waterproof and windproof clothing: it is very windy on deck and water can splash. Seasickness medication can help those who are sensitive. On the trail, stay behind the signs, as the lagoon has unstable ice blocks.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Glaciar Serrano
How do you get to Glaciar Serrano?
Only by boat. Boat trips depart from Puerto Natales through the Seno Última Esperanza and land near the glacier, where a short trail leads to the viewpoint.
Is the tour to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers difficult?
No. Most of the time is spent on the boat, and the trail to the Serrano viewpoint is short and flat.
Can the Balmaceda Glacier be visited on foot?
No. It is seen from the boat during the navigation to Serrano.