Glaciers of Chile that you have to see in Chile ... Before its Disappearance!
Glaciers of Chile.
Chile is literally a country of glaciers. With 24,114, Chile owns 80% of this type of ice masses in South America. No less, like glaciers, represent the largest reserves of fresh water on the planet.
Today 90% of Chilean glaciers are in retreat. This process, although geologically normal, has been severely accelerated by climate change.
That is why it becomes extremely important to recognize the Glaciers not only for their majesty but also for how essential they are for the natural balance of our planet.
Grey Glacier.
The cover photo of this article, the Grey Glacier is part of the Southern Ice Fields and stretches across the Andes between Argentina and Chile. It is also one of the best known, since it is located in the Torres del Paine National Park, one of the points of greatest tourist attraction in the country.
With a length of 6 kilometers wide and 270km2 in size, it is one of the smallest in the region. However, its incredible colors make it one of the most attractive in the country.
Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.
On the Mount Balmaceda lies the spectacular Glacier of Chile with the same name. Its recoil is already evident since the great mass of ice is not enough to reach its mouth, instead, the erosion caused by ice is observed in the area where it used to rest. Nearby is the Serrano Glacier, in the middle of the native forest of coigües, ñirres, and plums.
There are tours that include both glaciers at the same exit, with milky ice-covered whiskey included!
O’Higgins Glacier.
It is also known as Ventisquero Grande and is one of the four largest glaciers in all of Patagonia, at the foot of Campos de Hielo Sur. With an area of 820 km², its walls are some of the highest that can be found, even reaching 80 meters (similar to a 10-story building). It is located on Lake O’Higgins, the deepest in America with 826 meters.
San Quentin Glacier.
San Quintín (790km2) is the largest glacier in the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, and between 1870 and 2011 it lost 14.6% of its surface, a decline that continues to this day. It is located in the Laguna San Rafael, of proglacial origin, which means that it was formed by the melted waters of the surrounding glaciers.
In front of the San Quentin is the San Rafael glacier, a neighbor of great magnitudes in the Aysen region.
Queulat Hanging Glacier.
Far one of the most impressive views you find in the country. Queulat Hanging snowdrift is a true tongue of ice that rushes from a great height to the waters of the Tempanos Lagoon. It is located within the Queulat National Park and, therefore, there is a wide range of trails for all who wish to enjoy the Patagonian forest.
The Ventisquero trail requires 2.5 to 3 hours of time to travel (round trip). In addition, the sector stands out for its protection of species such as chucao, pudú, puma and four-eyed toad, among others.
Hanging Glacier El Morado
Located in the Cajon del Maipo, this glacier is one of the most visited sectors of the Metropolitan Region. At 3100 meters above sea level, the large mass of frozen water, which falls from the Morado hill, flows into large blocks of ice over a lagoon.
Its walls can reach 30 meters in the thickest part. Within the sector, there are other glaciers that are easily observed, such as the San Francisco glacier, which rests on the slopes of the mountain of the same name.
