Mount San Valentín
The highest peak in Chilean Patagonia
Mount San Valentín is the highest peak in Chilean Patagonia, rising over 4,000 meters in the middle of the Northern Ice Fields. It is located in the Laguna San Rafael National Park, and from its slopes descend masses of ancient ice, feeding emblematic snowdrifts such as the San Rafael and the Exploradores Glacier.
The landscape changes drastically to a cold forest of coigües and mañíos towards the base, creating a scenario of contrasts that seduces expert mountaineers and photography lovers. And on clear days, its summit seems to float above General Carrera Lake, forming an almost dreamlike vision.
Plan your trip to Mount San Valentín
How to get there
How to get there by air
Fly to Balmaceda Airport (BBA), the closest air terminal in the Aysén Region. From there, continue by land to Puerto Río Tranquilo. This town operates as the base point for hiring the complex mountaineering expeditions to Mount San Valentín, or for organizing the trek to the Exploradores Glacier.
How to get there by land
From Coyhaique, drive south along the Carretera Austral (Route 7) for approximately 5 hours (216 km) until you reach Puerto Río Tranquilo. This town is the operations center. The ascent to Mount San Valentín is a high mountain expedition, so it is necessary to hire specialized guides and the journey takes several days.
Must-Know Tips
The difficulty of ascending Mount San Valentín requires excellent physical condition and mountaineering experience, as well as adequate equipment such as crampons, ice axes, harnesses, ropes, and clothing for extreme cold conditions. As it is a natural environment, it is essential that you take care of and respect the environment.
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