Tourists on a exploration cruise approaching the Balmaceda glacier on the Last Hope Sound, Bernardo O Higgins National Park, Patagonia, Chile.

© SL_Photography/Getty Images/iStock

Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

Southern Patagonia

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Virtually inaccessible, Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins remains an elusive cache of glaciers. It can be entered only by boat. From Puerto Natales, full-day excursions (CH$90,000, lunch included) to the base of Glaciar Serrano are run by Turismo 21 de Mayo.

The same outfitter also offers Glacier Serrano tours that access Torres del Paine by boat. After the glacier visit, passengers transfer to a Zodiac (a motorized raft), stop for lunch at Estancia Balmaceda and continue up Río Serrano, arriving at the southern border of the park by 5pm. The same tour can be done leaving the park but may require camping near Río Serrano to catch the Zodiac at 9am.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Mirador Las Torres

    Mirador Las Torres

    26.21 MILES

    Take a moderate hike up Río Ascencio to a treeless tarn beneath the eastern face of the Torres del Paine for the closest view of the towers.

  • Mirador Nordenskjöld

    Mirador Nordenskjöld

    18.98 MILES

    An easy hour's walk leads to Mirador Nordenskjöld, an overlook with superb views of the lake and mountains.

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Nearby Southern Patagonia attractions

1. Mirador Nordenskjöld

18.98 MILES

An easy hour's walk leads to Mirador Nordenskjöld, an overlook with superb views of the lake and mountains.

2. Mirador Las Torres

26.21 MILES

Take a moderate hike up Río Ascencio to a treeless tarn beneath the eastern face of the Torres del Paine for the closest view of the towers.

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