Glacier hike from Santiago: San Francisco Glacier & Lagoon

A 12-hour mountain hike to two glaciers and iron-rich spring water

A guided glacier hike from Santiago to El Morado National Monument covers 16 km through alpine terrain, starting in Baños Morales at 1,900 meters and climbing 600 meters to reach the San Francisco Glacier lookout at 2,500 meters and the Morales Glacier lagoon. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, box lunch and bottled water. It demands high physical fitness and takes a full day.

The experience

The hike starts with hotel pickup in Santiago and a drive to Baños Morales, a mountain village where the trail begins at 1,900 meters. From there, the first hour climbs steeply through the valley before the terrain flattens out. You'll pass through local flora and fauna as the path leads toward the San Francisco Glacier, a hanging glacier visible from a lookout at 2,500 meters. The total elevation gain is 600 meters over roughly 16 km of hiking.

Midway through the hike, you'll stop at Aguas de Panimávida, a natural spring where iron-rich carbonated water flows directly from the earth: a refreshing break before continuing to the Morales Glacier lagoon. A bilingual guide leads the group and points out the landscape. Box lunch and bottled water are provided. The hike is graded HIGH difficulty and demands good cardiovascular fitness and solid trekking experience. Wear sunscreen, trekking shoes, a sun hat and a warm jacket. Bring a camera and backpack.

The full day ends with a return drive to your Santiago hotel. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel, and the tour accepts a minimum age of 18. Complimentary insurance is included, though gratuities are not.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santiago.
• bilingual guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• box lunch.
• bottled water.
• complimentary insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by AndoAndes

Is this one for you?This is a shared, guided hike led by a bilingual guide. You walk the full 16 km yourself with the group and the guide pointing out the landscape and setting the pace. It suits experienced hikers who want the support of a guide and the logistics handled (transport, meals, insurance) but are ready for a demanding, full-day mountain effort.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How steep is the hike to San Francisco Glacier?

The first hour climbs steeply through the valley, then the terrain flattens for the remainder of the route. The total elevation gain is 600 meters over the 16 km hike.

What happens at Aguas de Panimávida during the hike?

Aguas de Panimávida is a natural spring where iron-rich carbonated water flows directly from the earth. The group stops there for a refreshing break partway through the day.

Does the tour include meals?

Box lunch and bottled water are included. A breakfast stop is made during the day, but breakfast itself is not included in the tour price.

What do I need to bring or wear for this hike?

Wear trekking shoes, a sun hat and a warm jacket, and apply sunscreen. Bring a camera, backpack and any personal items you need for a full day in the mountains. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

Is this hike suitable for someone who is not very fit?

The hike is graded HIGH difficulty and is recommended only for people in good physical shape with high cardiovascular fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.