Embark on one of Patagonia’s most scenic navigations traveling through Última Esperanza Fjord until reaching the impressive Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers inside Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
The Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier Navigation is a Full Day excursion ideal for travelers who want to discover glaciers, fjords, waterfalls and Patagonian wildlife through a comfortable and low physical demand experience from Puerto Natales.
The experience begins early in the morning departing from Puerto Natales toward Puerto Bories, where you will board the vessel to start the navigation through Última Esperanza Sound. During the journey, you will observe mountains, native forests, waterfalls, cormorant colonies and sea lions in their natural habitat.
The first approach is to Balmaceda Glacier, an impressive hanging glacier located on the mountain of the same name. Afterwards, you will disembark in the Serrano Glacier sector for a short panoramic walk through native forest trails until reaching the glacier viewpoint.
The excursion includes navigation, guided walk and a traditional Patagonian lunch at Estancia Perales before returning to Puerto Natales.
Duration
Full Day Approx. 10 to 12 hours including navigation, walking and transfers.
Route
Puerto Natales
Puerto Bories
Última Esperanza Fjord
Balmaceda Glacier
Serrano Glacier
Serrano Viewpoint Trail
Estancia Perales
Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
Ideal For
First navigation experience in Patagonia
Travelers looking for low physical demand
Nature photography
Travelers wanting to discover glaciers without long trekking
Families and active senior travelers
Important Information
The excursion has low physical demand, although it includes short walks on natural trails.
Operation depends on:
weather conditions
wind
navigation safety
Recommended items:
Layered clothing
Waterproof or windproof jacket
Comfortable outdoor shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water and snacks
Physical Demand
low
Suitable for all visitors. Mostly panoramic or vehicle-based tours with minimal walking.
Experience
For Everyone
No previous experience needed.
Schedule
7:00 - Pick up at accommodation
Passengers heading directly to Puerto Bories should arrive by 7:30 AM.
08.00 hrs. - Navigation from Puerto Bories to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
Departing from Puerto Bories, just 5 km away, you will embark towards Bernardo O'Higgins National Park via the Señoret Channel. Enjoy a delicious snack on board while relaxing and admiring the view of the majestic Mount Balmaceda and its incredible glaciers, which we will explore later.
8:30 - National Historical Monument Frigorífico Bories
The journey includes a stop at the National Historical Monument Frigorífico Bories, built in 1913 by the Tierra del Fuego Exploitation Company. For over six decades, it was the region's main processing center, notable for its post-Victorian English architecture and solid masonry construction.
09.00 hrs. - From Puerto Bories to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
Navigate through the impressive Última Esperanza Fjord. Admire majestic mountains, spectacular waterfalls, and rich Patagonian wildlife. Along the way, visit the Condor Cliff and Waterfall, and continue to Mount Balmaceda to see its 2,035-meter-high glacier.
Along the route, you will witness breathtaking landscapes of towering mountains, majestic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including imperial cormorants and sea lions.
12.00 hrs. - View of the Balmaceda Glacier
The Balmaceda Glacier, located on the western slope of Mount Balmaceda, is a gem of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. This hanging glacier, standing 2,035 meters high, captivates visitors with its impressive white icebergs sliding majestically down the eastern side of the mountain.
12.30 hrs. - Visit to the Serrano Glacier
Hike through a lush forest of coihues and ñirres to the foot of the glacier. This 1.8 km round-trip route near Natales, Magallanes, is generally considered easy and takes about 30 minutes to complete. This path is excellent for hiking and strolling, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people.
13.00 hrs. - Return from Serrano Glacier to Estancia Perales, with a Whiskey and Millenary Ice
From the Serrano Glacier to Estancia Perales, enjoy a whiskey with millenary ice, accompanied by a spectacular panoramic view of the Serrano Glacier.
14.00 hrs. - Lunch at Estancia Turística Perales
Enjoy lunch at Estancia Turística Perales, located 51 kilometers from Puerto Natales. This place stands out for its impressive landscape, situated on the shores of the Última Esperanza Fjord, at the foot of Cerro Prat, and at the entrance to the Chacabuco mountain range. The estancia offers a must-see tour for nature lovers, culminating in a delicious Patagonian lunch. The menu includes grilled lamb with accompaniments, with vegetarian options available upon request.
17.30 hrs. - Arrival in Puerto Natales. End of navigation services.
Arrival in Puerto Natales. End of navigation services. We thank you for your company and hope you enjoyed this unique experience in Patagonia.
Frequently Asked Questions
The excursion includes navigation, guide service, walk to Serrano Glacier viewpoint and traditional Patagonian lunch at Estancia Perales.
The experience begins in Puerto Natales with departure toward Puerto Bories, the embarkation point for the navigation.
The complete navigation lasts approximately 6 hours distributed throughout the day.
The physical demand is low and includes short and simple walks.
Yes. The vessel navigates in front of the glacier allowing privileged panoramic views.
Yes. The excursion includes a short scenic walk to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint.
Cormorants, sea lions and different Patagonian bird species are frequently observed.
Yes, although the navigation may be modified or cancelled depending on weather and maritime safety conditions.
Layered outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended.
Reviews
Kenneth
Nov 21, 2025
"Views and lunch were highlights. Negative: inability to trek Serrano glacier due to pontoon damage from weather."
Jerry
Mar 20, 2025
"The scenery was exceptional and the trip was well organized with a friendly crew."
Erika
Nov 27, 2024
"El Glaciar fue lo mejor. Todo bien organizado."
Included
Transfers from/to Accommodation in Puerto Natales Available for the urban area of Puerto Natales.
Boat Trip
Lunch
Snacks
Bilingual Guide spanish/english During excursions and departures mentioned in the itinerary
Expert advice and coordination Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls.
Booking Fee – Reservation Management Administrative costs associated with managing and confirming your reservation, including payment processing and coordinating services with local operators.
Not Included
Medical, accident or travel insurance
General Conditions
Minimum:
2
Departure:
07:15
Duration:
10
Return:
18:00
Daily departures from September to March (subject to availability).
From April to August Confirmed departures only on Sundays.
Other departures subject to minimum number of passengers.
Pricing
Per Person
Price
CL$ 230 000
CL$ 240 000
Commercial Conditions
Cancellation Policies
Cancellations with 10 days or more before arrival: 90% refund.
Cancellations with 9 days or less before arrival are not eligible for a refund.
Other Conditions
Weather Conditions and Force Majeure Cancellations: The operator (service provider) reserves the right to cancel, modify, or reschedule services due to safety reasons, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond its control. In the event of cancellation, the amount paid will be refunded less a 5% administrative reservation fee (booking fee), which is non-refundable.
Children Price (2 to 12 years old): CLP $137,500
Infants Price (0 to 1 year old): Free of charge / No charge
Request with GreatChile
Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Excursion (full day)
Experience two of the most unforgettable activities in Torres del Paine National Park by combining a panoramic Full Day tour through the park with the famous Base Torres trekking experience.
Bus Sur Route between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine
Rodoviario Puerto Natales - Laguna Amarga - Pudeto - Administración - Lago Grey
Travel comfortably and affordably between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park using the most popular regular shuttle service for travelers and trekkers visiting Patagonia.
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To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Preferences
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The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
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The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
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"Views and lunch were highlights. Negative: inability to trek Serrano glacier due to pontoon damage from weather."