Glaciers

Pío XI glacier is located on the northern area of Southern Ice Fields, at the end of Eyre inlet. It’s the largest glacier in the southern hemisphere with a surface area of 1,242 kms, making it a true ice giant. It is approximately 6 km wide and its ice towers reach higher than 75 meters. Its length from its origin in the Ice Fields is 60 kilometers, which makes it the largest glacier of the whole southern hemisphere.

This huge moving snow giant has several fronts: one to the sea, another to the north, the longest one, and several smaller branches. The glacier stands out for its color changes, bluish and whites, which can be seen when the ice mass breaks every 5 to 10 minutes, followed by huge waves.

The feature that makes it different from other glaciers is that it keeps on moving forward, i.e., it is estimated to experience an increase in its length, height and density, which differ from most glaciers that are moving backwards. It is estimated that the glacier has increased over 10 kilometers over the last 50 years.

The majestic and beautiful Amalia glacier is located north of the central area of Southern Ice Fields. Its long silhouette seems to be hanging between the peaks of the mountains, being a real spectacle for visitors. Its ice towers and its colorful contrast with its surroundings touch anybody seeing it.

This glacier is approximately 1 km wide and 40 m high, its ice mass is mainly supplied by intense snowstorms throughout the entire year. It’s one of the forty-eight glaciers that make up this Ice field, which is considered to be the third largest fresh water reserve in the world.

The visit to these ice monuments becomes one of the most exciting adventures that tourists are probably be able to enjoy throughout their entire lives. It’s true that there silence means beauty, but is also true that the noise of the ice blocks falling into the sea tingles the senses. It’s all about visiting the wildest and most inhospitable place of the Chilean Patagonia.