Grey Glacier

Glaciar Grey

A huge glacier flowing from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field into Lago Grey. Its front is about 6 km wide, and blue icebergs drift across the lake. Visit by boat or walk on the ice.

Glaciar Grey lies in the western part of Torres del Paine National Park. It is one of the glaciers flowing east from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest ice field after those of Antarctica and Greenland. The glacier is about 28 km long. At its terminus, a rocky island splits it into two or three tongues, with a total width of about 6 km, rising roughly 30 m above the lake. Falling ice drifts across Lago Grey and glows an incredible deep blue. There are four ways to see it. ① Lakeshore trail: from the parking area near Hotel Lago Grey, cross a suspension bridge and a sandbar. The round trip takes about 1 hour. You can stand on the beach watching stranded icebergs and the distant glacier, but stay steady in strong winds. ② Grey III boat tour: departing from the hotel pier, the round trip takes about 3 hours, sailing right up to the glacier face. On deck, glacier ice is served in whisky or pisco. It's the least strenuous way to see the glacier. ③ Western section of the W Trek: from Paine Grande refugio, it's about 11 km to Grey refugio. Several viewpoints overlook the glacier, and a few dozen minutes further on, a suspension bridge spans a deep gorge. ④ Ice trekking and kayaking: organized by outdoor companies based at Grey refugio. You can walk on the glacier surface in crampons or paddle among the icebergs. Advance booking is required, and it is relatively expensive. The glacier has retreated markedly in recent decades. In 2017, an ice block about 350 × 380 m broke off. Boat trips and outdoor activities are often canceled in strong winds, so leave some buffer in your itinerary.

Opening hours

All day; boat cruises approx. 09:00–17:00 (seasonal)

Glacier · Boat cruise · Icebergs · Ice trekking

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby

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