Exploradores Glacier to receive monitoring and infrastructure investment

The Chilean General Directorate of Water (DGA) will implement a monitoring and infrastructure program for the Exploradores Glacier to facilitate the safe reopening of tourism in the San Rafael National Park area.

Approved by the Aysén Regional Council, the project involves an investment of 554 million pesos over the next three years. The initiative aims to address the impact of glacier retreat on local small businesses and tour operators in Puerto Río Tranquilo. The program consists of three main pillars: intensive glaciological monitoring to track the glacier's evolution, the transfer of technical information to establish safety protocols for operators, and the construction of new infrastructure.

Infrastructure works will include the creation of five additional kilometers of trails, handrails, stairs, and platforms, as well as a refuge and an observation point located in a more stable area of the glacier. This will complement the 2.5 kilometers of existing trails.