Witness Argentina's Perito Moreno Glacier
The World's Most Impressive Sea of Moving Ice
Oct 16, 2008
The Perito Moreno glacier, located in southern Patagonia a stone's throw from the Chilean border, continues to surge forward even as the earth’s remaining ice caps melt away.
Named after 19th-century explorer Francisco Moreno, Perito Moreno is fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field—the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water, which extends through the Andes and into Chile. The jagged blue-ice surface spreads for miles and stretches toward the horizon like an ocean of motionless water.
A Dynamic Spectacle of Ice
Rising over 20 stories above the lake, Perito Moreno's total depth averages over 550 feet. At its deepest point the glacier is nearly half a mile high. All of that ice advances at a speed of six and a half feet per day, which makes things exciting for spectators around the outer wall.
More impressive than the size of Perito Moreno are the sounds it emits while it flexes, groans and advances into the Lago Argentino. The outer edge ruptures every few minutes, sending slivers of ice the size of skyscrapers tumbling noisily into the water. The sheer force of the ice grinding and collapsing delights tourists along the opposite walkway.
Every few years the glacier advances to the opposite shore and forms a natural dam, separating the lake's two halves. The pressure created by the backed-up lake ultimately bursts through the dam, producing a spectacular rupture event. This happened most recently in July, 2008.
Calafate - Port City of Argentina's Glaciers
The port to the famous glacier is the city of Calafate, located just outside the national park. Calafate is the definitive capital of Patagonian tourism.
Travelers and adventures from all over the globe congregate in Calafate during the Argentine summer to explore the region's world-famed glaciers, pristine lakes and the awe-inspiring peaks. From December to February the sun illuminates the night sky until nearly midnight, so there’s plenty of time to see all the area has to offer.
In Los Glaciares National Park tourists find an offering of camping, sightseeing and trekking unequaled anywhere else in Patagonia. High on every visitor’s agenda are the Walichu Caves along the banks of the Lago Argentina, which feature beautiful Paleolithic cave paintings. The dazzling crystalline blue formations of the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers are also must-sees.
After checking out the glaciers from afar, many tourists enjoy a boat ride on Lago Argentina to see the ice structures close up. For an even more interactive experience, adventurers can spend an afternoon hiking with crampons around atop one of the ancient seas of ice.
Tips For Travelers
Patagonian travelers should remember that the Argentine seasons are opposite those of the northern hemisphere. Light conditions and temperatures are most favorable during the high season, but visitors are encouraged to take coats and thermals, as evenings are quite chilly. Budget travelers will find an impressive array of cozy hostels in Calafate; the Marcopolo Inn is highly recommended. Those looking for something a bit more upscale should check out the Posada Los Alamos Hotel.
To get there, most visitors fly from Buenos Aires into Calafate’s full-service airport, although travelers looking for a greater appreciation of Patagonia’s vast scale often drive south along historic Route 40. The road trip will take several days from Buenos Aires, so vacationers should plan accordingly.
