The Perito Moreno Glacier is a breathtaking place to visit in Patagonia. The glacier is in the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina's southwest Santa Cruz province. Perito Moreno is one of the most famous attractions in Argentine Patagonia.
It is always important to remember that glaciers around the world provide vital nutrients to lakes, rivers, and oceans. The runoff sustains habitats for plants and animals. Glaciers also act as a cooling mechanism through the reflection of the sun's rays.
To get the most out of your visit to Perito Moreno, it is helpful to understand this region’s most famous glacier.
12 Fascinating Perito Moreno Glacier Facts
1. It is the 3rd largest water reserve on the planet.
Perito Moreno is the 3rd largest freshwater reserve on the planet. The glacier is 50 km (31 mi) long and feeds into Lake Argentino. The front is about 5 km (3 mi) wide and the height from the water is 70 m (240 ft). The depth is 170 m (558 ft). The surface of the glacier is a bit larger than the city of Buenos Aires.
2. Perito Moreno is one of the only glaciers in the world growing rather than retreating.
The fact that the Perito Moreno glacier is still growing is somewhat of a mystery. Glaciers worldwide are on a trend of retreating. According to peritomorenoglacier.com, the specialists have not found a single reason to justify why the Perito Moreno glacier is not shrinking.
Today, studies continue to determine why the glacier is growing, and many involve the climate factor. Researchers believe things such as location, slope, and shape in the high mountains may all play a part.
3. It is part of a vast ice field.
The Perito Moreno glacier is one of 49 glaciers that form the Southern Patagonian Continental ice field. It is also the third largest ice field in the world, excluding Antarctica and Greenland.
An ice field is a large body of ice formed in a high hemisphere and drained by smaller outlet glaciers. Glaciers are reservoirs of water that are formed by snow that doesn’t melt.
The Southern Patagonian ice field covers 4,773 square miles and is located between Argentina and Chile.
Like all ice masses worldwide, the Patagonian ice field is no exception to climate change. Scientists, our biggest allies and guardians of our natural world, are calling for more studies to be conducted to help protect and understand the Perito Moreno glacier.
4. According to scientific studies, the Perito Moreno Glacier is approximately 18 thousand years old.
The Perito Moreno glacier started forming during the last ice age. Scientists estimate the age of the glacier to be 18,000 years old.
According to the website, www.antarticglaciers.org, "Since the end of the Little Ice Age at around 1870 AD, over 90% of Patagonian outlet glaciers have shrunk." During the last 40-50 years, the rate of ice loss has sped up substantially.
5. Perito Moreno was named after the legendary explorer Francisco Moreno, but a Chilean Navy Captain discovered it.
The Perito Moreno glacier was discovered in 1879 by a Chilean Navy Captain, Juan Tomas Rogers. It was named after the Argentine explorer and academic, Francisco Moreno, who pioneered a study of the glacier in the late 1800s.
6. You may see some mini-ice ruptures, but major ruptures occur every 2 - 4 years.
March 10, 2016, was the last major ice rupture at the Perito Moreno glacier. Every 2-4 years, the large blue and white ice collapses into Lake Argentino below.
During mid-March of each year, enthusiasts love to gather at the glacier to witness the possibility of an ice rupture. Although this phenomenon is unpredictable, recent measurements are predicting another major collapse soon. Some are even predicting the biggest collapse in 30 years.
7. Perito Moreno is easily accessible, making it a top-rated destination.
The drive from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier takes about 1.5 hours by car. The journey to the glacier is beautiful. A drive along the edge of Lake Argentino makes for some beautiful landscape photographs.
Another popular way to travel to the glacier is by bus, which leaves daily in El Calafate.
Upon arrival, you don't have to walk far to view the glacier. There are about 4.7 km (nearly 3 miles) of walkways in the National Park. There is plenty of room to explore, capture the awe, and take photographs.
8. You can trek on top of the glacier or explore by boat.
If you have always wanted to trek on top of a glacier, here is your chance. Many excursions and tour groups can take you out on the ice. Tour companies like Viator offer tours and provide all the necessary equipment.
Kayak and boat tours are also available.
9. The size of the glacier is enormous!
Although the Perito Moreno glacier is the third largest reservoir in the world, it ranks around the 12th largest glacier in size worldwide. It is one of the largest glaciers in Patagonia.
The popularity of the glacier is primarily due to its ease of access. Many people can experience seeing a glacier this size up close without much difficulty.
10. In 1981, it was deemed a UNESCO Heritage Site.
In 1981, the UNESCO World Heritage claimed the Perito Moreno Glacier as a place on earth that has outstanding value to humanity. This gives us hope for the protection and preservation of this beautiful place for generations to come.
11. You may not want to venture too close as over 30 deaths have been reported from the falling of large shards of ice.
Since 1988, over 30 deaths have been reported from the fall of ice shards. The glacier is an ever-changing natural phenomenon and extremely hard to predict its movements.
12. Some consider Perito Moreno the 8th wonder of the world.
Due to its spectacular views and composition, some consider Perito Moreno the 8th Natural Wonder of the World. Whether or not it is the 8th Wonder, there is no argument that it is an eye-catching natural formation that we all hope will be around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
The best time to visit is spring/summer – mid-September to mid-April.
Safe travels, no matter where the road may lead you.
XOXO
Marla
View my complete collection of fine art prints from Perito Moreno in my Art Shop.
Resources: www.antarticicefields.org and www.peritomorenoglacier.com
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