The glacier, named after the Argentine scientist F. Moreno, who studied his country two centuries ago, attracts thousands of tourists a year. Often huge boulders break off from local attractions, with terrible noise falling into the water, and for the sake of this amazing sight, foreigners travel long distances.
Perito Moreno on a world map
A giant snow mountain, projecting 60 meters above the water, is located in Patagonia, in the Andes mountain system between Chile and Argentina. This is one of the 48 glaciers in South America that stores fresh water.
A growing natural phenomenon is located in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The thirty-kilometer attraction is considered the main treasure of the reserve and covers most of it, losing in size only to the surface of Antarctica.
Located near the Argentine city of Calafete, the natural phenomenon is a huge ice mass almost the height of a 16-storey house with a total area of 250 square meters.
Patagonia - the land of contrasts
The real sensation in the scientific world was the discovery of Perito Moreno in the 19th century. Patagonia, which occupies a third of the territory of Argentina, is an incredibly beautiful land of contrasts with giant mountains, sandy deserts and iridescent ice valleys.
It is here that there is a zone of gigantic glaciation, which some scientists on the area compare only with the Himalayas.
Patagonia is open to freezing ice from Antarctica. In summer, in early January, the average temperature does not exceed 14 degrees, and in winter (June-August) it keeps at zero. A typical landscape of the country is trees that have dried up due to lack of moisture and have suffered from strong gusts of wind and cold masses.
Due to the harsh continental climate, these corners are little known to travelers who come only to visit the main decoration of the national park.
The greatness of nature
Tourists, not even reaching the right place, are still on the road watching how the water surface of the huge lake Lago Argentino is blocked by massive blocks. A giant ribbon of a rich bluish tint, falling into the water, fascinates everyone with the grandeur and power of nature.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is lost beyond the mountains, sometimes it seems as if there will be no end to it. It is amazing that a natural attraction, consisting of 48 snow massifs, is located in an accessible place for visiting. It would seem that a glacier growing two meters a day should have been swallowing the shore of the lake for a long time, but the thing is that it is melting at an incredible speed and, in fact, remains in place.
Amazing glacier color
Many visitors to the national park wonder why the glacier in Argentina has such an unusual bright shade. Some even think that this is a special treatment in photo editors to attract more tourists.
However, the beautiful color of the snow blocks is explained by the fact that the ice itself has no color, but absorbs all the rest, except for blue. With age, it becomes denser, and the more piercing it turns its color.
Natural sightseeing
It is best to observe the wonder of nature from observation platforms equipped for visitors. Everywhere there are small bridges that make it so pleasant to wander around, enjoying a fantastic sight from various angles, there are comfortable benches for tourists who are tired of traveling.
The nearest site to the glacier is the one located on Cape Magellan. It almost hangs over Lago Argentino, and it offers a picturesque view of the snow blocks of the most bizarre shape.
The joy of fixing the moment
From the sites you can hear the clicks of cameras fixing the Perito Moreno Glacier and its unreal beauty. And many even manage to capture the moment when the block breaks off and with a terrible roar, reminiscent of the groans of a giant, falls into the lake. Such photos are worth their weight in gold, they become a true decoration of any album.
Fragments falling into the lake, sparkling in the rays of sunlight, like diamonds, will float on the surface of a cold lake for a long time until they melt. Such blocks are also found several tens of kilometers from the stationary glacier.
"Big ice"
For those who want to get to know the snowy man better, several excursion routes are offered.
Big Ice is an extreme program for the most daring lovers of thrills. In order to get on the list of its participants, it is necessary to meet many requirements: age restrictions - from 18 to 45 years old, physical fitness testing and health check.
The trek includes four hours of travel on the glacier and inside it. Climbing equipment is worn on those who have passed rigorous selection, after which the organized group clearly follows the instructions of the leader.
"Mini tracking"
“Mini-tracking”, as the name implies, is a gentle walking walk in which children from ten years old and older people up to sixty-five can take part. There are no special health requirements here, and physical endurance is not taken into account. An hour and a half excursion will be remembered for many years.
Boat tour
And for those who do not want to climb the blue paths, a motor ship runs that will lift it to a safe distance. From afar, the massif seems to consist of loose snow, but in fact - from pieces of compressed ice, unexpectedly crumbling into the milky smooth surface.
Travel Tips
Local guides warn that it is necessary to dress warmly, because it blows cold from the glacier even on the hottest day, and they advise you not to forget about strong sunscreens on excursions and provisions, because the nearest supermarket is located quite far away.
And remember: it takes a whole day to explore all the nearby surroundings of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Since 1937, Argentina has been taking care of an amazing corner of wildlife, which has become the most famous landmark of the national park and attracting a colorful sight of new travelers.
