Perito Moreno Glacier
Santa Cruz
Perito Moreno Glacier is a massive ice formation located in Los Glaciares National Park in southwest Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Spanning approximately 250 square kilometers with a length of 30 kilometers, it is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia. The glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water. Its terminus stretches 5 kilometers wide and rises about 74 meters above the surface of Lake Argentino. Unlike many glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno was historically stable, maintaining a balance between ice accumulation and loss until recent retreat observed since 2020, likely due to climate change. The glacier is renowned for its natural damming of the Brazo Rico arm of Lake Argentino, which causes water levels to rise up to 30 meters above the main lake. This pressure eventually leads to spectacular ruptures where the ice dam breaks, releasing massive volumes of water in a dramatic natural event that occurs irregularly every few years. Visitors can witness these ruptures and explore nearby viewing platforms that offer panoramic vistas of the glacier's imposing ice walls and surrounding Patagonian landscape. The glacier was named in honor of Francisco Moreno, a pioneering explorer who played a crucial role in the region's exploration and border demarcation between Argentina and Chile. Its accessibility from the town of El Calafate and its unique glacial dynamics make Perito Moreno a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier is during the Southern Hemisphere's spring and summer months (October to March) when weather conditions are milder and daylight hours are longer. Visitors are advised to purchase entrance tickets to Los Glaciares National Park in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid queues. Guided tours and boat excursions offer closer views of the glacier and its ruptures, enhancing the experience. There are discounts available for students, seniors, and Argentine residents. Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are recommended due to variable weather. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide better lighting for photography and a quieter atmosphere.
Interesting facts
- •The glacier's ice damming of Brazo Rico causes water levels to rise up to 30 meters before rupturing.
- •Perito Moreno is one of the few glaciers worldwide that remained relatively stable until recently, unlike most glaciers undergoing retreat.
- •The glacier's terminus is approximately 5 kilometers wide and 74 meters high above Lake Argentino's surface.
- •The rupture events can release up to 8,000 cubic meters of water per second in sudden bursts.
- •The Southern Patagonian Ice Field, feeding Perito Moreno, is the world's third largest freshwater reserve.
History
The first recorded sighting of the glacier by a non-indigenous person was in 1879 by British-Chilean Navy captain Juan Tomás Rogers, who named it Francisco Gormaz.
Later, it was called Bismarck Glacier by Rudolph Hauthal of the Argentine Boundary Commission.
The 1881 Boundary Treaty between Chile and Argentina defined the Andes as the border, placing the glacier east of the mountains within Argentine territory.
In 1899, Lieutenant Iglesias named it Perito Moreno in honor of Francisco Moreno, an explorer and defender of Argentine territorial claims.
The glacier's origin was disputed between Chile and Argentina until a 1998 agreement established the border crossing the glacier, leaving most of it in Argentina.
Historically, the glacier has exhibited cycles of advance and rupture, with natural damming events causing spectacular ice collapses and water releases into Lake Argentino.
Place Guide
Viewing Platforms
Several well-maintained walkways and viewing platforms provide panoramic views of the glacier's front face, allowing visitors to observe ice calving and the glacier's immense scale safely.
Boat Excursions on Lake Argentino
Boat tours navigate close to the glacier's terminus, offering unique perspectives of the towering ice walls and ruptures that are not accessible from land.
Brazo Rico Ice Dam Area
The area where the glacier dams the Brazo Rico arm of Lake Argentino, causing water levels to rise dramatically before rupturing, creating spectacular natural events.
