One of the most beautiful places on Earth is the Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia. Perito Moreno is one of 47 glaciers that are part of the ice fields of Patagonia in the Southern Andes mountain system in Argentina and Chile. This ice field is the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world. The name of the glacier is translated as "Scientific Moreno" and was given in honour of Francisco Pascasio Moreno, the explorer.
Perito Moreno is the only large glacier of the Los Glaciares National Park which is accessible to visitors. From November to March the weather is ideal for visiting the park, covering an area of 250 sq. km. However, it's also the most crowded. For that reason, some people choose to visit it in October, or April, or May.
The glacier was formed nearly 30,000 years ago. It's moving at a speed of 2 meters per day (about 700 meters per year). Overall, the glacier is very bright and white. And the colour of ice in places of fresh breaks is piercing blue. The sound of breaking ice blocks is something truly unforgettable. This may be experienced mainly during the southern summer.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier for fewer crowds?
For those who want to avoid crowds, it's recommended to visit Perito Moreno Glacier during the months of October, April, or May. The park's peak tourist season is from November to March when the weather is most favorable for visiting. During summertime, the glacier is most active and produces cracking sounds while experiencing the most ice breaks. Show more
Where is Perito Moreno Glacier located in Argentina?
Perito Moreno Glacier can be found in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina, situated inside Los Glaciares National Park. The park is included in the Andes mountain range, which spans across the Argentinian and Chilean border. With 47 glaciers and ice fields, the area is known to have the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world. Show more
What is the size of the ice fields of Patagonia?
Covering up to 12,363 square kilometers, the ice fields of Patagonia are the third largest store of fresh water globally. These ice fields are a result of 47 glaciers located in the Southern Andes range, specifically inside Los Glaciares National Park found between Chile and Argentina. Show more
When was the glacier formed, and how fast is it moving?
Perito Moreno Glacier was created almost 30,000 years ago, and it is still moving up to a rate of 700 meters per year or two meters per day. Its movement is affected by the water pressure and environmental temperature surrounding the glacier. Every half a decade, the glacier forms a new natural ice bridge, which causes a river and lake's damming effect. Eventually, this creates a vast lake, which breaks dramatically. Show more
What's the unique feature of the ice colour in places of fresh breaks?
Ice takes on a striking blue color whenever it cracks fresh, and the color is more pronounced to distinguish the density of the ice. Light from the spectrum tends to get absorbed, and all colors except blue are visible. Typically, the glacier appears white and bright, but fresh ice contrasts with the surrounding ice, making the scene really beautiful. The best time to experience these breaks is during the summertime in the southern hemisphere. Show more
