Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier spreads across Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, Argentina. This 30-kilometer-long river of ice descends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field into the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino. Unlike many glaciers that retreat, Perito Moreno advances and retreats in cycles, occasionally damming the lake until water pressure bursts through in a dramatic ice arch collapse. Visitors watch from boardwalks and boat tours as towering ice walls crack, creak, and calve icebergs into the lake.

The glacier’s surface flows about two meters per day near the center as gravity pulls the ice downslope. Snowfall on the ice field compresses into dense ice that slowly migrates toward the snout. Scientists drill boreholes, track GPS stakes, and analyze satellite images to understand how temperature, snowfall, and lake levels influence the glacier’s stability. Because the ice is so thick—up to 700 meters—its weight grinds rocks into fine silt that clouds the water with milky color.

Los Glaciares National Park protects lenga forests, Andean condors, guanacos, and endangered huemul deer. Rangers maintain trails, enforce wildlife rules, and educate visitors on the dangers of climbing fences for closer photos. Climate researchers share data with UNESCO to monitor the entire ice field’s health, noting that surrounding glaciers are shrinking even as Perito Moreno remains relatively balanced.

Tourism supports the nearby town of El Calafate, where outfitters guide small groups on ice treks using crampons and safety harnesses. Interpretive centers explain glacier formation, indigenous Tehuelche history, and the role of freshwater stored in ice. Schools organize field trips so students can record soundscapes of cracking ice, estimate iceberg sizes, and discuss how freshwater supplies rely on protected mountains.

Long-term management plans limit boat speeds to reduce waves that erode the shoreline, regulate waste disposal, and encourage renewable-energy upgrades for park facilities. Scientists warn that rising temperatures could eventually upset the glacier’s balance, so data from weather stations and remote sensors help policymakers plan for future water sharing, tourism, and conservation needs.