The South Excursions

Perito Moreno Glacier

Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Los Glaciares National Park, the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier is nearly 19 miles (30km) in length and spreads over an area of 97 square miles (250 sq km). The spectacular, blue-white ice formation is one of the only glaciers in the world that is advancing, at a rate of seven feet (2m) per day. Visitors can marvel at the site of enormous chunks of ice breaking off into the water with a deafening crash, creating icebergs and causing large waves. The glacier is also world renowned for its unique rupturing process; at certain periods the glacier's front reaches the coastal border of the lake, blocking off the flow of water from the Andes and causing its waters to rise by about 66 feet (20m). When the pressure is too much, the dam of ice cracks and shatters, sending icebergs downstream. The closest town to this natural wonder is El Calafate in Argentina's Santa Cruz Province.

Address: Los Glaciares National Park; E-mail: parquenacional@losglaciares.com; Website: www.losglaciares.com; Telephone: Los Glaciares National Park Administrative Centre: (0)2902 491 005