Argentina
The Perito Moreno Glacier is the best known of the glaciers extending off of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, and one of the most important and popular in South America from a tourism standpoint. Currently stretching just under twenty miles in length, it sprawls over a huge area in the Los Glaciares National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area of Los Glaciares National Park is one of the most pristine areas of South America. Largely left untouched until the later years of the colonial era, it was largely unexplored until the 20th century. It was incorporated into a national park in 1937, and has become an increasingly popular destination for hikers and glacier enthusiasts.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is just one of nearly fifty glaciers that flow from the Patagonia Ice Field, the third largest frozen source of freshwater on Earth. It is only one of a handful that is still currently growing. Every few years the glacier goes through a damming cycle that leads to a spectacular rupture and flood for those lucky enough to catch the action.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is both easily accessible and developed for tourism, with walkways leading around, up to an on the glacier, making it one of the best glacier hiking experiences on the planet. Web: www.losglaciares.com (official website).
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