Exploring an endangered resource in Argentine Patagonia.
1

Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier, viewed from nearby Bahia de las Sombras. Perito Moreno forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest reserve of fresh water. It is one of only three stable glaciers in Patagonia.

2

Final approach

The final approach to Perito Moreno involves a boat trip over the Brazo Rico branch of Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake. The icebergs, broken off from Perito Moreno's constantly collapsing edge, will last just a few weeks before melting away.

3

Perito Moreno from the beach

Taking a minute to admire Perito Moreno from the beach. At a maximum depth of over 1,600 feet, the waters surrounding the glacier are deeper than any of the Great Lakes.

Intermission

Travel

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Backpacking

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4

After landing

It's a quick hike along the shore to get to the glacier's base. There, hikers don crampons before beginning the climb to the top.

5

The group climbs in single file

Following the path stamped out by previous groups' bootprints to avoid crevasses.

6

First-timers

Guides instruct first-time crampon users to go "up like a duck, down like a monkey" - toes turned out on ascent, feet straight and knees bent on descent.

7

Top

The top of the glacier is a maze of tooth-like spurs and cracks, formed by erosion and the glacier's constant movement. Without sunglasses, the sun's reflection off of the compacted ice is almost blinding.

Intermission

Backpacking

13 Challenging Long-Distance Hikes Through the World’s Most Beautiful, Wild Terrain

8

The surface of Perito Moreno

Dotted with ponds and flooded crevasses, eroded by running water from the glacier's spring melt.

9

Deception

Though they may appear shallow, the crevasses can be hundreds of feet in depth. The wells often lead to cave-like systems of horizontal chambers and passages, formed where the melt water reached a layer of ice too hard to penetrate.

10

In case of emergency

Guides keep harnesses, ropes, and other rescue equipment cached in barrels at various points around the trail.

11

Before leaving the glacier

Hikers celebrate a successful trek with a whiskey toast. Appropriately, it's served on ice.