Like any natural wonder worth its salt, the first glimpse of Glacier Perito Moreno is something that stays with you. A living breathing solid poetry of fresh water, this enormous ice formation really does have to be seen to be believed. Visiting Perito Moreno is a deeply effecting experience: cold air whips off the ice, hollow CRACKS reverberate through the air and enormous blocks of ice the size of small houses frequently plunge into the frigid waters beneath. Dancing a fidget with the sun and soaking colour from the sky, the Moreno ice lives as a breathing masterpiece of nature. This is one attraction no visitor to Patagonia should miss.

 The dimensions of Perito Moreno Glacier are astounding: Wikipedia reckons it covers 250 km² (97 sq mi) and is 30 km (19 mi) in length. The glaciers terminus (pictured above) is said to be ‘5 kilometres (3 mi) wide, with an average height of 74 m (240 ft) above the surface of the water of Argentino Lake’ and command ‘a total ice depth of 170 metres (558 ft)‘. These are impressive facts but like photographs, they are unable to convey the overwhelming presence of the thing. So when you view at the small selection of photos below, don’t just look, try also to imagine…

There is so much detail and character in Glacier Perito Moreno…

… you could stare a life time and still miss it

Flowing slowly towards extensive viewing platforms…

… the glacier intimidates…

… with its power and stature

After much deliberation Leah and I decide to bus to the glacier. The sky is grey and overcast when we arrive…

… but as we explore the impressive length of specially constructed walkways…

… the clouds slowly disperse

As the afternoon wears on and the clouds melt away…

… the ice turns…

… increasingly blue…

… joining autumnal leaves in a riot of colour.

 Costing Arg$305 (US$25) for the bus and Arg$215 (US$18) entry, the Perito Moreno experience is a pricey one. But please don’t let that put you off a visit as it’s worth every cent.