Argentinians call Perito Moreno Glacier the "8th Wonder of the World;" in addition to its enormous beauty, it is the planet's 3rd largest reserve of fresh water and one of the continent's last advancing glaciers. It slowly pours, in crackling celestial blue, from the granite spires of the Chilean Paine Mountains into Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park.
The glacier is a kinetic attraction, emitting sonic booms as it calves icebergs the size of skyscrapers into placid Lago Argenito. Every decade or two, it extends its reach just a tad too far, forming graceful ice bridges and tunnels just a bit too thin to hold, and the entire structure collapses into the sea, creating an ice flow of epic proportions.
While many visitors are content to stay on solid ground, more adventurous travelers can explore the inlet in small boats, or even don crampons and head out onto the ever-shifting ice field itself.
In addition to being one of the world's most impressive natural phenomenon, Perito Moreno glacier is also one of the most accessible ice fields in the world. El Calfate, a touristy town about 80 km (50 mi) from the glacier, is served by El Calafate International Airport (FTE), with regular service from cities in Argentina and Chile.
There are public buses as well, but be aware that Los Glaciares National Park is a day's journey, at least, from the nearest major destinations. Once you're in El Calfate, however, you'll find fast, convenient buses to the glacier and elsewhere in the national park, and around the region.
