The Perito Moreno Glacier Ruptures - Massive Ice Arch Collapse (Video Timeline)

Deep within the heart of Patagonia, hundreds of spectators last week witnessed one of the great acts of nature at one of the world’s famed glaciers. Every few years, an ice bridge is formed as flowing water below the ice chips away at the glacier.

When the weight is too much for the slimming bridge to bear, it falls graciously into the water, which is exactly what happened at Perito Moreno Glacier.

In this Thursday, March 10, 2016 photo, ice breaks off the Perito Moreno Glacier in Lake Argentina at Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate in Argentina's Patagonia region. The massive natural monument in the province of Santa Cruz periodically advances over the lake, and then breaks off. The glacier last ruptured in March 2012. (AP Photo/Francisco Munoz) — In this Thursday, March 10, 2016 photo, ice breaks off the Perito Moreno Glacier in Lake Argentina at Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate in Argentina’s Patagonia region. The massive natural monument in the province of Santa Cruz periodically advances over the lake, and then breaks off. The glacier last ruptured in March 2012. (AP Photo/Francisco Munoz)

Such a spectacle is just another reason why so many people choose to take a trip to Argentina and the Patagonia region. Los Glaciares National Park is truly one of the world’s gems, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Helsingfors’ Patagonia Lodge is located within this National Park as well.

Perito Moreno Glacier attraction in Argentina. Photo taken in 2015 by Zorqie, Flickr

The latest Perito Moreno rupture occurred on March 10, 2016. Previous years: 2012, 2008, 2006, 2004, 1988, 1986, 1980, 1977, 1975, 1972, 1970, 1966, 1963, 1960, 1956, 1953, 1952, 1947, 1940, 1934 and 1917.[4] It ruptures, on average, about every four to five years. (Source: Perito Moreno Rupture, Wikipedia.)

Aerial view of Perito Moreno Glacier. — An aerial view of Perito Moreno Glacierin 2011. Photo taken by: Christoph Strässler, Flickr

Not related to the world’s climate change, the event was part of the natural life cycle of glaciers, and generally happens every 4-5 years. However, such a scene is just a minuscule part of the amazing beauty that exists throughout the Los Glaciares National Park and the region. With numerous trails for hiking and trekking, and offering a blissful escape into remote nature, a trip to Patagonia and Argentina is a breathtaking experience that should certainly be on any traveller’s bucket list. There is a phenomenon behind the ruptures explained here —–> Perito Moreno Rupture Phenomenon