There are 1,223 locations recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These encompass natural landscapes, cultural treasures, or combined regions—each representing remarkable aspects of human heritage and serving as excellent travel spots. Join us as we explore some lesser-known marvels of our world today. Our focus will be on the glacierous splendors found in Argentina’s Patagonian region...
Situated in the southwestern portion of Santa Cruz Province within Argentina’s Patagonian region, Los Glaciares National Park and an adjacent nature reserve encompass a combined expanse of 600,000 hectares. The park receives its moniker from the numerous glaciers spread across roughly half of its territory, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Los Glaciares National Park boasts exceptional natural splendor, featuring majestic rugged mountains and numerous glacial lakes such as Lake Argentino, which stretches for an impressive 160 kilometers.
At its apex, three glaciers converge and release their meltwater into the frigid, murky gray waters, sending massive icebergs crashing into the lake with a tremendous roar. Spanning over 14,000 square kilometers, the Los Glaciares ice field boasts 47 major glaciers along with around 200 minor ones. This makes it the largest non-polar ice field globally.
A significant number of these glaciers receive their supply from the enormous Southern Patagonian Ice Field—the biggest remnant of South America’s glaciation during the Quaternary era. Besides this major ice formation, several striking glaciers operate independently. Consequently, the region serves as a massive reserve of freshwater. Notably, the Upsala, Onelli, and Perito Moreno glaciers pour into the frigid, opaque waters of expansive Lake Argentino, which encompasses part of the national park territory. Among the highlights of this locale is the renowned spectacle offered by the Perito Moreno glacier.
A massive glacier obstructs a tight passage created by Lake Argentino, leading to a brief increase in the water levels. Consequently, this triggers dramatic and frequent breaks from the glacial tongue as it crumbles into the lake.
A breathtakingly beautiful spectacle!
(MH with LpR/Images: Caption and text: unesco.org/en/list/ under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0)
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