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Polaroid of the Week: The Striking Black Ice of Ventisquero Negro Glacier in Argentina

Polaroid of the Week: The Striking Black Ice of Ventisquero Negro Glacier in ArgentinaWhile exploring attractions in Argentina's Lake District, we discovered tales of a black glacier. Unlike the typical bright white or icy blue glaciers of Patagonia, this one stood out with its dark hue. Eager to witness it firsthand, we embarked on the adventure.

Crossing the Andes from Chile into Argentina, we joined a day tour in Nahuel Huapi National Park near Bariloche to visit Ventisquero Negro, the Black Glacier. The itinerary features stunning highlights, culminating at the three snowy peaks of Mount Tronador—an extinct volcano marking the Argentina-Chile border, home to eight glaciers. Ventisquero Negro ('black snowdrift' in Spanish) captivates with its black ice at the mountain's base. For a full visual tour, see our Facebook Photo of the Day.

The ice resembles rocks but consists of dirt and sediment from ancient avalanches, compacted over millennia. Our viewpoint, now solid ground, was once glacier-covered but has receded, forming a lagoon dotted with icebergs of various shapes that calve from the glaciers and melt slowly. As the brownish ice blocks fracture, the vibrant white core shines through the thin dark crust.

 


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