Head just outside of El Calafate to uncover the science and history of Patagonia's glaciers at the Glaciarium Museo del Hielo Patagónico. Learn how these monumental sheets of ice were created, find out which explorers first captured their beauty, and explore the threats the glaciers now face.

Make your way to the Glaciarium on your own or with convenient shuttle service, departing every hour from El Calafate's Tourism Bureau. When you arrive at the museum, hop out and head inside this stark edifice, designed by architects to resemble a glacier, to take time strolling between interactive exhibits. Listen to the sounds of melt water, investigate models that showcase glacial formations, and check out the ice-focused work of famous Argentine photographers like Florian Von der Flecht.

Examine the ways in which today's climate is diminishing the size of Patagonia's glaciers, watch an intriguing documentary about their shifting landscapes, and don't forget to swing by the on-site shop for the chance to pick up glacial gifts before you head back to El Calafate.