Breathtaking pictures of the rupturing of Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina

Tourists in southern Argentina had the opportunity to witness a breathtaking natural phenomenon when huge chunks of the Perito Moreno Glacier broke off in front of them. The pieces of ice crashed into Lake Argentina on March 10, 2016, prompting cheers from onlookers at Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier last ruptured in March 2012. Here are some beautiful pictures of the world famous glacier. (Source: AP)

The massive natural monument in the province of Santa Cruz is approximately 250 sq. km big, and its walls tower about 70m over water level. It periodically advances over the lake, and then breaks off. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

It is one of the 48 glaciers fed by the world's third-largest reserve of naturally-occurring fresh water reserves and is a major tourist attraction in Argentina. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Perito Moreno Glacier was named after the explorer Francisco Moreno, who pioneered studies in the region in the 19th century and defended the Argentinian territory in international border dispute against Chile. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Perito Moreno glacier is one of the only three glaciers still growing in the Patagonian region of South America. This is an aerial view of the glacier. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

In this March 10, 2016 photo, ice breaks off the Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier ruptures on average every four-five years. (Source: AP)

Mist rises from Lake Argentina, after the Perito Moreno Glacier's ice bridge collapsed into the lake. The glacier is imminently accessible and is only two hours away by bus from El Calafate. (Source: AP)

In this photo, the Perito Moreno Glacier's ice bridge collapses into Lake Argentina. Many tour companies run daily visits to the glacier; a visitor centre even organises walking circuits that enable tourists to view the southern and eastern flanks of the glacier. (Source: AP)

Trekking tours on the glacier are hugely popular with various packages available as per the comfort and experience level of trekkers. In this photo, chunks of ice break off the Perito Moreno Glacier, into Lake Argentina. (Source: AP)

The 'mini-trekking' option consists of a short walk of up to an hour and a half, while the 'big-ice' lasts up to five hours. In this photo, chunks of ice break off the Perito Moreno Glacier, into Lake Argentina. (Source: AP)