Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Perito Moreno
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Town
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 Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz
Location in Argentina
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| Country |  Argentina |
| Province | Santa Cruz |
| Department | Lago Buenos Aires |
| Elevation | 517 m (1,696 ft) |
| Population
(2010 census [INDEC])
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| • Total | 4,617 |
| Area code(s) | +54 |
| Climate | BWk |
Perito Moreno is a town in the northwest part of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Lake Buenos Aires.
This town is not the same as the Perito Moreno National Park or the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. The town is the main city of the Lago Buenos Aires Department. It sits on important roads, including RN43 and Ruta 40. These roads connect it to the Atlantic coast and the border with Chile.
Perito Moreno is a hub for cattle ranches. Farmers here also grow fruits and vegetables. Tourism is a big part of the town's economy too. It is the closest town to the amazing Cueva de las Manos, a famous cave with ancient handprints. In 2010, the town had 4,617 people living there.
Contents
A Brief Look at Perito Moreno's History
This town started in 1910. It was a place for travelers to rest by some springs. These springs are where the Rio Deseado begins. The native Tehuelche called the spot Pari-Aike, meaning "place of reeds."
The town was first named Nacimiento in 1927. In 1944, its name changed to Lago Buenos Aires. Finally, in 1952, it became Perito Moreno. This name honors Francisco Moreno, a famous explorer.
Where is Perito Moreno Located?
The town is in the northwest of Santa Cruz Province. It is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Lake Buenos Aires.
What is the Climate Like in Perito Moreno?
Perito Moreno has a cold semi-arid climate. This means it is quite dry and cold. It is almost a cold desert climate.
| Climate data for Perito Moreno (1999–2014, extremes 1937–present) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 37.8 (100.0) |
38.2 (100.8) |
32.0 (89.6) |
27.8 (82.0) |
21.0 (69.8) |
17.0 (62.6) |
16.1 (61.0) |
17.3 (63.1) |
22.2 (72.0) |
25.5 (77.9) |
31.1 (88.0) |
32.2 (90.0) |
38.2 (100.8) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 21.8 (71.2) |
20.9 (69.6) |
18.9 (66.0) |
14.5 (58.1) |
9.7 (49.5) |
6.7 (44.1) |
6.7 (44.1) |
8.4 (47.1) |
11.7 (53.1) |
14.8 (58.6) |
17.6 (63.7) |
20.0 (68.0) |
14.3 (57.7) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 15.6 (60.1) |
15.1 (59.2) |
12.5 (54.5) |
9.1 (48.4) |
5.2 (41.4) |
2.3 (36.1) |
1.8 (35.2) |
3.6 (38.5) |
6.3 (43.3) |
9.3 (48.7) |
11.8 (53.2) |
14.6 (58.3) |
8.9 (48.0) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 9.3 (48.7) |
8.9 (48.0) |
6.2 (43.2) |
3.6 (38.5) |
0.4 (32.7) |
−1.9 (28.6) |
−3.1 (26.4) |
−1.3 (29.7) |
0.9 (33.6) |
3.5 (38.3) |
5.5 (41.9) |
7.8 (46.0) |
3.3 (37.9) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −1.0 (30.2) |
−3.1 (26.4) |
−7.2 (19.0) |
−10.5 (13.1) |
−17.2 (1.0) |
−20.0 (−4.0) |
−25.7 (−14.3) |
−23.0 (−9.4) |
−11.5 (11.3) |
−9.8 (14.4) |
−5.2 (22.6) |
−1.8 (28.8) |
−25.7 (−14.3) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 5.6 (0.22) |
12.9 (0.51) |
11.5 (0.45) |
16.8 (0.66) |
24.4 (0.96) |
23.1 (0.91) |
16.5 (0.65) |
17.9 (0.70) |
13.9 (0.55) |
7.5 (0.30) |
9.5 (0.37) |
3.3 (0.13) |
162.9 (6.41) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 44 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 43 | 50 | 55 | 61 | 73 | 79 | 74 | 68 | 61 | 51 | 46 | 45 | 59 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 226.3 | 211.9 | 217.0 | 162.0 | 124.0 | 108.0 | 127.1 | 148.8 | 186.0 | 213.9 | 219.0 | 235.6 | 2,179.6 |
| Mean daily sunshine hours | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 5.4 | 4.0 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 6.0 |
| Source 1: Deutscher Wetterdienst | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (extremes 1937-1950 and 1961-present, humidity 1951–1960), Secretaria de Mineria (extremes 1951–1960) Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (extremes 1937-1950), | |||||||||||||
Important Buildings in Town
Perito Moreno is home to the Carlos J. Gradin Museum of Archaeology. This museum is named after Carlos J. Gradin. As of 2019, the building was still being built.
Culture and Festivals
Perito Moreno is often called the "archaeological capital" of Santa Cruz. This is because it is very close to the famous Cueva de las Manos. Every year in February, the town holds a special festival. This festival celebrates the amazing Cueva de las Manos.
See also
- In Spanish: Ciudad de Perito Moreno para niños
