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Estancia Cristina

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Hotel overview

Estancia Cristina is a unique off-beaten track wilderness lodge offering Patagonian hospitality and exclusive access to the awe-inspiring Upsala Glacier. Reached via a 3 hour navigation to the north-western shores of Lago Argentino from Punta Bandera, an hour by road from El Calafate, this is a chance to see Patagonian ranch life at first hand in a stunning landscape and explore a hidden corner of the Glaciers National Park, that is virtually off-grid. You can visit the estancia for the day but we really recommend you stay a night or two to discover this region away from the trodden tourist trail.

There are 20 cosy rooms and your stay here is complimented by delicious Patagonian cuisine and a choice of amazing active adventures. There is a small museum of Patagonian history to explore and some remarkable explorations on foot, by 4WD vehicle, on horseback or by mountain bike. These include a 4x4 trip up to the look-out point for stunning views over Upsala glacier, followed by a 14 km trek down through the spectacular Fossil Canyon or some gentler options. Your stay at the lodge includes all meals with non-alcoholic drinks, activities, boat and road transfers and Los Glaciares National Park entrance. We can also arrange salmon or trout fishing here at additional cost.

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Quirky excursions

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Excursion

Perito Moreno Glacier

Witness the vivid colours and sheer size of Perito Moreno Glacier, the star attraction of Glaciers National Park on Lake Argentino. This is one of very few advancing glaciers in the world that forms a bridge across the lake that periodically crashes into the waters below. You may see chunks of blue ice cracking and calving off into the Tempanos Channel below to thunderous echoes and spot floating icebergs. A two hour drive from El Calafate brings you to the foot of Perito Moreno Glacier which you can view from the walkways directly in front. The glacier is 30km long and equivalent of a 12 storey building in height. To get closer to this remarkable natural phenomenon, take an optional short boat ride to don crampons on your shows and take a short hike on the glacier surface itself. Optional glacier trekking 10-65 years only.

Excursion

Glacier Gourmet Cruise

A day trip aboard MarPatag’s Maria Turquesa catamaran (maximum 180 passengers) is a wonderfully relaxing way to experience the best of the Patagonian glaciers from the water in style. The icefields here are one of the largest concentrations of ice on the planet and are best viewed from Lake Argentino in all their glory. Board the Maria Turquesa for a full day exploring the most dramatic and impressive of the glaciers in the national park, Spegazzini, Upsala and Perito Moreno, at a relaxed pace. For a gourmet treat, head to the more private premium deck. With capacity for only 16 people, you can, in between admiring the scenery from the observation deck, also tuck into a delicious gourmet tasting menu with drinks and find out more about the formation of glaciers from your onboard guide.

Excursion

Perito Moreno Kayaking

A great way to experience the magnificence and beauty of the Glaciers National Park in a unique and adventurous way is to take to the water by kayak. This can be either for a full day with packed lunch or a shorter half day excursion that can be added on to a more traditional visit to Perito Moreno or glacier ice-trekking excursions for a really active day. After a full safety briefing and instruction (no previous experience required), don your lifejacket and helmet and get paddling in these incredible clear glacial waters. Set out on double kayaks along Tempanos Channel and paddle to the front of Perito Moreno Glacier for some incredible photo opportunities. Minimum 14 years of age and subject to weather conditions.

Excursion

Fossil Canyon Trek

Explore a hidden viewpoint to Upsala Glacier today in a breath-taking remote location, accessible only by boat from El Calafate. Cross from Punta Banderas in 1.5 hours to a traditional ranch, navigating the northern arm of Lake Argentino to arrive at Estancia Cristina for the day – a great combination of nature and adventure. Ranch staff will meet you at the port and head by 4wd vehicle along a mountain trail formed by glaciation, arriving at a small refuge. A short walk brings you to a spectacular viewpoint across to Upsala Glacier, the southern icefield and mountain peaks of the Andes. Then take a gradual downhill 14km trek through the Fossil Canyon among dramatic scenery to arrive back at the ranch and head by boat back to Calafate. Drive from Upsala viewpoint also available for non-trekkers.

Excursion

Fitz Roy Trek

The mountain backdrops and unique landscapes around El Chalten on the northern border of the Glaciers National Park are a trekkers paradise. The trek to Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres is considered the best one in this area. Not too much climbing, with a drop in ascent of only 500 metres, it is a moderate level hike of 13 km that usually takes around 6-7 hours. Departing from El Pilar just out of El Chalten, follow a wooded path and then the shores of Rio Blanco to come across your first views of the iconic granite pointed peaks of the mountains here, including Fitz Roy. Then ascend through Lenga forest from Rio Blanco base camp to Laguna de los Tres for even more striking views of Fitz Roy, the three (‘Los Tres’) glaciers and their crystal clear lagoons. After soaking up the views, return to El Chalten.

Excursion

Ranch Day at Nibepo Aike

Head from El Calafate an hour south-west into Los Glaciers National Park to Estancia Nibepo Aike which has preserved the charm and traditions of the original pioneering ranch settlers here. Here you can get a slice of Patagonian rural life. The ranch itself comprises 12,000 hectares extending all the way to the Chilean border, once a sheep rearing facility, now with a small herd still alongside Hereford cattle. Enjoy a half day trip to Nibepo Aike ranch among beautiful mountain scenery, either in the morning or afternoon, to take in a sheep-shearing demonstration, carried out just as it was done over a century ago. Short hikes and horse-back rides are also available. The highlight is of course a traditional Patagonian lamb lunch or dinner, cooked asado-style over an open fire.

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