Estancia Cristina

Early morning transfer from El Calafate to the pier at Puerto Bandera. Here you board the estancias catamaran for a 45 minute navigation to the western front of the Upsala Glacier, among icebergs and stunning scenery. Next, you will enter the Cristina Channel leading to the famous estancia surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and glowing blue icebergs floating in the lake. Arriving mid-day to meet the guides of the estancia to discuss the available activities. After exploring the area settle into the estancia for the night. (D)

The lodge offers several activities to explore the area, here are four of our favorites:

Estancia Exploration – First you will head to the old Secadero de Ovejas (literally, the Sheep Dryer, the building where the sheep were kept after bathing) which has been transformed into a comfortable dining area with full panoramic windows that capture the beauty of the area. After a healthy lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon and visit the Chapel, the nearby Rio Caterina, the museum (the old sheep shearing warehouse) and the orchard, amongst other sights.

4×4 Tour – We begin the day in our all-terrain vehicles heading up hill across the Cordon Feruglio. We drive through a landscape that until recently was covered by glaciers and has a great geological interest. Reaching 550 meters above sea level we can view the majestic Upsala Glacier from an angle only possible at the Estancia Cristina. We also see the Andes Mountains, Bertrand hills and part of the southern Patagonian ice fields. We take plenty of time to walk, explore and photograph this beautiful area. The whole tour takes about four hours.

Cerro Carnero Hike – Upon arrival, you will hike from the beach towards the Cerro Carnero Chico summit. The trail will follow the tracks of the cattle that used to wander in the area. The Cerro Carnero is part of the Cordn Cuchillo (Cuchillo Mountain range) that belongs to the pre-Andean area; a complex of volcanic rocks formed during the Jurassic period. This mountain range can be easily seen from the estancia and it is considered to be the oldest in Los Glaciares National Park. As you climb the Cristina Channel starts to appear below, as well as the estancia and a full valley overview. After hiking through a rich forest of lenga and ires beech trees passing ice cold waterfalls, you arrive at the lower summit of the Carnero Mountain (2,100 ft above sea level) to be greeted by one of the most splendid views of the Andean Range and its glaciers. Among the most imposing are the northern glacier of the Cerro Mayo, a partial view of the Onelli Glacier, North Heim Glacier, Bertrand, Bertrachi and Cono (these two drain into the Upsala Glacier) but the most breathtaking view of all is the possibility of seeing the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields and the Moreno range. Lunch consists of a packed lunch which will be enjoyed in the wilderness with a first row view of the amazing landscape. Return to Estancia Cristina hiking a different trail that borders the Channel Cristina reaching the estancia in time to board the returning boat. *3-4 hours hiking, 1500 ft elevation gain

Horseback Riding – There are two easy horseback riding options, each two hours long including time to enjoy a box lunch. The rides are not demanding and are appropriate for most participants, though previous riding experience is recommended. Both routes travel to lookout points from which to enjoy the amazing vistas far down the valleys. Upon arrival at the estancia, you can discuss which of the two riding excursions you prefer with your guide.