Estancia Cristina lies at the very heart of Los Glaciares National Park. This singular ice desert makes a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable visit to an Estancia in Argentine Patagonia, a short catamaran ride from the town of El Calafate! The charming Estancia Cristina offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and history of Patagonian gauchos. There is a wide range of walks and activities on offer, making a visit to Estancia Cristina the perfect excursion from El Calafate.
The excursion to Estancia Cristina begins at the port of Puerto Bandera, where you'll board a catamaran that sails across Lago Argentino, passing numerous glaciers along the way. You'll pass the western face of the Upsala Glacier before reaching the famous Estancia Cristina.
You'll disembark at a small harbour located 800m from the Estancia, a unique spot for adventure activities.
Arrival at Estancia Cristina at 11:30am. Time on site: 6 hours.
Begin your excursion by 4x4 with a guided visit to the “Museo Costumbrista” (a former shearing shed).
From there, you'll continue along a 9.5-kilometre climb across mountainous terrain to reach the refuge on the Continental Ice. A 30-minute guided tour is offered to explore the glaciers of Patagonia. From there, you'll also see the eastern face of the Upsala Glacier, Lake Guillermo, and the southern reaches of the Patagonian Ice Fields and the Andes Cordillera.
Return to the Estancia and boarding at 5:30pm. Arrival at Puerto Bandera around 7:00pm.