Argentina
El Calafate
Only 12 rooms available, with views over the steppe and mountain landscapes.
You can sample the Estancia's flavourful cuisine in its restaurant.
Each room has a total surface area of 31.5 m2 with a private bathroom, central heating and amenities. Its large window offers the best view for total disconnection.
The Estancia's specialist guides are on hand to accompany you during your activities. In addition to magnificent horseback rides through the National Park, you can take 4x4 excursions across the steppe or go trekking amid spectacular mountain scenery. You will also have the opportunity to visit the estancia and take part in a sheep-shearing demonstration or farm work.
Staying at Estancia Cristina gives access to longer hikes and far more remote areas than the day excursion allows. The range on offer is much broader. Current itineraries include:
. Mirador Glaciar Upsala
. Mirador Upsala + Cañadón de los Fósiles
. Glaciar Upsala + Campo de Hielo Patagónico Sur
. Cerro Carnero — 10 km, 470 m elevation gain, ~5 h
. Mirador Cristina + Lago Tannhauser — 15 km, 1,100 m elevation gain, ~6 h: the most demanding.
. Laguna de la Pesca — ~4 h.
. Cascada de los Perros — 5.5 km, 100 m, ~4 h.
. Refugio + Lago Pearson — ~4 h.
. Self-guided trails
. Fishing expeditions, including fly fishing on the Río Caterina.
Our recommended experiences:
. Mirador Glaciar Upsala — probably the best ratio of effort to scenery.
. Cañadón de los Fósiles — far more spectacular if you enjoy walking. The Upsala + Cañadón circuit takes around 5h30, with 12 km on foot after the 4x4 section.
. Cabalgata to Lago Pearson — a very pleasant way to take in the landscape without a long hike.
. A full day on horseback in the valley and around the Río Caterina. No prior riding experience is required; the team matches the horse and pace to the rider's level.
. Fishing: by prior reservation only and subject to availability