Patagonia Traveler
Estancia Cristina catamaran docked at turquoise waters in Patagonia, Argentina with snow-capped mountains visible.
Gaucho prepares brown horse at Estancia Cristina ranch with snow-capped Patagonian mountains in background.
Group of horseback riders crossing a river with mountains and glaciers in Patagonia's Estancia Cristina region.
Abandoned fishing boat beached on gray shale with snow-capped mountains under stormy skies in Patagonia.
Green cottage nestled in windswept Patagonian steppe with snow-capped Andes mountains and dramatic clouds in background.

Estancia Cristina Classic

Summary
El Calafate
January, February, March, April, October, November, December
8 hours
Easy

Estancia Cristina is the only place within the National Park that offers panoramic views of Upsala Glacier and the Patagonian Ice Field, both from its "Discovery" option and the Fossils Canyon Trekking. Founded in 1914 by the Masters-Waring couple, it maintains the essence of this English family that transformed the place into a paradise.

The tour begins at 6:30 am with transfers from El Calafate hotels to Puerto Punta Bandera, where boarding is at 7:45 am. The navigation goes through Brazo Norte, Spegazzini Channel (with views of its namesake glacier) and finally Cristina Channel.

At the estancia, a Patagonian lunch is served in the restored sheep-drying shed. During the visit, guests tour the Costumbrista Museum, take a guided walk through the historic grounds (including the chapel) and visit Los Perros Waterfall, with views of Caterina River Valley and the estancia.

Return to Puerto Bandera is around 8:00 pm, departing the estancia at 6:00 pm.