Estancias are part of the very fabric of South America and particularly Patagonia. They are large farms that rear sheep, cattle and / or horses. Estancia Cristina is open for visits and here you will get a taste of the real Patagonian lifestyle to complement your overall Patagonia experience.
- AM Pick-up from your hotel: 07:00hrs
- Return to El Calafate approx 21:15hrs
Description
This is an historic estancia in the region that has opened its doors to visitors to show a fascinating insight into the history of the early settlers. The estancia is located on the north-eastern lakeside of Lake Argentina (Lago Argentino). Founded in 1914 by pioneer Joseph P Masters and his wife the estancia looks over a corner of The Glaciers National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glacieres).
The estancia has been preserved and maintains its historical heritage and a little piece of paradise within an otherwise inhospitable and lonely location. The Upsala Glacier is one of the most impressive glaciers in the park and only a few kilometers from the estancia. A visit here is a perfect combination of natural wilderness, adventure, and Patagonian history.
Pick-up from your hotel in El Calafate at approx 07:30hrs and transfer to “Puerto Punta Bandera” for embarkation on to a boat at 08:30hrs. From here the boat navigates through the floating glaciers that have broken off from the Upsala Glacier and on to the “Canal Cristina” to the disembarkation point. Arrival to Estancia Cristina is at 11:00hrs, whereupon the time spent here will total around 6hrs, with the return departure at 17:00hrs approx, arriving back at “Puerto Punta Bandera” at around 19:00hrs and then back to your hotel.
Typical Activities and Tour Options at Estancia Cristina
Classic Tour
Visitors will be shown the “Museo Costumbrista”, which is an historic barn where a talk will be given about the history of the estancia. This is followed by a guided walk to the “Rio Caterina” and Estancia chapel. After this there is a hike of around 2.5hrs to the waterfall called “Cascada de los Perros”, surrounded by a wood and from where there is a lovely view of the Rio Caterina Valley and Estancia Cristina.
Discovery Tour
- Duration 3 hrs.
- Altitude: 550 m
- Vehicle 4 x 4
This tour starts like the Classic Tour with a visit to the “Museo Costumbrista”, which is an historic barn where a talk will be given about the history of the estancia. After this there will be a tour by car or buses to the “Refugio de Hielos Continentales”, culminating in a 9.5km trip around the mountain visiting fascinating geographical sites, that were, until recently, covered by glacial ice. From the refugio there will be a walk of about 30 minutes on the surface of glacial erosion until arrival to the “Mirador del Upsala” (Upsala View Point) where there are privileged views of the Upsala Glacier, Guillermo Lake, the Patagonia Southern Ice Field and the Andes Mountains.
Backpack, outdoor trekking clothes (warm, water-proof and wind-breaker jacket, trekking pants (or trousers for the English), sturdy outdoor trekking boots, hat, sun glasses, lip balm, sun-screen cream, camera and water bottle.
Included:
- Pick-up and return transfers.
- Navigation.
- Guide.
Not Included:
- Cost of lunch (a set menu lunch can be bought at the Estancia).
Experience Chile offers this half-day excursion as part of your Patagonia itinerary subject to your request for it to be included.
