Description
After a magnificent trip along the blue-watered Northern Branch of Lake Argentina, you arrive at Estancia Cristina. Stunning in its remoteness, Estancia Cristina has a natural lookout point to the Upsala Glacier, which is the largest in South America.
Estancia Cristina has 20 cosy guest rooms designed in an elegant rustic style. The rooms are housed in five individual lodges and have stunning views to the snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. All meals are included at Estancia Cristina and the cuisine has a distinct regional influence, with mouthwatering Argentinean meats a main feature. Full day excursions are sometimes accompanied by a delicious Argentinean asado (barbecue).
There are a variety of guided excursions and activities to choose from during a stay at Estancia Cristina including horse riding, 4WD excursions, trekking and fishing, all amongst simply breathtaking scenery, with sweeping views of the Andes, vast ice-blue glaciers, turquoise lakes and picturesque forests.
Accommodation
Estancia Cristina has 20 guest rooms distributed amongst five individual lodges. The rooms are furnished in a simple yet elegant rustic style and have picture windows with spectacular views to the mountains. Each lodge has a front porch area, perfect for chilling out and enjoying the views.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Estancia Cristina although there are no formal children's facilities. A stay at the estancia will appeal to children and families who love the outdoors and soft adventure. For some of the rides and hikes children must be aged 7 or over as a certain amount of stamina is required and the terrain can be challenging in places.
Facilities
Estancia Cristina has a cosy lounge and a restaurant serving regional cuisine. Within the property there is also a small museum exhibition housed within one of the original estancia outbuildings.
Activities
Activities on offer at Estancia Cristina include 4x4 excursions, boat trips, horse riding, trekking and fishing. The activities and excursions are lead by the estancia's guides and are a chance to fully appreciate the stunning Patagonian scenery and learn about the natural history of the region.
When to travel
October to April is generally the best time to visit, but the southern autumn (April and May) is often characterised by extraordinary leaf colours, and prices are usually lower at this time. Winter days are cold but often still.
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Average time to visit
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Location and directions
Lago Argentino, Argentina
Located in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, in the province of Santa Cruz in southern Argentina, surrounded by forests, lakes and mountains. The estancia can only be reached by lake transportation from Puerto Bandera in El Calafate.
How to get there
3.5hr flight to El Calafate, 45 minute road transfer to Puerto Bandera, followed by a 3hr boat journey through stunning scenery to the estancia. The boat journey takes you close to the western face of the Upsala glacier, with plenty of opportunity to admire the glacier and the impressive icebergs. The boat trip to the estancia departs in the early morning so an overnight stay in the El Calafate area is usually required.
