Things to do in

Estancia Cristina

Start with pickup from your hotel in El Calafate and be transfered to Puerto Punta Bandera port. Set sail from the dock at 9:00 AM and glide over the waters of Lake Argentino to reach the furthest possible point of navigation in the Canal upsala. From here enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Laciar Upsala. Then, having disembarked at the shores of Estancia Cristina, be welcomed by an expert guide. Enjoy a horseback ride through the Cristina Valley which allows you to experience a delightful mix of mountain views, time by the lake, and multiple birdwatching opportunities. After leaving the Estancia behind, ride in a northerly direction, heading deeper into nature, crossing the Caterina River. Note the many species of plants and flowers that are native to the Patagonian steppe. Make your way on horseback along pathways covered with loose stone and moss, leading you eventually to an elevated lookout point that bestows sweeping views of the valley. With luck try to spot various species of bird such as the Common and Royal Goose, Black Necked Swan, Coscoroba Swan, and the Spectacled Duck, among many others. Near Lago Pearson, we will have time for lunch. Then, when you are finally ready to head home, go back along the same route towards the starting point, the perfect time to take it all in. Later on, we will visit the Costumbrista Museum, where we can learn all about the history of the Masters family: their lives, adventures and how they became pioneers in Patagonia. At 5 pm we will head toward the shore, take the boat and return to El Calafate. Due to the diversity of horses available in Estancia, it is extremely important to choose and assign the right horse and guarantee the development of the activity, also for this reason the weight limit is 95 kilos.

On this excursion from El Calafate you’ll spend a day in awe of the spectacular natural wonders of Los Glaciares National Park. Begin with a sail from the Punta Bandera port on board a modern and comfortable boat. You’ll be surrounded by icebergs as you sail on Argentino Lake and marvel at the stunning views. Continue the sail through the North Arm and the Cristina Channel, finally disembarking at Estancia Cristina. When you arrive at the Estancia you’ll enjoy a history tour, and a visit to the museum and old shearing shed. Head out on a guided walk up to the Caterina River, where you’ll see the chapel and the old house of the Estancia. From here you’ll ascend by 4x4 vehicle to the 9.5-kilometer continental ice shelter, which is an area of significant geological interest. From the shelter you’ll take a 20-minute walk to the Upsala viewpoint, along terrain that has been eroded by the glacier. From the viewpoint you’ll enjoy stunning views of the glacier, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the Andes Mountain Range.

The tour commences promptly at 7:00 AM, with a scheduled pick-up of passengers from their hotels in the heart of Calafate. We'll embark on a scenic 45 km journey through the rural area, offering a glimpse of charming wooden houses along the route. Upon reaching Puerto de Punta Bandera on the stunning Lago Argentino, passengers will board a modern, comfortable boat at around 8:15 AM, setting sail to begin the captivating navigation. Amidst the icebergs, we'll navigate the north arm of the Argentine lake, eventually reaching the designated limit for navigation in the Upsala channel. Here, we'll marvel at the panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier's imposing front. Continuing through the Upsala channel, we'll disembark at the Cristina Ranch around 11:30 AM. At the Ranch, you'll visit the Museo Costumbrista, housed in a refurbished shearing shed, where you'll delve into the Ranch's fascinating history. A 30-minute stroll will lead us to the Caterina River and the Chapel, followed by an exploration of the Ranch's historic center. After these visits, you'll have free time to savor lunch and explore the surroundings. Around 5:30 PM, we'll reboard the boat to commence our return journey to Punta Bandera Port. Disembarking at approximately 7:00 PM, passengers will be transported back to their hotels, bringing the enriching tour to a close.