We cannot recommend enough a stay of at least 2 nights here. This is remote Patagonia at its best!
Estancia Cristina is a unique wilderness lodge offering true Patagonian hospitality and exclusive access to the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Upsala Glacier and the continental ice field. The journey here is as inspiring as the stay, one of sublime natural beauty. A 3-hour catamaran trip whisks you across the azure Lago Argentino, past ice floes and giant bergs, with craggy mountains and sheer glaciers all around. At the other end, this historic estancia awaits, the perfect base for adventure-filled days within the depths of Los Glaciares National Park.
Take 4x4s to lookout points to see panoramas of 8 feeder glaciers and the icy Cristina channel; ride up the river valley with gauchos or hike down through Fossil Canyon past native forest and tumbling waterfalls. There are also amazing opportunities for fishing the wide meandering rivers for salmon and trout (extra cost). Then it’s home for Patagonian lamb, smoked cheese and Argentine reds beside the fire. Staying at Estancia Cristina is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not to be rushed.
No. of rooms: 20
Double or twin room with ensuite bathroom (shower over tub) and panoramic views; 5 rooms can fit a baby cot or extra bed. The 20 rooms are spread over 5 cabins, each with a shared lounge.
Facilities: The Octagon - an open-plan bar, living room with fireplace and dining area. Only accessible to guests at the hotel.
Internet: WiFi in The Octagon only; no mobile signal.
Excursion details (for overnight visitors): Different trekking options, horse-riding, historical tour, fishing (on request). No minimum, max 12 though normally less.
Need to know
- Only accessible by a 2-3 hour boat journey across Argentino Lake, with set timings for departures and which may alter depending on extreme weather.
- Estancia Cristina operates full-day trips from El Calafate / Punta Bandera but we strongly recommend overnight stays, which include many more activity options with with relatively few people, as these can be done before the daytrippers arrive and after they have left.
- Perfect for that isolated Patagonia experience with comfortable lodgings - due to location, wifi access is limited to communal areas
- Excellent opportunity to try gentle horse-riding along rivers and into mountains
- Delicious patagonian dishes served on a rotation basis and set menus with a variety of options.
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