Between October 1st and April 30th every year, Estancia Cristina is open to visitors from all over the world who come to immerse themselves in this stunning region of Patagonia, Los Glaciares National Park.
Estancia Cristina, is a landmark in the history of Patagonia and the Glacier Explorations. In 1900 Percival Masters, a British sailor from Southampton, arrived in Patagonia in search of a better life for his family. Eventually, Percival, his wife and their two children settled in a secluded spot alongside Lago Argentino. He became a farmer and founded Estancia Cristina, in memory of their daughter who died at the age of 20.
The transfer leaves El Calafate to begin the journey to Puerto Bandera, where, on arrival, we will set sail on a panoramic catamaran that gently navigates along the lake, carefully guiding us through the breathtaking scenes of icebergs towering overhead.
Our voyage continues, as we find ourselves cruising down the Cristina Channel, our destination gradually coming into sight. Estancia Cristina is located in the most incredible setting, surrounded by snow-capped mountains imposing themselves defiantly on the landscape, and striking blue icebergs, glowing as they float effortlessly on the lake.
The Glaciar Upsala Look-Out group are welcomed by specialized driver-guides and 4x4 vehicles, ready to make way for the wilderness. They venture up into the Feruglio Mountains, a 9.5km ride that offers great views of our surroundings and takes us ultimately to an elevated area where the cars will be parked. Once there, we will begin a 20-minute trek over terrain characterized by glacial erosion, until reaching the Upsala Glacier Lookout; an exclusive vantage point for visitors to appreciate this immense glacier that can only be accessed from Estancia Cristina.
There will be plenty of time here to enjoy views of Lake Guillermo and the eastern side of the Upsala Glacier, as well as the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, before heading back to the lodge in our 4x4 vehicles for lunch and visiting the Costumbrista Museum, housed in the estancia’s old shearing shed to learn all about the history of the Masters family: their lives, adventures and how they became pioneers in Patagonia, as well as a guided tour around Estancia Cristina’s estate.
Itinerary
07:30 am Pick-up service from hotels in El Calafate.
08:30 am Embarkation at Punta Bandera.
09:00 am Depart Punta Bandera and sail to the Northern Arm of Lake Argentino. Cruise along Upsala Channel to see the front of the Upsala Glacier (weather permitting) and continue towards Cristina Channel. Complimentary coffee service.
11:30 am Arrival at Estancia Cristina. The time allocated for activities at the estancia is approximately 6 hours.
05:30 pm Depart Estancia Cristina.
06:45 pm Arrival at Punta Bandera harbor.
07:30 pm Arrival in El Calafate.
–These schedules are approximate.–
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Duration: 12 hours*.
Operational days: daily departures.
Shared basis.
Includes: transportation, guide, navigation from Puerto Punta Bandera, sailing through the Brazo Upsala and Canal Cristina and back from Estancia Cristina to Puerto Punta Bandera (a snack is provided during the navigations), a 4×4 ride to the Upsala Glacier (a unique viewpoint from the ground and the starting point for the 15 minutes hike), Estancia Cristina’s casco visit, museum visit, lunch and National Park Los Glaciares entrance fee.
NOTES: It operates from October,1st to April, 30th.
Given the remote location, there is no cell phone signal or wi-fi service.
Suggested Clothing: We recommend that you wear layers, a windbreaker and trekking shoes as this will prepare you for any unpredictable weather.
The order of the activities will be defined by Estancia Cristina.
*The excursion lasts 12 hours in total, 6 hours at the Estancia plus 4 hours of navigation, considering the round trip. Additionally, we must include the time of land transfers to Puerto Punta Bandera, which can be 1 hour each way.
