Estancia Cristina

Travel Guide
Estancia Cristina showing a pond, fall colors and forests
El Calafate showing a waterfall as well as an individual male
Estancia Cristina which includes autumn leaves, a pond and tranquil scenes
El Calafate featuring forest scenes, fall colors and a pond
El Calafate featuring a waterfall as well as a small group of people
Discover unique views of the Upsala Glacier, dine on delicious Patagonian food and trek amid glorious glacial landscapes at this historic Argentine farmstead.

Estancia Cristina occupies a setting of matchless beauty in majestic Los Glaciares National Park. Visit this farmstead to admire the monumental Upsala Glacier, hike in wilderness countryside and fish for trout and salmon. Estancia Cristina dates back to 1914, when the English explorer Joseph Percival Masters established a livestock ranch and family home here. Adventures at this remote landmark begin as soon as you step onboard a boat that cruises along the vast Lake Argentino.

Tour the estancia’s buildings to get a glimpse into the remote ranching life of Joseph Percival Masters and his family. See the antique shearing shed, exhibits of old farming equipment, a chapel and a waterwheel. Paths lead through thick woodland to Los Perros waterfall. Enjoy aerial views of the estancia and Caterina River from a lookout point.

Ride in a four-wheel drive vehicle along rugged mountain trails and scramble over rocky terrain by foot to a viewpoint of the colossal Upsala Glacier. This is Argentina’s largest glacier however, due to its gradual melting, it is only visible from the lake and the estancia. Gaze in awe at its huge ice walls and jagged peaks, which rise out of the Patagonian ice field. Snap photos of glacial lakes and the snow-capped Andes.

Be sure to trek in the Cañadón de los Fósiles valley. The valley’s unblemished plants, forests, ice fields and lagoons are all characteristic of Los Glaciares National Park. Join an angling excursion on nearby rivers and fish for rainbow trout and Pacific salmon.

For the ultimate getaway experience, stay overnight at one of the estancia’s cabins, each with views of snow-covered mountains. Satisfy your taste buds on succulent Patagonian lamb and premium wines from across Argentina.

Find the estancia in the western part of the southern Argentine province of Santa Cruz. The nearest major town is El Calafate. Access is via boat crossing only, which departs from Puerto Bandera, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of El Calafate.

Estancia Cristina is open from September to May. Visit the estancia’s official website for information about accommodations, day tours and other excursions.

Estancia Cristina
Estancia Cristina
3 out of 5
Margen Norte del Lago Argentino, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Estancia Cristina, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Estancia Cristina. Enjoy free breakfast, a free ferry terminal shuttle, and room service. Popular attraction Canal Cristina is located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"A unique property in a unique setting. Everything was amazing from the friendly and helpful staff to the wonderful guides and in-house support staff. Couldn’t be better."

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2023

Estancia Cristina
Hosteria Helsingfors
Hosteria Helsingfors
4 out of 5
Lago Viedma Parque Nac Los Glaciares, Estancia Helsingfors, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 4-star beach lodge in Estancia Helsingfors. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Blue Lake is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
The best hotel experience I have ever had
"Words cannot describe Hosteria Helsingfors. The location is unbelievable, the grounds are beautiful and the service is excellent. A once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone lucky enough to travel there. Take my advice - book the trip if you are remotely considering it."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2018

Hosteria Helsingfors
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Linda Vista Apart Hotel
Linda Vista Apart Hotel
3 out of 5
Avenida Padre Agostini 71, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Anfiteatro Del Bosque and Calafate Fishing ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
"Pretty decent experience for the money."

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Linda Vista Apart Hotel
Solares Del Sur Patagonia
Solares Del Sur Patagonia
3 out of 5
De Los Fresnos 3362, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Bahía Redonda Viewpoint ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (89 reviews)
"It was a very pleasant experience staying at that place. "Rubius the cat made all the difference " Solares is definitely a keeper."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2024

Solares Del Sur Patagonia
Andino Aparts - El Chalten
Andino Aparts - El Chalten
2.5 out of 5
Llao Llao 45, El Chalten, Santa Cruz
Stay at this aparthotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"The road is not in excellent condition."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

Andino Aparts - El Chalten
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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