- Description
Description
Description
Founded in 1914 by the couple Joseph Percival Masters and Jessie Elisabeth Waring, Estancia Cristina maintains the essence of its English-origin family that, with effort and much love, transformed their home in the wilderness into a true paradise. This excursion is a unique experience that combines navigation on Lake Argentino to the Upsala Glacier área, with a day in the countryside at the historic ranch.
There are several options to enjoy this excursion, that include guest pick up from their hotel in El Calafate, then heading to the Punta Bandera port, where the navigation begins.
• ESTANCIA CRISTINA CLASSIC
Navigating through the Cristina Channel, you will disembark at the Estancia (ranch), where everyone will be offered an excellent Patagonian lunch in the restored sheep shearing shed. During the stay at the Estancia, our guests can visit the Costumbrista Museum, take a guided walk passing by the Chapel, the historic center of the ranch, and, later, a hike to the Cascada de los Perros, which is a surprisingly beautiful waterfall. This region is surrounded by forests and offers a spectacular view of the Caterina River Valley and Estancia Cristina itself.
• ESTANCIA CRISTINA DISCOVERY
The “Estancia Cristina Discovery” excursion is the perfect combination for those seeking adventure, glaciers and a journey through local history. A journey that allows you to experience sites of geological interest, as this mountain road has once been covered by glaciers. This excursion includes two walks: one throughout the Estancia Cristina fields, and the other from the Continental Ice Shelter to the Upsala Viewpoint. An interesting visit to the Costumbrista Museum will provide our avid guests with information about the history of the place. Then, the first guided walk begins, heading to the Caterina River; visiting the Chapel and its historic center. Next, you will ascend to the Ice Shelter in all-terrain vehicles. It will be a 9.5-kilometer journey through a mountain road. Once in the region, the second walk takes place– approximately 20 minutes – through glacial erosion terrain, finally reaching the fantastic Upsala Viewpoint. Its from that moment on that the landscape will pleasantly surprise our guest, as they will have the privilege of a spectacular view of the glacier, Lake Guillermo, and The Andes Mountain Cord. Afterwards, everyone returns to the estancia in the same all-terrain vehicle and board back to Puerto Punta Bandera.
Our guests will have time to have lunch between the activities of the “Estancia Cristina Discovery” excursion, as there will have spare time thought for this purpose.
• TREKKING IN CAÑADÓN DE LOS FÓSILES (FOSSIL’S CANYON)
Departing from Estancia Cristina on an all-terrain vehicle, an expedition of about nine and a half kilometers begins. Passing through steep mountain roads, you will be able to admire a unique landscape that until not so long ago, was covered by glaciers.
Once at the Continental Ice Refuge, our guest can take a 20-minute walk towards the Upsala Viewpoint, soaking in a spectacular view of the Eastern front of the Upsala Glacier, Lake Guillermo, and the Don Bosco and Murallon Hills.
Subsequently, we descend steadily towards Cañadón de los Fósiles. This location boasts a remarkable concentration of marine fossils exposed by glacial action. The hike continues along nearly flat terrain, traversing grazing fields, forests, and lagoons adorned with southern tussock and feather reed grassThe hike ends at Estancia Cristina dock, where our guests embark towards Puerto Punta Bandera. During the return trip, a Box Lunch is offered as a meal.
Restrictions: For this excursion, it is advisable to be in good physical shape and condition, as the trekking is done on uneven terrain, demanding considerable physical exertion. Those opting for the ‘Estancia Cristina Trekking’ excursion must be aware of this requirement, as the tour leader reserves the right to deem a guest unfit for the journey ahead and consequently unable to participate. Additionally, it is mandatory to have the appropriate hiking gear and clothing; failure to comply will result in the guest being unable to take part in the excursión
Language
Español, Inglés
Included
Transfer (optional)
Entrance fee to the National Park
Lunch (Box Lunch)
