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Estancia Cristina

El Calafate, Argentina

Remote luxury beside Lago Argentino

Estancia Cristina is a ranch style lodge with a wonderfully remote setting on the shores of Lago Argentino, in one of the most fascinating valleys in Patagonia, surrounded by forests, glaciers and mountains.

After a magnificent 3-hour catamaran trip along the blue-watered northern branch of the lake, one arrives at Estancia Cristina. Stunning in its remoteness, the estancia has a natural lookout point to the Upsala Glacier, which is the largest in South America. 

During your stay, take 4x4s to lookout points to see panoramas of 8 feeder glaciers and the icy Cristina channel; ride up the river valley with experienced horseriding guides or hike down through Fossil Canyon past native forest and tumbling waterfalls. There are also special programmes available 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.

Sitting in a lesser-known spot between the Lake District in the north and the ice fields of the south, it offers quality hiking, fishing and riding without the people – something that becomes increasingly attractive during the high summer season.

In 1933, the land that made up La Cristina became part of the immense Glaciers National Park, and today the establishment no longer functions as a sheep farm. Its houses, stables, and the old shearing shed are clad in corrugated iron. They, as well as the furniture and the boat once used to transport wool, were all built from the wood of trees growing on the estancias. La Cristina continued to be the home of Janet McDonald Masters, the 82 year old widow of the founder’s son, until she died.

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.

You will love

  • Remote location
  • Wonderful range of scenery
  • Great menu of activities
  • Ranch style lodge

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