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 kilometres) west of El Calafate.
Estancia Cristina is open from September to May. Visit the estancia’s official website for information about accommodation, day tours and other excursions.
