Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Cruise

Experience the stunning Upsala Glacier up close on a remarkable boat ride through Los Glaciares National Park. Engage with nature by hiking through the Patagonian forests, immersing yourself in life at Estancia Cristina, and enjoying an exciting jeep ride.

Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Cruise

Prepare for a day rich in Patagonian scenery and pristine landscapes. After the timely pickup from your hotel, we'll embark on an hour's drive to the quay at Punta Bandera.

Upon arrival, we'll board a boat and set sail towards Estancia Cristina. The boat journey will take approximately 2.5 hours as we navigate the Upsala channel, getting closer to the majestic glacier. Once we disembark at Estancia Cristina, our medium-difficulty hike will begin.

Accompanied by your guide, we'll traverse a Patagonian forest, recognizing various Antarctic beech trees and likely spotting numerous endemic bird species. Our ascent will lead us to a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Lake Argentino.

Midway through our adventure, we'll take a break at a local restaurant for a hearty lunch, featuring two empanadas, a main course (choose between lamb casserole or pasta with pesto), a flan for dessert, and a glass of wine or a soft drink, plus coffee or tea. Options for vegetarians and those requiring gluten-free meals will also be available.

As we continue uphill, our goal will be to reach the Perros waterfall. The spectacle of the waterfall and the elevated view of the Caterina River valley will surely impress. The journey will include a visit to the estancia's museum, where we'll delve into the history of rural life in the area. This will be followed by visits to the chapel, the water mill, and other notable points of interest.

To conclude our outing, we'll take a boat back to the port of Punta Bandera, where a minibus will be ready to return us to El Calafate. Expect to arrive at your hotels approximately 12.5 hours later.

Book without Transfers

If you prefer to reach Estancia Cristina on your own, you can opt to book without transfers. In this case, you will need to meet your guide at the pier at Estancia, located at Punta Bandera, by 8:15 am. The returning boat will drop you off at the quay at 7 pm.