Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Cruise

See the Upsala Glacier up close on this boat ride around the Los Glaciares National Park. You can also hike through the Patagonian forests, get in touch with life at Estancia Cristina, and go for a jeep ride!

Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Cruise

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, followed by an hour's drive to the quay at Punta Bandera. Next, you will board a boat and set sail to Estancia Cristina, cruising for 2.5 hours through the Upsala channel to approach the glacier. Upon disembarking at Estancia Cristina, a medium-difficulty hike begins.

Guided through a Patagonian forest, you may spot Antarctic beech trees and various endemic birds. The hike culminates at a viewpoint for a panoramic view of Lake Argentino. A lunch break at a local restaurant includes two empanadas, a main course (lamb casserole or pasta with pesto), dessert, and a choice of beverage with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

The hike continues to the Perros waterfall, offering views of the Caterina River valley. The tour includes a visit to the estancia's museum, chapel, and water mill. Afterward, a boat will take you back to Punta Bandera, where a minibus will return you to El Calafate, concluding the tour after approximately 12.5 hours.

Book without Transfers

If you prefer to travel to Estancia Cristina yourself, you can book without transfers. You will need to meet your guide at the pier at Punta Bandera at 8:15 am. The return boat will drop you off at the quay at 7 pm.