Why we like this estancia

This isolated lodge offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in the mountainous landscape of Los Glaciares National Park. The lodge's wooden interior is comfortable and full of character, and the 22,000 hectare estate is surrounded by glaciers, snowcapped peaks and lakes of great natural beauty.

  • There are a number of scenic walks and horse rides to enjoy from the cosy lodge.
  • The mighty Upsala Glacier, one of the most important glaciers located within Los Glaciares National Park, is located nearby. 
  • This estancia is run with the same effort and perseverance as its founding family from 1914.

About Estancia Cristina

Rooms

This is undoubtedly the top end of estancias. The buildings have been extensively refurbished, and each room has a modern bathroom, heating and huge bay windows where you can watch the light changing on the mountains and glaciers.

While many estancias are tucked away near forests or at the base of rocky peaks, Estancia Cristina's location right out in the open means the rooms have some of the best views of any estancia around. The high level of comfort, beautiful food and attentive service make this the best choice for those wanting a more comfortable estancia experience. Given the remoteness of the lodge, please note that electricity is not available throughout the night.

Estancia Cristina

Excursions

Estancia Cristina is perfectly located for exploring lots of different types of scenery. Excursions are a little shorter here than you'll find in other estancias; perfect for just spending a few hours out and about before returning to relax at the lodge, or to wander around the estancia's very own museum, housed in the old sheep shearing shed.

Guided excursions include horse riding, 4x4 adventures, and treks to the Upsala Glacier and Fossil Canyon, there are also a few trails to explore on your own.

Estancia cristina hiking view

Hiking from Estancia Cristina

Getting there

Estancia Cristina organise a 45 minute transfer from El Calafate to the dock, from where you'll take a three-hour boat ride through the Upsala Channel to see the icebergs and the enormous glaciers. After the boat ride, it is 1km from the dock to the lodge itself. The scenery is incredibly varied, with glaciers, lakes, snowcapped peaks, rivers and plains.

On return, the boat ride is only two hours.

Estancia Cristina sign

Dates & Rates

Estancia Cristina is open from 15 October to 30 April. Prices for double rooms are as follows:

  • 1 night: USD $1,400 per person
  • 2 nights: USD $2,000 per person
  • 3 nights: USD $2,800 per person

All prices include transfer to/from Punta Bandera; sailing to Upsala Glacier; activities (4x4, hiking, horse riding, fishing) and meals. 

Estancia Cristina

Trips from Estancia Cristina

Los Glaciares Wilderness Estancia

Cruise past icebergs on Lake Argentino as you sail to the remote Estancia Cristina. Base yourself at this comfortable ranch while exploring the wilderness on foot, horseback or by 4x4. Hike to Cerro Carnero, ride to Laguna de la Pesca,…

  • 5 Days
  • $2,910
Los Glaciares Wilderness Trek

Trek between two historic estancias across the untouched wilderness of Los Glaciares National Park. A challenging trek through tough terrain, suitable for experienced hikers only. If you want to experience glaciers, rivers, mountains and rock formations in a remote and…

  • 8 Days
  • $3,635
Customer review background image

What our customers think of Estancia Cristina

Estancia Cristina is lovely with great staff. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Alain Andre - USA

Riding out on the boat to the estancia was breathtaking! To see some of the broken off pieces of glacier that were still so huge and navigate around them was so amazing! Read the full review

Travelled: October 2023

Tracy Neumann - USA

Riding out on the boat to the estancia was breathtaking! To see some of the broken off pieces of glacier that were still so huge and navigate around them was so amazing! Read the full review

Travelled: October 2023

Tracy Neumann - USA

Customer Image

Incredible! The service, food and location was spectacular. We went horse-back riding, hiked and went on a four wheeled drive up to the glacier. The guides and staff were terrific.

Travelled: December 2016

Kate -

Review:

Explore Los Glaciares

Estancia Nibepo Aike

Estancia Nibepo Aike

Nibepo Aike has been family-run for generations. Even the name Nibepo comes from combining the nicknames of the original founder's daughters, and the rich history and culture …

Discover More
Aguas Arriba Lodge

Aguas Arriba Lodge

Listen to the waves lapping the shores of Lago del Desierto, surrounded by hanging glaciers and dense southern beech forest. This secluded lakeside sanctuary is only accessible by …

Discover More
El Chaltén Hotels

El Chaltén Hotels

Originally a climbers' mecca, El Chaltén is peppered with hotels that are still mainly run by staff dying to help you get out and about in the mountains. Spend your days amongst …

Discover More
Estancia Cristina in Los Glaciares

Estancias in Los Glaciares

Estancias are the perfect place to disconnect: remote ranches offering a gaucho lifestyle, where you can explore their trails by day then sink into their rustic charms by night.

Discover More

Tailor-made Holidays

Patagonia is a vast and varied region, with a wealth of things to see and do, a range of places to stay and a limited transport network.

Why not let us do the hard work for you? Our team of experts will work with you to design an adventure to your exact requirements, from hiking and horse-riding trips to wine-tasting tours and undiscovered lodges.

We’ll work around your budget and arrange flights, transfers and buses, to create your perfect trip.

More About Tailor-made

Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.

1-888-970-4571