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 MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
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For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Deep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
The estancia for those who don't want to scrimp on comfort. With excellent food, flawless service and high quality refurbished buildings in which to relax, you can just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery. Located in the heart of the Los Glaciares National Park and only accessible by boat, explore Patagonia both in style and as a true pioneer.
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.
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 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.
Hiking from Estancia Cristina
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 is open from 15 October to 30 April. Prices for double rooms are as follows:
All prices include transfer to/from Punta Bandera; sailing to Upsala Glacier; activities (4x4, hiking, horse riding, fishing) and meals.
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,…
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
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:
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 …
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Discover MorePatagonia 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.
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Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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.
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