Excursions from Estancia Cristina

Day Trip Guests
1. Upsala Glacier Lookout
2. Trekking
3. Horseback Riding
4. Classic
5. Express

You'll adventure in a 4×4 vehicle, travelling along wild trails through the native forests of the Feruglio mountain range for around 10km, traversing the northern reaches of Lago Argentino. You then continue on foot for 20 minutes to reach the only land-based lookout point for Glacier Upsala. Expect incredible views of its confluent glaciers, Lago Guillermo, and the Southern Ice Field.

If you love trekking, we suggest combining this expedition with the Fossil Canyon Hike.

Duration: 4hrs round trip | Elevation gain: 370m | Easy

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On this excursion, you'll ascend the natural trails of the Feruglio mountain range by 4x4 until you reach the Upsala Glacier's former limits.

From here, you can contemplate how glaciers shape the landscape on their journey. In this case, the glacier has exposed countless marine fossils along the deep-red Fossil Canyon through which you can hike.

Duration: 5-6hrs round trip | Length: 12km | Elevation gain: 370m in 4x4 vehicle | Moderate

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You will cross Río Caterina and head northwest, ascending the Feruglio mountain range. Once you leave the native forest behind, begin a challenging hike to reach the breathtaking views of Glaciar Upsala and Lago Guillermo. Another favourite on this excursion is the massive Cordillera de Los Andes, featuring Betrand, Cono and Murallón peaks.

Your return will be along a different trail to offer a new perspective. 

Duration: 6hrs round trip | Hiking distance: 17km | Elevation gain: 600m | Hard

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On this hike, you'll follow the path used by the Masters family for cattle raising and take in the beauty of Lake Argentino as you ascend gradually to appreciate the Cristina Fjord, the main lodge of the Estancia and a fantastic view of the entire valley. Once you cross the forest and meltwater waterfalls, you'll reach Cerro Carnero and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the valley and the stunning Cordillera de Los Andes and glaciers. 

Your return will be along a different path, bordering the Cristina Fjord, finally leading you back to the Estancia.

Duration: 5hrs round trip | Length: 10km | Elevation gain: 470m

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You can, of course, take a number of short hikes from your Estancia Cristina base.

One we'd recommend is the noria (waterwheel) on the river. It's possible to enjoy this hike on foot or by bike, completely at your own pace, giving you time to soak up the landscape and landmarks in this wild region.

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Head northwest through woods filled with ñires and lengas to observe the native vegetation of the Patagonian steppe. At your first stop, you'll see the valley extending all the way from Lake Argentino to Lake Pearson. You'll then continue ascending until you reach the Los Perros waterfall and, finally, the Mirador Cristina from where you'll have a stunning view of the mountains, the Campo de Hielo Patagónico Sur, and the Upsala Glacier.

Continuing on, a pleasant slope towards the east will lead you to Lake Tanhausser. Upon reaching the Andean meadow over Cerro Cuchillo’s slopes, you'll have a great panoramic lookout of the River Caterina valley and the mountains. As a final reward for your efforts, and after surpassing a rock edge that glaciers couldn’t erode, you'll see Lake Tanhausser and the glaciers descending from the hills of Cerro Pintado, Sombrero, and Masters into the lake.

Duration: 6hrs round trip | Length: 15km | Elevation gain: 770m

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You'll leave Estancia Cristina’s main lodge behind and head into the River Caterina valley. Along the way you'll be able to see a wide variety of native flora and fauna.

This is an ideal hike for bird and photography lovers.

Duration: 4hrs round trip | Length: 20km| Elevation gain: 40m

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This excursion takes you northeast from Estancia Cristina’s main lodge on an uphill hike among woods filled with ñires and lengas.

At the first lookout point you will be able to see Lake Argentino and Lake Pearson. From here you'll continue hiking until you reach the Los Perros waterfall.

Duration: 4hrs round trip | Length: 5.5km | Elevation gain: 100m

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On this excursion, you'll head north to enter the deepest area of the River Caterina valley. It's an untouched glacial landscape dotted with lagoons and mountains. Cerro Norte will be in view as you make your way to Lago Pearson, where you'll find a shelter strategically located on its shores, blending with the native vegetation.

Duration: 4hrs round trip | Length: 20km | Elevation gain: 20m

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Step back in time at their historic museum, housed inside the estancia's original sheep-shearing shed, where the incredible story of the Masters family comes to life. The crown jewel of the exhibition tells the story of the boat the family built entirely by hand in the 1950s using a copy of Popular Mechanics magazine as their guide. You can view the original blueprints, tools, and the imported Detroit diesel engine that took four years to arrive in this remote corner of Patagonia, before heading down to the beach to see the hull resting on the shore, a true testament to the pioneering spirit of the place.

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Setting sail from Puerto Punta Bandera across the glacial waters of Lake Argentino, your journey begins with a scenic cruise through Brazo Upsala and Canal Cristina. Upon arrival at Estancia Cristina, you board an all-terrain 4x4 vehicle for an off-road drive up to the high lookout point over the Upsala Glacier. After a 15-minute walk to take in panoramic views of the ice field, surrounding peaks, and floating icebergs, you return to the estancia for a traditional family-style lunch at El Quincho, followed by a guided tour of the historic heritage museum. 

Full-Day (10-11 hours) | Activity: 4x4 drive & 15-min walk | Difficulty: Easy | Includes: Boat navigation, 4x4 excursion, lunch & museum tour

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This option combines a lake navigation with an immersive mountain hike. The excursion starts with a cruise through Brazo Upsala to Estancia Cristina. An all-terrain 4x4 vehicle carries you up to the high Upsala Glacier lookout point, where your trek begins. From here, you set out on foot, gradually descending along a dramatic canyon framed by ancient rock formations and geological history. After enjoying a packed lunch box amidst the wilderness, your trail leads back down to the estancia grounds before your evening boat ride across Lake Argentino. 

Full-Day (10-11 hours) | Activity: 4x4 drive & canyon trek | Difficulty: Hard | Note: Minimum age 12 years; includes box lunch

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Experience the wild beauty of Patagonia from the saddle on a traditional horseback exploration through Estancia Cristina's valley. After sailing across Lake Argentino through Canal Cristina, you arrive at the estancia and meet your local guides at the Monturrero for a safety briefing. Saddling up, you ride through open valley landscapes towards Refugio Pearson, where you pause to relax and enjoy lunch in a remote setting before riding back across the estate to catch the return boat. 

Full-Day (10.5 hours) | Activity: Horse ride | Difficulty: Moderate | Note: Minimum age 6 years; max weight 15 stone (95 kg / 210 lbs); helmets mandatory

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Following a morning cruise past icebergs in Brazo Upsala and through Canal Cristina, you disembark at the estancia. You'll take a guided walk to the picturesque Cascada de Los Perros waterfall, wander through the historic main ranch buildings (Casco), and enjoy a hearty family-style lunch at El Quincho. The afternoon includes a guided visit to the heritage museum to discover the estancia's fascinating past. 

Full-Day (10-11 hours) | Activity: Walk & historic tour | Difficulty: Easy | Includes: Boat navigation, guided waterfall hike, lunch & museum entry

Designed for those seeking a shorter outing without missing the historic heart of the region. Setting off from Puerto Punta Bandera, you sail across to Cristina. Here, you take a guided tour of the Heritage Museum and historic ranch grounds, learning the story of the pioneer family that settled here over 100 years ago. After a traditional family-style lunch at El Quincho, you board an earlier afternoon return boat back to port. 

Full-Day (8 hours) | Activity: Historic tour & short walk | Difficulty: Easy | Includes: Boat navigation, museum tour & family-style lunch

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