Los Glaciares Wilderness Estancia

Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate

Arrive into El Calafate Airport (FTE) you will be met by our driver and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure in this picturesque lakeside town. El Calafate has a friendly frontier ambience with some good souvenir shops and many bars and cafés located on the main San Martín Avenue. Most travellers will enjoy a stroll along the waterfront to observe birds such as black-necked swans and flamingos.

The Laguna Nimez reserve is well worth a visit – you'll see many species of birds nesting in this protected area where local volunteers help to run this modest conservation charity. They'll be more than happy to talk to you about the wildlife of the region.

The Glaciarium museum is a must-see sight; the exhibitions visually describe the geological history of Patagonia where the world's third largest ice cube sits, after Antarctica and Greenland.

Please see our El Calafate hotel guide for accommodation suggestions.

Accommodation: Kosten Aike Hotel or equivalent, El Calafate

Day 2: Boat cruise to Estancia Cristina

There will be an early start today as you are picked up from your hotel at 7.30am to travel to Puerto Bandera to meet our boat. The boat cruise will take us onto the beautiful Lake Argentino – Argentina's largest lake and the third largest in South America. Along the way we'll navigate past icebergs and admire the expansive views. We'll sail up to Glacier Upsala which is fed by the mighty South Patagonian Ice Cap. The height of the glacier's front wall is an intimidating 60m. 

We'll then arrive at Estancia Cristina, an exclusive lodge made up of 20 comfortable rooms. Feel free to enjoy a drink, warm up by the fire and get to know your fellow guests. We'll then enjoy a gourmet dinner made from regional ingredients, accompanied by fine Argentinian wines.

Length of cruise: 1.5hrs

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Estancia Cristina

Day 3: Choice of activities; Estancia Cristina

You can choose from a variety of activities. See the full list of excursions available.

Option 1: Horse back ride to Laguna de la Pesca – This ride will take you through the valley to the north, admiring the local fauna and flora along the way. Wade through streams and rivers and relax by the lake.

Difficulty: Mild

Option 2: Hike Cerro Carnero – This walk will take you towards the summit of the nearby Cerro Carnero (650m). Hike through forests and across open sheep grazing land and enjoy spectacular views from the top.

Difficulty: Medium

Option 3: 4x4 Experience – Tour through this remote landscape along an old mountain road. Climb 550m and enjoy the views of Glacier Upsala, the Ice Cap and the Andes mountain range.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Estancia Cristina

Day 4: Choice of activities; Boat to El Calafate

Today you can join a different excursion, or try a different walking route to that which you enjoyed on Day 3. Make the most of your last day at this beautiful estancia. You might like to relax in this wild, isolated and extremely beautiful spot. Many short walks and photo opportunities are available at the estancia and many guests enjoy observing the gauchos going about their daily chores at the stables, or reading a book with a fantastic backdrop, or simply connecting with the peace and nature of this magical place.

At 5:30pm our boat will be ready to cruise back to Puerto Bandera near El Calafate from where a vehicle will take you 30mins back to town, dropping you at your hotel. Enjoy your final night back in civilisation, in what once seemed like a tiny town to you just 4 days ago, but now feels like a roaring metropolis after having spent a few days in the Patagonian wilderness.

Length of cruise: 1.5hrs

Meals: Breakfast; box lunch

Accommodation: Kosten Aike Hotel or equivalent, El Calafate

Day 5: Transfer to El Calafate Airport or bus station

After breakfast at your hotel, there will be a private transfer to El Calafate Airport or bus station for you to continue your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast