Estancia Cristina, Southern Patagonia

rooms

We love the ethos of this charming lodge and the notion that it continues to be a place of rest and refuge as it has always been - although admittedly a stay here is vastly more comfortable than it was 100 years ago! There are just 20 rooms throughout 5 lodges, all with incredible views of Mts. Norte, Pfifter and Moyano. They have been decorated in a relaxing, homely style which is sure to make you feel both welcome and cosy, whatever the weather. The décor very much echoes the fascinating history of the estancia and of course, its stunning setting amidst glaciers and mountains. In line with the off-the-Figrid experience, guestrooms do not have phones, TV or Wi-Fi.

facilities & activities

The Upsala Glacier is one of the largest in Los Glaciares National Park. To sail through the Argentino Lake amongst icebergs and mountains and then visit Estancia Cristina is invariably the perfect combination of nature, adventure, history, and pleasure.

Admission to Los Glaciares National Park is included in the room rates, so, like the pioneers of previous generations, there is every opportunity to explore this very special region of Argentina. We recommend at least a two-night stay to make the most of everything. All included activities take place on the Estancia’s grounds and surroundings. The Estancia offers short self-guided walking or mountain-biking circuits, and also longer tours where bilingual guides will accompany guests on treks, horseback-rides, and four-wheel drive (FWD) or fishing expeditions.

Wi-Fi & Mobile signal only in the Octagon; please note mobile phones will not have signal anywhere else in the Estancia.

dining

Guests at Estancia Cristina usually stay on a full-board basis, which includes all meals and soft drinks (but not alcoholic drinks). The menu here is very much about using local produce where possible, and creating tasty and healthy food with a heavy regional bias…think mouth-watering Patagonian lamb, fresh vegetables, homemade breads and pastries and of course, fine Argentine wines. There is a lovely selection of picnic lunches available for those guests out exploring for the day.

family

If you are an active, outdoors kind of family with children who love wide open spaces and who have a keen desire to explore, Estancia Cristina is a really lovely option and somewhere we’d have no hesitation recommending. The hotel is very welcoming to families and will go out of their way to ensure you make the most of your stay here. Many of the activities can be tailored to suit children, although it’s worth noting that many of the rides and hikes are best suited to children aged 12+.

location

As befits its amazing location, Estancia Cristina is not the easiest place to reach but it is certainly worth the effort. Most guests take the 3.5 hour flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, from where you have a 45-minute road transfer to Puerto Bandera, followed by a stunningly scenic 3-hour boat ride to the estancia, bypassing the western face of the Upsala glacier en route. Please note that the boat usually departs early morning so you are likely to need to stay in/ near El Calafate the previous night and possibly on your return.