Experience the remote beauty of Patagonia’s Estancia Cristina and Upsala Glacier on a journey of discovery from El Calafate. Sail past icebergs across Lago Argentino and tour the historic Estancia Cristina ranch. In the afternoon, choose between a short and easy walk to a beautiful waterfall or an off-road tour to the beautiful Upsala Glacier.
Posted By : RoloTraveler79
We did the Estancia Cristina Discovery tour.
They asked us to show up at 8:20 at the Bandera port, we were there punctually, it was raining a lot.
We waited in the car until 8:30 when the doors opened to get on the boat. We all got on there but we waited almost 1 hour inside the boat for some last passengers, who we believe arrived late... it seemed disrespectful to us that those of us who arrived on time had to wait.
The ride on the boat was very good, clean bathrooms, comfortable seats. Before entering the iceberg channel, the photographer introduced himself and said he would take professional photos throughout the trip, and it was USD 50 for the digital pendrive with all the photos. We took photos in front of the icebergs and assumed that he would later be in the ranch taking more photos but we never saw him again until we got back on the boat... for 5 photos with the icebergs it wasn't worth it, the nice thing would have been if we I took out in the stay too but he didn't do it.
We had lunch and after visiting the museum where they explained the great history of the ranch, they took us in a 4x4 to visit the Upsala Glacier viewpoint, the 1-hour journey there and the same back.
When you arrive at the viewpoint, dress warmly because it freezes in the wind!
After returning there directly to the boat, it seems to me that that 1 hour that we wasted waiting on the boat would have been nice to have free to enjoy the place and be able to take photos and walk around the area, but the return trip was too rushed.
We were back at the flag port at 7 p.m.
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Posted On : 2024-04-01 12:32:52 
Posted By : veronicahF7180SY
I had a fantastic stay, upon arrival not everything was good, but through the concierge Andres (very young and very committed), he facilitated all the amenities, as well as dinner reservations...the Italian restaurant MY CASA, super delicious and great choice , and Luana (super entertainer, very kind and prompt in attention), rescued us from how little bad they had made us feel, and lifted our spirits, the experience with her was wonderful, with Crisanto as well as Tiburcio, who did his best to that I had the drinks of my choice and was always attentive.
Every person we met on a path, counter or office always received the same response: WELCOME. A PLEASURE TO SERVE YOU, AND SMILING.
As a general tip, always arrive and reserve your dinners since they are always full and with little space....
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Posted On : 2024-03-22 23:22:25
Posted By : Terry R
The setting was surpassed only by the staff. The natural beauty speaks for itself but the level of service was amazing. I wish I could remember all of the names but Brenda (Pocket) and Balin (horseback guide) are among the stand outs. Brenda at one point t saw from a distance that my friend and ai had gotten off the path and ran to catch us and save us from ourselves.
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Posted On : 2024-03-21 23:54:51
Posted By : classyt24
As part of our Argentina tour we chose to stay one night here as we wanted to experience an estancia. It is approx.3 hours to reach the Estancia after pick up by mini bus and then the catamaran across the lake.
The good bits;
The scenery on the boat trip is amazing
The scenery at the Estancia is incredible, literally off grid in the middle of nowhere.
The food during our stay was incredible and well presented
All the staff were great, really helpful and friendly
The not so good:
One of the beds in our room had some mould probably due to humidity throughout the season but when we pointed this out clean bedding was provided but the mattress was just turned over.
It wasn’t clear what activities we could do prior to our stay and I wish we had known before. On the website there was fishing, horseback riding, trekking etc but when we arrived we were not offered all of these
It’s a very long day after your night stop, activities start at 8.30am and you’re not back until early afternoon and the boat leaves at 5pm meaning you don’t reach El Calafate until 8pm in the evening - something to consider if you have early flights out the next day.
We enjoyed the experience but felt planning of activities could be better. and there would be more choice of activities for those staying
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Posted On : 2024-03-13 18:28:58
Posted By : marisan637
Beautiful ride sailing to the Upsala Glacier in the middle of the icebergs. The Cristina ranch has a wonderful landscape and the walk to the waterfall is divine. No difficulty in doing it. The food is delicious and they serve it in a very nice restaurant with a wonderful view of the place. The guides are super friendly and always try to make sure you enjoy the ride.
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Posted On : 2024-02-26 08:09:34
Posted By : Spencer_C
We took a boat to the estancia, passing icebergs and the Upsal Glacier on the way. Then we had a beautiful horseback
ride through a valley, crossing streams on horseback and lunching at a little house next to Lake Pearson. Our guides, Roberto and Vicente, were knowledgeable, friendly, and great asado preparers. A day I will never forget.
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Posted On : 2024-02-02 20:21:47 
Posted By : Sap440
The most beautiful place on earth. The accommodations were lovely. Heaven. Magnificent scenery, hiking, history
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Posted On : 2024-01-08 09:25:16
Posted By : Mike_E
Everything was awesome. The staff was professional and the trip was well organized. The lunch was amazing and exceeded expectations. Overall everything was great and would highly recommend.
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Posted On : 2024-01-03 16:15:21
Posted By : yangbness
I have nothing but great things to say about this excursion. The shuttle bus ride was fine (no issues - about 45 min). The boat ride was fun - meet new people by sitting with strangers inside and then head outside as you approach 2 key icebergs and pose for tons of photos - what's there not to like. It's a big catamaran - no sea sickness to speak of. Delightful croissants and some standard coffee/tea options, along with 2 bathrooms. The boat captain was generous with our time around the icebergs to allow for all the photo taking that the entire boat could take. Then comes time on the ranch. First, all of the staff are excellent - bilingual, super courteous, knew their stuff cold, constantly looking out after guests. I had low expectations for the museum but it was really fascinating to learn the history of the ranch (who knew it was British settlers). The meal in the restaurant, as many have mentioned, was delightful - great lamb and nice Patagonian malbec. The drive to the lookout was the real excursion bit. The guides collude by telling you it's a 15 min drive but it's more like 50 and it's true offroad 4x4 that needs to be done by a professional. You will absolutely getting shaken and stirred on this part. The last bit is a 15 min walk (uphill) to the lookout. We a moderately cloudy but clear day but the entire glacier was in full view. We also had a pair of condor flying around above us. The winds starting to pick up (probably 40 kmph) so you would tear up if exposed. But the view, while distant, is still something to take in and makes the adventure all the more worth it. Strike up a conversation with your offroading companions and it makes the trip go by faster. All in all, an exquisite day and would recommend to anyone. BTW - we had friends that were staying overnight at Estancia and ran into them at lunch - they too had nothing but rave reviews for the place (and other hiking options).
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Posted On : 2023-12-29 18:40:17
Posted By : 951stuartm
Incredible views, very friendly staff, top class food for such as remote place. We went for a day trip but i would really recommend staying overnight for the full experience.
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Posted On : 2023-12-19 05:58:17
