Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure in El Calafate
Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Begin your journey with a boat ride, navigating past the icebergs near the impressive Upsala Glacier to reach Estancia Cristina.
Patagonia Boat Tour and Trek from El Calafate
This full-day tour from El Calafate is ideal for nature lovers interested in glacier views, boat rides, and guided hikes in Patagonia.
Highlights
- Sail among icebergs with views of the Upsala Glacier’s western front and navigate through Cristina Canal
- Guided walk to Caterina River and Chapel, followed by a tour of the Estancia
- Round-trip transfer from selected El Calafate hotels included
- Professional local guide throughout the experience
Description
Your tour begins with hotel pickup in El Calafate at 7 am, followed by a scenic 45 km drive through countryside with traditional wooden houses. Arriving at Punta Bandera port on Lake Argentino around 8:15 am, you will board a modern boat for a journey through an impressive landscape of towering icebergs towards the northern arm of Lake Argentino, the furthest navigable point on the Upsala Channel, offering views of the Upsala Glacier.
You will reach the Estancia at approximately 11:30 am. After disembarking, a guide will lead a trek through a semi-arid valley populated by native shrubs and grasses. The path ascends to a high viewpoint with wide views over the valley, Lake Argentino, Lake Pearson, and the Andes Mountains.
The hike continues along a gradual slope to the Los Perros River Waterfall, an excellent site for observing native orchids and plant species.
At around 5:30 pm you return to the boat to travel back to Punta Bandera port and onward to El Calafate, with hotel drop-offs expected by 8 pm.
Includes
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels
Excludes
- Entrance fee to the National Park (approximately 45 USD)
- Gratuities
Important Information
- Confirmation received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Warm clothing and walking shoes recommended
- Suitable for most travelers
- Maximum group size of 40 participants
Cancellation Policy
This activity is non-refundable.
Book in advance to secure your place. Prepare for variable weather by bringing layered clothing and sturdy shoes. The best time to join is during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and summer months for milder conditions.
