Estancia Cristina

El Calafate, Argentina

Remote luxury beside Lago Argentino

Estancia Cristina is a ranch style lodge with a wonderfully remote setting on the shores of Lago Argentino, in one of the most fascinating valleys in Patagonia, surrounded by forests, glaciers and mountains.

After a magnificent 3-hour catamaran trip along the blue-watered northern branch of the lake, one arrives at Estancia Cristina. Stunning in its remoteness, the estancia has a natural lookout point to the Upsala Glacier, which is the largest in South America. 

During your stay, take 4x4s to lookout points to see panoramas of 8 feeder glaciers and the icy Cristina channel; ride up the river valley with experienced horseriding guides or hike down through Fossil Canyon past native forest and tumbling waterfalls. There are also special programmes available for fishing the wide meandering rivers for salmon and trout (extra cost). Then it’s home for Patagonian lamb, smoked cheese and Argentine reds beside the fire.

Sitting in a lesser-known spot between the Lake District in the north and the ice fields of the south, it offers quality hiking, fishing and riding without the people – something that becomes increasingly attractive during the high summer season.

In 1933, the land that made up La Cristina became part of the immense Glaciers National Park, and today the establishment no longer functions as a sheep farm. Its houses, stables, and the old shearing shed are clad in corrugated iron. They, as well as the furniture and the boat once used to transport wool, were all built from the wood of trees growing on the estancias. La Cristina continued to be the home of Janet McDonald Masters, the 82 year old widow of the founder’s son, until she died.

Estancia Cristina is a unique wilderness lodge offering true Patagonian hospitality and exclusive access to the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Upsala Glacier and the continental ice field.

You will love

  • Remote location
  • Wonderful range of scenery
  • Great menu of activities
  • Ranch style lodge
Estancia Cristina ranch-style lodge with horses grazing in a scenic landscape, surrounded by autumn trees and mountains, showcasing remote natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Man exploring Fossil Canyon, showcasing geological formations, wearing outdoor gear, with a rugged landscape in the background.
Scenic view of Upsala Glacier and Lago Argentino, showcasing icy blue waters, rugged mountains, and glacial landscapes near Estancia Cristina.
Gourmet dishes including a vibrant salad, savory pastries, and a glass of red wine served on rustic tableware at Estancia Cristina, showcasing the lodge's exquisite dining experience amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Interior view of Estancia Cristina lodge featuring a cozy seating area with floral cushions, a green throw, and a scenic mountain backdrop, alongside decorative glassware and bath products, highlighting the lodge's rustic charm and natural beauty.
Cozy hotel room at Estancia Cristina featuring a large window with a stunning view of mountains, a king-sized bed with a red and white blanket, and elegant furnishings.
Group of horseback riders crossing a river near Estancia Cristina, showcasing the stunning natural scenery of Lago Argentino and the surrounding mountains.
Catamaran Chinook navigating Lago Argentino, with passengers enjoying scenic views of the remote Estancia Cristina and surrounding mountains.
Estancia Cristina lodge with panoramic mountain backdrop and evening lighting, showcasing remote natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Scenic view of Lago Argentino with turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers, highlighting the remote beauty near Estancia Cristina.
Group of people admiring a massive blue ice glacier at Estancia Cristina, Lago Argentino, under a clear sky.
Couple sitting on rocks overlooking Lago Argentino and Upsala Glacier, showcasing stunning remote scenery and mountainous landscape at Estancia Cristina.
Catamaran docked at Estancia Cristina's pier, surrounded by turquoise waters and mountainous landscape, showcasing the remote beauty of Lago Argentino.
Gourmet dish featuring two stuffed mushrooms on a rustic black plate with red and white salad garnishes, highlighting the culinary offerings at Estancia Cristina.
Hikers exploring the scenic landscape of Estancia Cristina, with views of Lago Argentino and the surrounding mountains, showcasing the remote natural beauty ideal for outdoor activities.
Green lodge surrounded by rugged mountains and glacial peaks near Estancia Cristina, showcasing remote natural beauty and scenic landscapes.
Catamaran cruising on Lago Argentino, showcasing serene turquoise waters and rugged mountainous landscape, reflecting the remote beauty of Estancia Cristina and its proximity to the Upsala Glacier.
Man grooming a brown horse at Estancia Cristina, with a white horse in the background and mountainous landscape visible, highlighting horse riding experiences in a remote lodge setting.
4x4 vehicle parked in a scenic landscape near Estancia Cristina, with snow-capped mountains and autumn foliage in the background, illustrating adventure activities in a remote lodge setting.
Scenic landscape of Estancia Cristina featuring the icy Cristina channel, surrounding mountains, and rocky terrain, highlighting the remote natural beauty and outdoor activities available.
Abandoned wooden boat on the shores of Lago Argentino, surrounded by rugged mountains and a cloudy sky, representing the remote beauty near Estancia Cristina.
View of Estancia Cristina's ranch-style lodge framed by a wooden structure, showcasing the scenic landscape with mountains and autumn foliage in the background, highlighting the remote natural beauty of Lago Argentino.
Person standing on rocky shore of Lago Argentino, surrounded by autumn foliage and mountains, with Upsala Glacier in the background, showcasing the stunning scenery near Estancia Cristina.
Dining experience at Estancia Cristina featuring wine pouring, traditional Argentine empanadas in a skillet, and guests enjoying their meals in a rustic lodge setting.
Ranch-style lodge at Estancia Cristina surrounded by blooming flowers and scenic mountains, offering a remote getaway near Lago Argentino.
Man preparing for outdoor adventure on a boat, lunch box and eco-friendly gear displayed, hikers exploring natural landscape near Estancia Cristina, showcasing remote activities and scenic experiences.
Group of people at picnic table enjoying their time at Estancia Cristina, with a cyclist in the foreground and horses grazing in the background, showcasing the lodge's outdoor activities and scenic environment.
Horse riders approaching a rustic lodge in a scenic landscape, group dining indoors at Estancia Cristina, and hikers on a rocky trail with snow-capped mountains in the background, showcasing the remote natural beauty and diverse activities available at the lodge.
Hikers overlooking dramatic mountain landscape near Estancia Cristina, showcasing the stunning scenery and remote natural beauty of the region.

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Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

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An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

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