Remote luxury beside Lago Argentino
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
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.
Jenny KiddExellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth MackintoshWe wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark TaylorJulia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford familyWe are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
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