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 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. There is a variety of excursions and activities to choose from during a stay here, including horseback riding, four wheel drive excursions and trekking throughout breathtaking scenery.

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.

Its privileged location offers the best land access to the Upsala Glacier and the continental ice fields and turns it into a unique haven. Visitors may choose between one day or two day programs to get to know this beautiful spot.

You will love

  • Remote location
  • Wonderful range of scenery
  • Great menu of activities
  • Ranch style lodge

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia 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 family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

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Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

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.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

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If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

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The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

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Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

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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