Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Adventure

FromARS 431

10 hours

El Calafate, Argentina

About this activity

Experience Patagonia's natural beauty on a full-day adventure to Estancia Cristina and Upsala Glacier, featuring a scenic boat ride, historic ranch tour, and glacier exploration.

Highlights

Scenic boat ride across Lake Argentino
Explore historic Estancia Cristina ranch
Visit Upsala Glacier's stunning viewpoints
Learn about local Patagonian history
Capture breathtaking glacier photographs

Full description

Discover the untouched wilderness of Patagonia on this exhilarating full-day excursion to Estancia Cristina and Upsala Glacier. Begin with a picturesque boat ride across Lake Argentino, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and waterways. Upon arrival at Estancia Cristina, delve into the rich history of this historic ranch through an informative guided tour, exploring its museum and learning about its significance in the region. Then, embark on an exciting journey to Upsala Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in South America, where you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas and the chance to capture stunning photographs of the ice formations. This adventure seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, providing an unforgettable experience in the heart of Patagonia.

Included / Excluded

Round-trip boat transportation from El Calafate to Estancia Cristina
Guided tour of Estancia Cristina's historic ranch and museum
Excursion to Upsala Glacier with panoramic views

Meals and beverages during the tour

Itinerary

Pass by: The tour starts with hotels pick-up at 07 AM and after this, we will travel around 45 km by a route that will take us to the rural area from where we can appreciate the wood houses we will find there

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Pass by: Once we get to Punta Bandera Port, in Lago Argentino, we will make a boat ride around 08.15 AM. We will cross the high ice floes and navigate the north arm of the Lago Argentino to get into the navigation limit allowed in Upsala Channel and have from there a beautiful front panoramic view of this glacier.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

We will continue along the Cristina Channel until we reach our disembarkation point at the ranch, arriving around 11:30 AM. You'll have approximately six hours to explore the area, including a visit to the Museo Costumbrista, housed in a former shearing shed, where you'll learn about the rich history of the ranch. Next, specially equipped 4x4 vehicles will be ready to take us on a 9.5-kilometer journey through the stunning Cordon Feruglio mountain road, which was covered by glaciers until recently. As we travel, you’ll enjoy breathtaking geological landscapes leading us to the Continental Ice Shelter. From there, we’ll embark on a 20-minute walk to the Upsala Viewpoint, perched 550 meters above sea level. This vantage point offers spectacular views of Lago Argentino, the Eastern Front of the Upsala Glacier, the South Patagonian Ice Field, and the Murallón and Don Bosco Hills.

Duration: 6 hoursAdmission: NO

Pass by: Around 05.30 PM, we will go back to the boat ride to go to Punta Bandera and after the disembark, 07 PM approximately, we will return to Calafate hotels.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

This tour operates in Spanish; ensure you are comfortable with the language or have a translator if needed.
The tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain; assess your fitness level accordingly.
Availability may vary seasonally; check the tour schedule for your intended travel dates.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and historic sites.
Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.