estancia cristina discovery tour

FROM USD 245

Full day tour to Estancia Cristina: Discovery Option

Spend a full day at Estancia Cristina, with navigation on Lake Argentino and a 4×4 ride to the Upsala Glacier Lookout.

Why Choose This Activity?

  • 4×4 ride to the Upsala Glacier Lookout
  • English-speaking guide during navigation and the estancia visit
  • Boat navigation with panoramic views of the Upsala Glacier
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Estancia Cristina, Upsala Glacier Lookout & Museum

Easy Cancellation

If you need to cancel or postpone, just send us an email and we will take care of everything.

Direct Communication With the Operator

You will have the WhatsApp for the operator of your choose excursion. No more lost pick ups!

English-Speaking Guide and Small Groups

Almost all of our tours are done in small groups. All of them have English speaking guides.

OVERVIEW

Sail across the Northern Arm of Lake Argentino to the Upsala Channel, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier from the water. After arriving at Estancia Cristina, travel by 4×4 through the Feruglio Mountains to the Upsala Glacier Lookout. From there, take a short walk of approximately 15–20 minutes over uneven terrain shaped by glacial erosion. Back at the estancia, enjoy lunch and visit the Costumbrista Museum and historic areas of the property, including the Caterina River, the waterwheel, and the chapel. The Discovery option combines lake navigation, a 4×4 excursion, a short walk, and a guided visit to the estancia.

About Us

PeritoMorenoGlacier.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.

ITINERARY

Meeting point | Puerto Punta Bandera
Make your own way to Puerto Punta Bandera. The exact check-in time will be stated on your confirmation. Hotel transfers from El Calafate are optional and must be arranged in advance.

Around 9:00 AM | Navigation to Estancia Cristina
Board the boat for the crossing of Lake Argentino’s Northern Arm and the Upsala Channel. The navigation offers views of icebergs and a panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier. The round-trip navigation takes approximately four hours in total.

At the estancia | 4×4 ride to the Upsala Glacier Lookout
Travel approximately 9.5 km by 4×4 through the Feruglio Mountains to the lookout area. The operator does not publish a separate duration for this drive.

At the lookout | Short walk
Walk for approximately 15–20 minutes over uneven terrain shaped by glacial erosion to reach the Upsala Glacier Lookout. The walk requires moving on natural ground.

Lunch | At the estancia
Return to the lodge for lunch. Allow approximately one hour.

Museum and historic visit | Estancia Cristina
Visit the Costumbrista Museum with a guide, then explore the estancia’s historic grounds, including the Caterina River, waterwheel, and chapel. The operator does not publish a separate duration for this visit.

Return navigation | Puerto Punta Bandera
Board the boat for the return crossing to Puerto Punta Bandera. The full visit, including navigation, takes approximately 10 hours; the schedule may vary.

Operating season: October 1 to April 30.

Duration: Full Day
Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable
Availability: October 1 to April 30
Starting Time: 8:45 AM
Finishing Time: 07:00 PM
Pick Up: Meeting Point
Drop Off: Meeting Point
Language: English, Spanish
Minimum Booking: 1

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Navigation in front of the Upsala Glacier
  • Guide during navigation and visit to the estancia
  • Visit to Upsala Glacier lookout in a 4x4 vehicle
  • Entrance fee to National Park
  • Lunch
  • Transfers

OPTIONALS

Transfers from/to your hotel

Pick-up from your hotel in El Calafate to the pier and drop-off to your hotel at the end of the activity

CANCELLATION POLICY

Non-refundable. The rescheduled will be subject to availability or can be left as a credit to apply to a future reservation.

FAQs

Is this tour available on Dec 24, 25, 31, or Jan 1?

Yes. Estancia Cristina operates daily from October 1 to April 30, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

The maximum age for participants is 85 years old.

Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?

Please contact us prior to booking to confirm availability and suitability.

How does the booking process work?

After booking and finalizing payment, you will receive a confirmation of your purchase. Then, in less than 24 hours, you will receive the voucher that you can use to take the excursions.

If the reservation is for the next day, we will be attentive and send you the voucher before your excursion begins.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Are transfers from/to my hotel included?

Transfers are not included, but you can request them in the booking form below.

What makes an estancia visit different from a standard sightseeing tour?

An estancia experience adds a cultural and rural dimension, connecting Patagonia’s landscapes with ranch history, local traditions, food and daily life.

Is the experience authentic or mainly staged for tourists?

Tourism is part of the operation, but many estancias have genuine agricultural and historical roots. Good visits explain the property’s real history and contemporary rural life.

Will I learn about gaucho culture?

Usually yes. Estancia visits often introduce regional riding traditions, livestock work, food and the historical role of rural workers in Patagonia.

Is the visit worthwhile for travelers who are not interested in horseback riding?

Yes. Estancia experiences can include scenery, walking, meals, demonstrations, history and relaxation, so riding is not the only reason to visit.

How much time is usually spent outdoors?

A significant part of the experience is outdoors, but the exact balance depends on the program and weather. Bring layers suitable for wind and changing temperatures.

Is this a good family activity?

Generally yes. The combination of animals, open landscapes, food and cultural interpretation can work well for different ages, subject to any activity-specific restrictions.

Can dietary requirements usually be accommodated?

Often they can if requested in advance. Because meals may be an important part of the program, advise vegetarian, vegan, allergy or other dietary needs when booking.

What should I expect from a traditional Patagonian meal?

Menus vary, but estancia meals often highlight regional ingredients and ranch-style cooking. Exact dishes should be confirmed in the product inclusions.

Is an estancia visit interesting in bad weather?

Yes. Weather changes the atmosphere of Patagonia, and many programs combine outdoor sections with sheltered or indoor elements. Severe conditions can still require operational adjustments.

Why combine an estancia with a glacier-focused itinerary?

The glacier shows Patagonia’s natural scale, while an estancia adds human history and regional culture. Together they create a more complete understanding of the destination.

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Booking Details (1/2)

BOOKING FAQS

How Do I Book?

Just complete the booking form. When you finish, you will be redirected to Paypal, where you can pay for the tour.

What Happens After Booking?

Once you’ve completed your booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the voucher you’ll need to participate in the activity.

If you’ve booked an activity for the following day, don’t worry. We’ll make sure to send you the voucher before your activity begins.

I Have Other Questions...

Just head to our Contact Page and send us your enquiries.

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