Description

Operational note: Day 3 Estancia Cristina's season is from October 15th to April 15th. Day 6: The return from the estancia is at 2.30 PM arriving at Puerto Banderas at 4.30PM, so a later departure flight at 8PM is required. In case of a later return, an extra night in El Calafate is required. To keep in mind: The observation of the Upsala Glacier is done at a distance of 14 km, therefore it is subject to visibility. Day 1 El Calafate. Arrival and reception at the airport. If you have time, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Glaciarium, a museum dedicated to glaciology, or to do some activity that allows you to get to know the steppe by enjoying lunch or dinner. Day 2 El Calafate. B L Today we explore part of Los Glaciares National Park, declared a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. We leave from the hotel by the Route of the Patagonian Estancias, until we reach Nibepo Aike, where we enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we sail Lake Argentino and we disembark in Playa de las Monedas to make a walk until the viewpoint of the glacier. We continue to Bajo Las Sombras, from where we transfer to the footbridges and we have the chance to admire the glacier from a different point of view, at a moment of the day when the silence and the detachments make this spectacle even better. Day 3 El Calafate / Estancia Cristina. B L D Departure to Puerto Banderas where we embark to sail Argentino Lake and to arrive at a unique corner, Estancia Cristina. First, we sail through the Northern Arm in order to admire the Upsala Glacier and then we take Cristina Branch to finally arrive to Estancia Cristina. Founded in 1914, the Estancia still retains its essence, keeping alive the history of this pioneer family that made this place their home. After checking in, a host will explain to us about the activities we can do during our stay. Day 4 & 5 Estancia Cristina. B L D We are able to choose between the following activities offered by the lodge: Hiking/ Trekking: De Los Perros Cascade: 2,5 hours roundtrip. Low difficulty. Pesca Lagoon: 3 hours roundtrip. Low difficulty . Carnero Hill: 4,5 hours roundtrip. Medium difficulty, good physical condition is recommended. Del Hielo Viewpoint: 3,5 hours one way. Medium/high difficulty (steep slope the last 40 minutes) Upsala Viewpoint: 2,5 horas one way. Medium difficulty. Cristina Viewpoint: 6 hours roundtrip. Medium/high difficulty. Cañadón de los Fósiles: 6 hours roundtrip (one way trip in 4x4). Medium/high difficulty. Good physical condition is recommended . Horseback riding: Cristina Viewpoint: 5/7 hours roundtrip. Ride through Valley of River Caterina, ascending the western mountainside of Mesón Hill, to Puesto Los Perros. Pesca Lagoon: 2/3 hours roundtrip. Mínimum difficulty. Day 6 Estancia Cristina / El Calafate. B L In the morning, we embark to return to Punta Banderas from where we will take the transfer to the airport.