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| Nestled in the core of the Los Glaciares National Park, estancia Cristina unveils its history and its natural environment. Outdoor activities, high Patagonian cuisine and multiple panoramic vantage points are wisely combined into a stay that is second to none. |
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Those in search of a remote place surrounded by forests, lakes and impressive glaciers where to enjoy rural tourism have the possibility of seeing one of the most symbolic venues in the southern lands very close to El Calafate: estancia Cristina. 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. In order to reach estancia Cristina, it is necessary to get on board a luxurious catamaran which l eaves from Paraje de la Cruz, 40 kilometers from El Calafate, at the Punta Bandera harbor at 7:45am. The estancia is only reached through lake transportation. |
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Before reaching destination, the boat sails amid ice floes and impressive landscapes located off the western shores of the Upsala Glacier. One of the most beaugiful views of the glacier is its large ice floes floating adrift to the will of the wind along the Northern Arm and across Lake Argentino. The wind, the sun and the rain give shape to them. Once at the estancia, visitors' dreams come true as they go on exploration trips on 4 x 4 vehicles, on horseback or hike and climb around the area. After an intense tour in the sourroundings, where they will discover the history of the estancia and the privileged vantage points will show the best of the glacier, travelers will discover the local flora and fauna and then return to the shell to have lunch. |
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Chef Lorena Papasergio has wisely created a cuisine style that mingles regional flavors with signature cuisine and her dishes have her unquestionable mark. Ingredients are carefully selected. The best Argentinian meat, the Patagonian lamb and tasty smoked cheese stand out in this unique experience for the palate.
For those who wish to stay overnigth, it is important to point out that there is a shelter built in the Patagonian style in the surroundings of the estancia shell. This place offers twelve comfortable rooms, all of them decorated with rustic and cozy elements totally integrated with the scenery. |
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After lunch, all activities are resumed in order to discover other nooks of this particular estancia. The scientific base of the Instituto del Hielo Continental Patagónico Argentino, the Upsala, Upsala Glacier, Murallón Glacier, Cono Glacier and Nido de Cóndores refuge is visited. Visitors may access the mountain shelter, where they will see ancient radios. They will be amazed to see the view from the Upsala vantage point with a different perspective of the endless glacier. At sunset, the tour returns to the estancia harbor in order to head for Puerto Bandera once again. A snack is served on the boat and passengers are entertained with chocolates as souvenirs. This excursion takes all day and finishes about 7:45 pm. |
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Useful Data:
How to Get There: to get to estancia Cristina, it is necessary to get on board the catamaran leaving from Puerto Bandera. Timetable: the boat leaves at 7:45 am. Duration: the excursion takes all day, and there exists the possibility of staying at the estancia overnight. Level of Difficulty: intermediate. Recommendations: The program includes entrance ticket to the Los Glaciares National Park, navigation from Paraje de la Cruz at Punta Bandera Harbor up to the Western face of the glacier and the estancia, bilingual guides, breakfast, snack and lunch with all drinks included (even Patagonian wine), activities to the visitors' choice from the excursions' menu and navigation on the catamaran. Therefore, we recommend that you relax and enjoy the intense day at the estancia. |
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See also: Hotels in El Calafate and other accommodation venues |
| Contact: Cristina 9 de Julio 69 (9405) El Calafate - Santa Cruz Tel: +54 (2902) 49-1133 / 1034 Fax: +54 (2902) 49-1293 |
| Back to El Calafate |
© 2003-2008 Total or partial reproduction forbidden. Derechos de Autor 675246 Ley 11723