Estancia Cristina
Remote pioneer estancia turned adventure lodge. Think worn leather and raw wood, not marble and chandeliers. Guests who come here want to hike to glaciers, ride horses through Andean valleys, and fall asleep to wind. It's not for people who want a pool or room service at midnight — electricity shuts off at 23:30.
Request a room in Casa Río or Casa Bosque for the quietest settings
Why It Matters
The only property in the world with a land-based lookout point over Glaciar Upsala, one of South America's largest glaciers. Fully all-inclusive (minus premium wine and Wi-Fi), boat-only access, operating inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and listed in the Michelin Guide 2025.
Estancia Cristina sits inside Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, accessible only by a 2-to-3-hour boat ride across Lago Argentino from Puerto Punta Bandera, 45km outside El Calafate. Founded in 1914 by the English Masters family and named after their daughter who died at age 20, it's now a 20-room all-inclusive wilderness lodge. The architecture is deliberately restrained — warm woods, simple fabrics, bow windows — because the mountains, glaciers, and sheer silence do all the talking.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Casa Bosque (Forest Casa) — Private Suite
From USD870 / nightSuite inside Casa Bosque, set among native southern beech forest on the estancia grounds. The bow windows frame forest and glacier views in equal measure.
30 sqmCasa Estepa (Steppe Casa) — Private Suite
From USD870 / nightSuite inside Casa Estepa, overlooking the Patagonian steppe. Same 30 m² footprint as all five casas, with bow windows, warm fabrics, and a shared living room inside the casa.
30 sqmCasa Familia (Family Casa) — Private Suite
From USD850 / nightSuite inside Casa Familia, the fifth and final casa. Designed to accommodate families or groups; the entire casa of four rooms can be booked as a block on request.
30 sqmCasa Montaña (Mountain Casa) — Private Suite
From USD870 / nightOne of four suites inside Casa Montaña, one of five casas surrounding the main Octógono lodge. Each suite is 30 m² with warm wooden floors, thick duvets, and a signature bow window angled directly toward the mountains. A shared cozy living room sits inside the casa for pre- or post-expedition unwinding.
30 sqmCasa Río (River Casa) — Private Suite
From USD870 / nightSuite inside Casa Río, positioned near the river with views over the Río Caterina valley. Same 30 m² layout and bow window design as the other casas.
30 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Combines the Upsala lookout by 4x4 with a 12km hike through the Fossil Canyon. 5.5 hours total. Terrain altitude 550 MASL, 370m gain by 4x4. Minimum age 12. Guests consistently rate this the standout excursion.
The flagship expedition. A 4x4 ride reaches the high terrain, then a hike of 20km brings you to the only land-based lookout over Glaciar Upsala. Terrain altitude: 550 MASL, 370m altitude gain. Four hours total. Included in all stay programs.
5.5km, 100m elevation gain, 4 hours round trip to a glacial meltwater waterfall and views over Laguna Pearson. Available as a trek or horseback ride.
A 20km, 4-hour round trip to the lagoon where the Masters family first farmed trout. Available as a hike or horseback ride. Flat terrain, suitable for beginners. Great for birdwatching — royal geese, black-necked swans, spectacled ducks.
A 20km, 5-hour round trip deep into Río Caterina valley to an historic mountain refugio on the shore of Lago Pearson. Available on foot or horseback. Cerro Norte and Cerro Moyano dominate the skyline.
A 10km hike to 650 MASL with 470m elevation gain. Five hours round trip. Steep and rewarding, with panoramic Andean views.
The most ambitious hike in the program. 15km, 1100m elevation gain, reaching 1247 MASL. Six hours round trip. Views of the Cordillera de los Andes and glaciers descending into the hidden Lago Tanhauser.
The most demanding trek on the menu. 21km covering 600m of altitude gain, reaching 760 MASL for views over the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Six hours round trip.
A network of self-guided walking trails across the estancia grounds and surrounding terrain. Guests can wander at their own pace between guided expeditions. Terrain altitude up to 470 MASL.
Fly fishing on the Río Caterina and surrounding lagoons. The Masters family farmed trout in these waters; the tradition continues for guests. Available as a guided expedition. Specific pricing on request.
A guided tour of the on-site museum documenting the Masters family's pioneering life from their arrival in Patagonia in 1900 through the founding of the estancia in 1914. The historic boat 'Cristina,' built by Herbert Masters over 10 years, is beached on the lake shore near the estancia and is part of the tour.
The most demanding horseback route. 15km, 6 hours round trip, climbing 1100m through native ñire and lenga forests to panoramic views of the ice field and Glaciar Upsala. Helmets provided. Minimum age 6, weight limit 95kg.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-site stabling facility for the estancia's horses. Starting point for all horseback riding expeditions. Helmets provided.
The octagonal central building serves as the restaurant, bar, and sitting room. 360-degree views of Cerro Norte and the surrounding glacier valley. This is where guests gather before and after expeditions.
Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the lodge. No cellular signal at the estancia. Rooms do not have Wi-Fi — it's listed as not included in the stay rate. Guests report satellite Wi-Fi in common areas does work.
Breakfast, lunch (or packed lunch box for expeditions), and dinner are all included in the stay rate. Non-alcoholic beverages and a house selection of wines, beer, and drinks are included with meals.
Laundry service available at an additional cost — not included in the stay rate.
The estancia runs on solar-powered energy. Electricity is turned off after 23:30 every night. Bring a headlamp.
On-site vegetable garden supplying the kitchen with produce. The estancia practices farm-to-fork principles, and packed expedition lunches are provided in reusable bags.
Shared land transfers from El Calafate hotels to Puerto Punta Bandera and boat transfers across Lago Argentino are included in the stay rate. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares access fee also included.
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