Estancia Cristina

A historic ranch offering a window into Patagonian farming life while providing access to remote glaciers and wilderness. Visitors can experience authentic estancia traditions combined with adventure activities like hiking and glacier tours.

Things to do

• Upsala Glacier Trek — Hike to the face of one of Patagonia's largest glaciers, accessible by boat across Lago Argentino from the estancia.
• Horseback Riding Through Patagonian Steppe — Ride across the ranch's sprawling grasslands and valleys on traditional gaucho routes used for over a century.
• Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour — Navigate Lago Argentino by boat to witness calving icebergs and mountain vistas while learning about glacial geology.
• Historic Estancia House Tour — Tour the original early-20th century ranch buildings to understand the architectural style and daily life of Patagonian settlers.
• Peak El Cuadrado Hike — Climb to this viewpoint above the estancia for panoramic views of the Andes, glaciers, and the Patagonian landscape.
• Laguna Torre Excursion — Day trip to this turquoise glacial lake nestled beneath dramatic granite peaks in the remote western wilderness.

Food to try

• Patagonian Lamb Asado — Slow-roasted lamb prepared over an open fire using traditional gaucho techniques, a staple of estancia dining.
• Centolla (King Crab) — Fresh southern king crab sourced from nearby Atlantic waters, typically served grilled with butter and lemon.
• Empanadas Tucumanas — Baked pastries filled with local beef, onions, and spices, reflecting Argentina's northwestern regional influence.
• Cordero a la Cazadora — Stewed lamb with wild mushrooms and herbs foraged from the Patagonian highlands.
• Dulce de Leche with Fresh Bread — Sweetened milk caramel spread thickly on artisan bread, a beloved Argentine afternoon treat.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Gaucho Traditions — Dress in layers and wear sturdy boots when participating in ranch activities; gauchos value practical, weather-appropriate attire.
• Embrace Asado Meal Rituals — Meals at the estancia are communal events; expect multi-hour dinners where sharing food and conversation with staff and other guests is central to the experience.
• Limited Connectivity — The remote location offers minimal cell service and internet; plan accordingly and embrace the digital detox as part of the authentic Patagonian retreat.
• Spanish Basics Help — While some English may be spoken, learning basic Spanish phrases ensures better communication with ranch staff and a more immersive cultural experience.

Nearby

• Upsala Glacier — 9 km
• Los Glaciares National Park — 15 km
• Laguna de los Tres — 18 km
• Perito Moreno Glacier (Neuquén) — 21 km