Why stay at an estancia in Los Glaciares?

Off-the-beaten-track, tucked away amongst the mountains, lakes and rivers, estancias make for a tranquil, exclusive base to explore Patagonia. Here, you can find everything from luxurious rooms and gourmet food, to humble, honest, authentic places run by families who have been here for generations.

  • Get a taste of true Patagonian culture in restored buildings that still retain an essence of their gaucho past
  • Easy access to hiking, fishing, and horse-riding, with guides keen to share their passion for their surroundings
  • Escape the crowds and enjoy the views stretching out for miles

Things to consider

Estancias are remote, and while that adds to their charm, it can make them tough to reach. Be prepared for a bumpy few hours by road from the nearest airport. Hiring a car yourself gives you a little more agency as to your arrival time, although transfers are always available.

There's a lot of variation in levels of comfort, number of excursions offered, and the extent to which the estancia is still a working ranch compared to focusing on tourism. Consider what is most important for you to get out of your stay, and chose your estancia accordingly. Our specialists have spent time at each estancia and know them inside out, ask them to help pin down the right one for you.

Estancia El Condor

As close to the 'real deal' as you'll find in Los Glaciares, Estancia El Condor has managed to retain a strong sense of its working past.

It is remote, simple and authentic, surrounded by mountains from which great condors swoop and soar across the horizon. The experience here is rustic, with tasty homemade food and basic rooms, but if it's views you're after, nowhere does it better.

Estancia el condor

Estancia Helsingfors

One of the more exclusive estancias, Estancia Helsingfors is set in beautiful, and very remote, surroundings. Here, you can enjoy some of the best scenery offered by any estancia: the building perches on the edge of Lago Viedma with views of Fitzroy, glaciers and snow-capped peaks right on your doorstep.

Estancia Helsingfors offers guests more of a hotel feel, with the focus on comfort and sightseeing rather than more active excursions. There are a few hiking trails, but if you're after a beautiful setting to relax with a glass of wine and exquisite food, or a relaxed comfortable atmosphere to enjoy the silence and seclusion of Patagonia, this is the estancia for you.

estancia helsingfors mountain lake

Estancia Helsingfors

Estancia Cristina

Accessible only by a 3.5 hour boat journey, photogenic Estancia Cristina is an adventurer's paradise. It is home to 4x4 exploration, and offers a choice of horse-back and trekking tours, and fishing (permit required). With 20 rooms it is one of the larger estancias, designed with a rustic feel throughout. Rooms are homely, comfortable and stylish.

Estancia cristina evening

Estancia Nibepo Aike

Nibepo Aike has perfected the art of offering an authentic estancia experience. The walls are covered in black-and-white photos detailing the family history of this working estancia, and with sheep shearing demonstrations and horse riding available, it's one of the best places to get a taste of the gaucho lifestyle. 

Rooms are comfortable and spacious, and although the house has expanded beyond the original 1912 building, all the new additions are decorated in the same style. Relax and soak up the culture and history of this fascinating place.

estancia nibepo aike exterior

Nibepo Aike sat in the Los Glaciares National Park

Estancia La Quinta

Estancia la Quinta is a lovely place from which to base yourself for hikes into Los Glaciares National Park; just 3km outside of Chalten, you'll be able to take advantage of free transfers to and from the bus station twice a day. 

With several warm and bright communal areas with great views of the landscape, this clean and modern estancia is a great place to relax. Outside you'll see the estancia's horses and cattle and wake up to great views. 

Please enquire for more details.

Los Glaciares Estancias

Estancia La Estela

Ideal for adventurous types.  Located in a desert-valley, on the bank of la Leona river, and with views of the mountains of Los Glaciares, the setting is breathtaking.  Warm and welcoming, activities on offer here include horse riding, rafting, archery, mountain biking, fishing and, of course, trekking.

Please enquire for more details.

Los Glaciares Estancias

Estancia La Maipú

Located between the Andes mountain range and the shores of Lake San Martín, about 3hrs drive north of El Chaltén, Estancia La Maipú's private reserve of 85,000 acres and cozy six-room lodge, provides an authentic Patagonian wilderness experience.

This place is ideal for guests who enjoy both day-hikes and horse rides, as well as multi-day riding in the region.

It's the ideal location to disconnect from the rest of the world.

Please enquire for more details.

Estancia La Maipú, Patagonia, Argentina

Estancia La Maipú

Explore Los Glaciares

Laguna de Los Tres, El Chaltén, Patagonia, Argentina

Day hiking from El Chaltén

Los Glaciares National Park is home to the magnificent Fitz Roy Massif and more glaciers than any other region in Patagonia. The park is renowned for its day hiking - nowhere else …

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El Chalten Town

El Chaltén

Sat at the base of Mount Fitz Roy, El Chaltén has a rich mountaineering heritage that attracts climbers from all over the world. Hiking trails head straight out from town, …

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Hotels in Patagonia

Hotels in Patagonia

If you're looking for a base from which to explore, why not consider a lodge, estancia or luxury campsite which offers excursions? Many are based in the heart of a national park, …

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Tailor-made Holidays

Patagonia is a vast and varied region, with a wealth of things to see and do, a range of places to stay and a limited transport network.

Why not let us do the hard work for you? Our team of experts will work with you to design an adventure to your exact requirements, from hiking and horse-riding trips to wine-tasting tours and undiscovered lodges.

We’ll work around your budget and arrange flights, transfers and buses, to create your perfect trip.

More About Tailor-made

Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.

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