Excursions from Estancia Cristina

You'll adventure in a 4×4 vehicle, travelling along wild trails through the native forests of the Feruglio mountain range for around 10km, traversing the northern reaches of Lago Argentino. You then continue on foot for 20 minutes to reach the only land-based lookout point for Glacier Upsala. Expect incredible views of its confluent glaciers, Lago Guillermo, and the Southern Ice Field.

If you love trekking, we suggest combining this expedition with the Fossil Canyon Hike.

Duration: 4hrs round trip | Elevation gain: 370m | Easy

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On this excursion, you'll ascend the natural trails of the Feruglio mountain range by 4x4 until you reach the Upsala Glacier's former limits.

From here, you can contemplate how glaciers shape the landscape on their journey. In this case, the glacier has exposed countless marine fossils along the deep-red Fossil Canyon through which you can hike.

Duration: 5-6hrs round trip | Length: 12km | Elevation gain: 370m in 4x4 vehicle | Moderate

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You will cross Río Caterina and head northwest, ascending the Feruglio mountain range. Once you leave the native forest behind, begin a challenging hike to reach the breathtaking views of Glaciar Upsala and Lago Guillermo. Another favourite on this excursion is the massive Cordillera de Los Andes, featuring Betrand, Cono and Murallón peaks.

Your return will be along a different trail to offer a new perspective. 

Duration: 6hrs round trip | Hiking distance: 17km | Elevation gain: 600m | Hard

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On this hike, you'll follow the path used by the Masters family for cattle raising and take in the beauty of Lake Argentino as you ascend gradually to appreciate the Cristina Fjord, the main lodge of the Estancia and a fantastic view of the entire valley. Once you cross the forest and meltwater waterfalls, you'll reach Cerro Carnero and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the valley and the stunning Cordillera de Los Andes and glaciers. 

Your return will be along a different path, bordering the Cristina Fjord, finally leading you back to the Estancia.

Duration: 5hrs round trip | Length: 10km | Elevation gain: 470m

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For those who want to reach the "balcony" of the Estancia with a bit more speed and traditional Patagonian flair, this ride offers the most expansive views of the valley. This is a more technical ride than the valley floor trots; you’ll follow the footsteps of the pioneer Masters family, ascending through ancient forests to a point where the Southern Patagonian Ice Field reveals itself in total silence.

Duration: 6hrs round trip | Length: 15km | Elevation gain: 770m

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Head northwest through woods filled with ñires and lengas to observe the native vegetation of the Patagonian steppe. At your first stop, you'll see the valley extending all the way from Lake Argentino to Lake Pearson. You'll then continue ascending until you reach the Los Perros waterfall and, finally, the Mirador Cristina from where you'll have a stunning view of the mountains, the Campo de Hielo Patagónico Sur, and the Upsala Glacier.

Continuing on, a pleasant slope towards the east will lead you to Lake Tanhausser. Upon reaching the Andean meadow over Cerro Cuchillo’s slopes, you'll have a great panoramic lookout of the River Caterina valley and the mountains. As a final reward for your efforts, and after surpassing a rock edge that glaciers couldn’t erode, you'll see Lake Tanhausser and the glaciers descending from the hills of Cerro Pintado, Sombrero, and Masters into the lake.

Duration: 6hrs round trip | Length: 15km | Elevation gain: 770m

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You'll leave Estancia Cristina’s main lodge behind and head into the River Caterina valley. Along the way you'll be able to see a wide variety of native flora and fauna.

This is an ideal hike for bird and photography lovers.

Duration: 4hrs round trip | Length: 20km| Elevation gain: 40m

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This excursion takes you northeast from Estancia Cristina’s main lodge on an uphill hike among woods filled with ñires and lengas.

At the first lookout point you will be able to see Lake Argentino and Lake Pearson. From here you'll continue hiking until you reach the Los Perros waterfall.

Duration: 4hrs round trip | Length: 5.5km | Elevation gain: 100m

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On this excursion, you'll head north to enter the deepest area of the River Caterina valley. It's an untouched glacial landscape dotted with lagoons and mountains. Cerro Norte will be in view as you make your way to Lago Pearson, where you'll find a shelter strategically located on its shores, blending with the native vegetation.

Duration: 4hrs round trip | Length: 20km | Elevation gain: 20m

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You can, of course, take a number of short hikes from your Estancia Cristina base.

One we'd recommend is the noria (waterwheel) on the river. It's possible to enjoy this hike on foot or by bike, completely at your own pace, giving you time to soak up the landscape and landmarks in this wild region.

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Step back in time at their historic museum, housed inside the estancia's original sheep-shearing shed, where the incredible story of the Masters family comes to life. The crown jewel of the exhibition tells the story of the Cristinita, the vessel the family built entirely by hand in the 1950s using a copy of Popular Mechanics magazine as their guide. You can view the original blueprints, tools, and the imported Detroit diesel engine that took four years to arrive in this remote corner of Patagonia, before heading down to the beach to see the hull of the Cristinita herself resting on the shore, a true testament to the pioneering spirit of the place.

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