Why We Love Estancia Cristina

Patagonia: Remote, rugged, majestic, and wild, this vast region of southern Chile and Argentina makes many adventure travelers’ bucket list for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and remote and romantic estancias brimming with historical charm.

Of all of the places we have stayed in our Patagonian travels, Argentina’s Estancia Cristina stands out as one of our favorite accommodations, offering visitors exclusivity, eye-popping landscapes, and the chance to unplug and unwind while enjoying an authentic taste of this refreshingly quiet corner of the world.

Read on to learn why we love Estancia Cristina!

It’s not the destination, but the journey! Getting to Estancia Cristina is half the adventure. Situated within the boundaries of Los Glaciares National Park, the journey begins with a two to three-hour catamaran ride across the iceberg-studded waters of Lago Argentina, surrounded by towering glaciated mountains and the ever-changing Patagonian sky. Once you reach the 54,000-acre estancia, located on the northern shore of the lake, you will find yourself surrounded by wild and pristine mountains, sprawling glaciers, and meandering rivers that offer endless opportunities for exploration amidst picture-perfect landscapes.

The exclusivity of Estancia Cristina offers a welcome respite from the crowds that can descend upon Patagonia’s famed mountains, particularly during the busy summer months of January and February. With only 20 guest rooms situated on a massive private inholding that takes hours to get to, you will not be slaloming hordes of day-hikers and dodging Instagrammers in coordinated outfits as you soak up the sublime Patagonian landscapes around you.

You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the excursions at Estancia Cristina, and there is a good range of activities on offer that cater to a variety of interests and activity levels, guided by personable and professional guides. The half-day fossil canyon hike is one of the most interesting, memorable, and accessible hikes we have ever done. After a scenic 4 x 4 ride to a panoramic viewpoint of the Upsala Glacier, you descend through a canyon punctuated by a fascinating array of marine fossils cemented into colorful layers of rock. Avid anglers will delight in getting to fish the Rio Caterina’s mighty King salmon run from January to mid-March, and guests of any experience level will feel their worries melt away as they explore the estancia’s diverse landscapes on horseback, with real-deal gauchos leading the way.

One thing we appreciate about Estancia Cristina is that it helps visitors connect to Patagonia on a deeper level by offering a compelling window into the past, making you realize there is so much more to this place than just beautiful landscapes. Founded over a century ago by an English family who braved this remote wilderness, the estancia has preserved its rich history through original buildings, family heirlooms, and a small onsite museum. Guests can explore the heritage of early European settlers in Patagonia, learn about their connection to the land, and gain insight into the gaucho culture that still shapes life in this rugged, windswept corner of the world.

One of the best parts of staying at Estancia Cristina is returning to the lodge after a full day of exploration to enjoy incredible food surrounded by authentic Patagonian charm. The lodging and dining at the estancia strike a perfect balance between rustic elegance and refined comfort. Guest rooms are spread across cozy, cabin-style houses with large picture windows that frame the surrounding mountains and steppe, encouraging you to put down your phone and take in the views. Meals are thoughtfully prepared using local ingredients, some of which are grown on the on-site organic farm, with a focus on hearty local flavors like lamb, trout, and fresh-baked bread. After a day of exploring, gathering around the table with fellow travelers and a glass of wine feels both comforting and well-earned.

The peak season for visiting Patagonia is October to April. Even though Estancia Cristina is remote and exclusive, we still advise guests to avoid visiting in the peak season of January and February, when other parts of your Patagonia journey may feel crowded (and especially windy).

Pro Tip: While it’s possible to do a full-day trip to Estancia Cristina, don’t short-change yourself! Estancia Cristina is a true Patagonian gem, so allow at least three nights to fully immerse yourself in the experiences and connect with this special place.

When you are ready to experience the magic of Estancia Cristina on a fully customized Patagonian adventure, reach out to someone who has been there! We would love to help you craft the Patagonia exploration of your dreams.

Your Wild Adventure Aficionado,

Alexis Alloway