AUTHENTIC PATAGONIA
Description
Operational note: Day 3 Estancia Cristina's season is from October 15th to April 15th. Day 6: The return from the estancia is at 2.30 PM arriving at Puerto Banderas at 4.30PM, so a later departure flight at 8PM is required. In case of a later return, an extra night in El Calafate is required. To keep in mind: The observation of the Upsala Glacier is done at a distance of 14 km, therefore it is subject to visibility. Day 1 El Calafate. Arrival and reception at the airport. If you have time, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Glaciarium, a museum dedicated to glaciology, or to do some activity that allows you to get to know the steppe by enjoying lunch or dinner. Day 2 El Calafate. B L Today we explore part of Los Glaciares National Park, declared a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. We leave from the hotel by the Route of the Patagonian Estancias, until we reach Nibepo Aike, where we enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we sail Lake Argentino and we disembark in Playa de las Monedas to make a walk until the viewpoint of the glacier. We continue to Bajo Las Sombras, from where we transfer to the footbridges and we have the chance to admire the glacier from a different point of view, at a moment of the day when the silence and the detachments make this spectacle even better. Day 3 El Calafate / Estancia Cristina. B L D Departure to Puerto Banderas where we embark to sail Argentino Lake and to arrive at a unique corner, Estancia Cristina. First, we sail through the Northern Arm in order to admire the Upsala Glacier and then we take Cristina Branch to finally arrive to Estancia Cristina. Founded in 1914, the Estancia still retains its essence, keeping alive the history of this pioneer family that made this place their home. After checking in, a host will explain to us about the activities we can do during our stay. Day 4 & 5 Estancia Cristina. B L D We are able to choose between the following activities offered by the lodge: Hiking/ Trekking: De Los Perros Cascade: 2,5 hours roundtrip. Low difficulty. Pesca Lagoon: 3 hours roundtrip. Low difficulty . Carnero Hill: 4,5 hours roundtrip. Medium difficulty, good physical condition is recommended. Del Hielo Viewpoint: 3,5 hours one way. Medium/high difficulty (steep slope the last 40 minutes) Upsala Viewpoint: 2,5 horas one way. Medium difficulty. Cristina Viewpoint: 6 hours roundtrip. Medium/high difficulty. Cañadón de los Fósiles: 6 hours roundtrip (one way trip in 4x4). Medium/high difficulty. Good physical condition is recommended . Horseback riding: Cristina Viewpoint: 5/7 hours roundtrip. Ride through Valley of River Caterina, ascending the western mountainside of Mesón Hill, to Puesto Los Perros. Pesca Lagoon: 2/3 hours roundtrip. Mínimum difficulty. Day 6 Estancia Cristina / El Calafate. B L In the morning, we embark to return to Punta Banderas from where we will take the transfer to the airport.
Location Map
Highlights
Exclusions
- Needed transfers;
- Accommodation: 5 nights El Calafate (2) - Estancia Cristina Lodge (3);
- Tours: El Calafate: Sur Pioneros Glacier- Boat Trip to Estancia Cristina Estancia Cristina: activities offered by the lodge
- Meals: 5 breakfasts - 5 lunches - 3 dinners;
- Needed ticket to the National Par;
Terms & Conditions for This Tour
These are the key terms that apply to tour bookings. They form part of your contract with 1860 Travels — see the full Terms & Conditions for the complete text.
Pricing, Inclusions & Exclusions
- Prices are per person unless stated otherwise, and may change at any time until your booking confirmation is issued.
- The Inclusions and Exclusions listed on this page are specific to this tour — anything not listed under Inclusions is excluded from the price.
- Prices exclude local taxes, charges, gratuities, food and beverages, and transfers unless expressly stated otherwise. Gratuities are entirely at your discretion.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Student and senior (60+) pricing requires valid ID at the time of booking and on the day of travel.
- Group tariffs may be available for parties of 10 or more — contact us for a quote.
Amendments & Cancellations
- Amendments to this booking can be made by contacting us at least 96 hours before the departure date.
- Cancellation notice must be received at least 1 week before departure, otherwise a 100% cancellation charge applies.
- Theatre tickets, dining products, and overnight tours cannot be amended or cancelled unless otherwise stated at the time of booking.
- For health or pandemic-related cancellations, options may include a travel credit voucher, rebooking on flexible dates, or a full refund, subject to the specific product's conditions.
- If you miss a coach tour through no fault of 1860 Travels, no refund will be issued; a discounted rebooking rate may be offered as a gesture of goodwill.
Refunds & Compensation
- If a venue cannot be visited during the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, a partial refund of the admission value may be issued at our discretion.
- No refund is given for non-operational air conditioning or washroom facilities on an assigned vehicle.
- Refund requests cannot be accepted more than 30 days after the tour's completion.
- Approved refunds are processed within 15–20 working days via the original payment method.
- Third-party tours where 1860 Travels acts as an agent are non-refundable and subject to the supplier's own terms.
Payment
- Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise specified.
- We accept Visa and MasterCard and charge no service fee, though your card issuer may apply its own charges.
- Customer payments are held in a dedicated client money trust account until your booking is completed or cancelled.
