El Calafate: Fossil Canyon Trekking at Estancia Cristina

For those seeking a truly remarkable adventure in the heart of Patagonia, the Fossil Canyon Trekking tour at Estancia Cristina in El Calafate is an unparalleled experience. This comprehensive 10-hour excursion blends scenic boat rides across the majestic Lago Argentino with exhilarating 4×4 exploration, leading participants to the breathtaking Fossil Canyon where ancient marine fossils await discovery. Crafted with the nature enthusiast in mind, this tour promises stunning vistas of the Upsala Glacier and an opportunity to explore the region’s captivating geological history with the guidance of experienced professionals. What secrets might the canyon hold, just waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• Estancia Cristina offers a 10-hour tour to explore Fossil Canyon, including a 4×4 journey, trekking, and viewing of marine fossils.
• The tour features breathtaking landscapes, such as glacier-covered terrain, the Upsala Glacier, and the Estancia Cristina ranch.
• The tour includes roundtrip transfers, a guided exploration, food, and beverages, as well as the national park entrance fee.
• Participants must be fit and bring appropriate clothing, with a non-refundable cancellation policy in place.
• The tour can be booked online or through local travel agents, with a starting price of $425.00 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The El Calafate: Fossil Canyon Trekking activity is offered at Estancia Cristina, with prices starting from $425.00 per person.

This 10-hour tour is available in both Spanish and English. Participants should note the non-refundable cancellation policy.

The experience highlights include exploring hidden mountain roads by 4×4, visiting the Hielos Continentales Shelter, trekking through stunning landscapes, and seeing fossil remains in Fossil Canyon.

The itinerary involves a boat journey, 4×4 exploration, a trek to Upsala Point of View, and a hike to Fossil Canyon before returning.

The tour includes transfers, a professional guide, food, beverages, and park fees, but participants must bring their own lunch and appropriate clothing.

Experience Highlights

Exploring hidden mountain roads by 4×4 on the Estancia Cristina Trekking Cańadón de Fósiles Tour is a highlight of this experience.

Visitors will:

• Visit Hielos Continentales Shelter and trek through stunning landscapes
• Drive by 4WD vehicle across terrain covered by glaciers
• See fossil remains of Fossil Canyon, a highlight of the tour
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Upsala Glacier
• Explore the former sheep ranch of Estancia Cristina.

This immersive expedition showcases Patagonia’s natural wonders, from rugged mountain roads to ancient fossil formations, providing an unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary Details

The full-day excursion begins with pickup from centrally located hotels and a transfer to Punta Bandera Port, where participants embark on a boat journey to Estancia Cristina ranch. Upon arrival, the group explores the Cordón Feruglio mountain road for 9.5 km by 4×4 vehicle. After a 20-minute walk to Upsala Point of View, they trek to Fossil Canyon to see marine fossils exposed by glacial action. The tour then returns to the Cristina Ranch Valley, where participants board the boat back to Punta Bandera Port and transfer to their hotels.

Itinerary Details
Boat journey	To Estancia Cristina
4×4 exploration	Cordón Feruglio mountain road (9.5 km)
Walk	20 minutes to Upsala Point of View
Trek	To Fossil Canyon
Return	Cristina Ranch Valley, boat to Punta Bandera Port

Inclusions

This excursion includes a range of essential elements to enhance the overall experience.

The package includes roundtrip transfers between centrally located hotels and the Punta Bandera Port, as well as the boat journey to the Estancia Cristina ranch. A professional guide leads the exploration, ensuring visitors gain valuable insights throughout the day.

Plus, all food and beverages are provided, along with the required national park entrance fee. The tour also covers any necessary gratuities, making it a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Key inclusions:

• Transfers to/from Punta Bandera and hotels
• Guided by a professional
• Food and beverages
• National park entrance fee
• Gratuities

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Important Information

Participants must be fit and wear appropriate clothing, as no refunds will be provided if they’re unable to complete the trek.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card, as well as comfortable walking shoes. Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour. Lunch should be packed in a lunch box, as it will be enjoyed during the trek.

While the tour departs from centrally located hotels, those staying elsewhere will have a designated meeting point assigned. The pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours in advance but may vary due to traffic and other factors.

Booking and Cancellation

Bookings for the El Calafate: Fossil Canyon Trekking tour can be made online or through a local travel agent. The tour is priced at $425.00 per person and has a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Guests should be aware of the following:

• Bookings must be made in advance, as availability is limited.
• Payment is required at the time of booking to secure the reservation.
• Participants must be fit and wear appropriate clothing, as no refunds will be given if unable to complete the trek.
• Pickup is only from centrally located hotels, with meeting points assigned for other locations.
• Confirmation of pickup time will be provided 24 hours prior to the tour, as it may vary due to traffic and other factors.

What to Expect

The El Calafate: Fossil Canyon Trekking tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the hidden mountain roads and stunning natural landscapes of Patagonia. Guests will embark on a thrilling 4×4 journey, traversing the Cordón Feruglio mountain road and marveling at the panoramic views of the Upsala Glacier. The highlight of the tour is the trek through Fossil Canyon, where visitors can witness the marine fossils exposed by glacial action. Along the way, they’ll stop at the Hielos Continentales Shelter and enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lago Guillermo and the South Patagonian Ice. The tour also includes a visit to the former sheep ranch of Estancia Cristina, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

What to Expect
4×4 Mountain Drive	Fossil Canyon Trek	Upsala Glacier Views	Estancia Cristina Visit	Panoramic Landscapes

Getting There

The tour begins with a pickup from centrally located hotels in El Calafate, followed by a transfer to the Punta Bandera Port.

From there, participants embark on a boat journey to the Estancia Cristina ranch. The journey to the ranch includes:

• Crossing the Lago Argentino
• Enjoying panoramic views of the stunning Patagonian landscape
• Arriving at the remote Estancia Cristina, a former sheep ranch
• Boarding a 4×4 vehicle for an exploration of the Cordón Feruglio mountain road
• Trekking to the Fossil Canyon to see the marine fossils exposed by glacial action

Once at the ranch, the day’s activities begin, allowing participants to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and unique geological features of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Group of Friends?

Yes, you can book the tour for a group of friends. The activity allows for group bookings, and the price is quoted per person, making it easy to accommodate a group of any size.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?

The activity does not specify a minimum or maximum group size. Travelers can book the tour for any size group, though larger groups may require additional transportation or coordination. It’s best to check with the activity provider about group size policies.

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

While the itinerary is pre-set, the tour operator may be able to accommodate minor modifications to suit individual preferences. However, major changes to the core itinerary are unlikely to be permitted.

What Kind of Equipment Is Provided During the Trek?

The tour provides trekking poles, hiking boots, and weatherproof jackets for the hike through the Fossil Canyon. Participants should still bring comfortable clothing, water, and snacks to have during the trek.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions, but participants must be physically fit. Those with health conditions that could affect their ability to trek are not recommended to participate, as no refunds are provided if unable to complete the trek.

Recap

The Fossil Canyon Trekking at Estancia Cristina is an unforgettable adventure that combines a scenic boat journey, exhilarating 4×4 exploration, and a trek through breathtaking landscapes. Participants can marvel at ancient marine fossils while enjoying stunning views of the Upsala Glacier, all with the guidance of professional guides. This experience is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure in the heart of Patagonia.

You can check if your dates are available here: