Nestled in the heart of Patagonia, the Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of El Calafate. This immersive 10-hour excursion takes visitors on a journey through the region’s pristine wilderness, where they’ll witness the grandeur of the Upsala Glacier, hike amidst stunning flora and fauna, and enjoy a scenic boat ride on the serene Lake Argentino. With professional bilingual guides, personalized attention, and seamless transportation, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience. But the true wonder lies in what awaits beyond the typical tourist attractions, leaving travelers eager to uncover the hidden gems that make this corner of the world truly exceptional.
Key Points
- A 10-hour excursion through Patagonia, providing an immersive experience with a boat ride, guided hike, and exploration of the Estancia Cristina estate.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a live guide with commentary in Spanish and English, and gratuities for a hassle-free adventure.
- Highlights include sailing among icebergs on Lake Argentino, witnessing the Upsala Glacier, and hiking through a semi-arid ecotone to observe native flora.
- The tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, and is non-refundable but allows for rescheduling.
- Past customers have praised the tour’s stunning landscapes, safety, and overall service, rating it 5/5 stars with good value for money.
Activity Overview
The Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure is a 10-hour excursion that takes visitors on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Priced from $354.17 per person, the tour includes a live guide who provides commentary in both Spanish and English.
While the activity is non-refundable, it promises an immersive experience, with a boat ride navigating icebergs on Lake Argentino and a guided hike through the semi-arid ecotone.
The tour caters to a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. With an overall rating of 5/5, the Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure is a must-do for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of the region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in El Calafate.
Itinerary Details
Departing at 7 am, the tour begins with hotel pickups in El Calafate, transporting guests approximately 30 miles (45 km) to Punta Bandera port.
Around 8:15 am, guests board a modern boat to navigate icebergs in Lake Argentino.
Upon arrival at Estancia Cristina around 11:30 am, travelers embark on a guided hike to the Caterina River and Chapel, ending at the Los Perros River Waterfall.
The return journey involves a boat trip back to Punta Bandera port, with hotel drop-off around 8 pm, completing this 10-hour adventure.
Highlights
Among the highlights of the Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure is the opportunity to sail among icebergs with breathtaking views of the Upsala Glacier.
The guided walk through the semi-arid ecotone allows visitors to observe the native flora. Scenic vistas of Lake Argentino, Lake Pearson, and the Andes Mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
At the waterfall, guests can admire the diverse plant life, including orchids. This full-day excursion offers an immersive experience in the region’s natural wonders, from the imposing glacial formations to the delicate ecosystems.
With professional guides leading the way, travelers can fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Patagonian landscape.
Inclusions
The Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure includes a professional guide to lead the expedition. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for select hotels, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Gratuities are also included, allowing guests to fully enjoy the journey without worrying about additional expenses. The tour is limited to a maximum of 40 travelers, guaranteeing a more intimate and personalized experience.
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional Guide | Leads the expedition |
| Hotel Pickup/Drop-off | Selected hotels only |
| Gratuities | Included |
| Group Size | Maximum of 40 travelers |
The inclusions of the Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure create a well-organized and seamless experience, allowing guests to focus on the natural wonders and stunning landscapes of the region.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCancellation Policy
The cancellation policy for the Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure is non-refundable. This means that once you book your tour, your payment isn’t eligible for a refund, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
However, there are a few important things to note:
- Rescheduling is allowed, but subject to availability and may incur additional fees.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended in case of unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from attending.
- The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to weather or other safety concerns, in which case a full refund will be provided.
Adherence to this cancellation policy ensures the tour operator can effectively manage their operations and provide a high-quality experience for all participants.
Travel Details
The Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure begins with hotel pickups around 7 am in El Calafate. From there, it’s an approximately 30-mile (45 km) journey to the Punta Bandera port. Once at the port, travelers will board a modern boat and depart around 8:15 am to navigate the icebergs of Lake Argentino. After about 3 hours, the group will arrive at Estancia Cristina around 11:30 am.
| Travel Segment | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| El Calafate to Punta Bandera | 30 miles (45 km) | – |
| Boat Ride | – | 3 hours |
| Punta Bandera to Estancia Cristina | – | – |
The return trip follows the same route, with hotel drop-off around 8 pm.
Estancia Arrival
Upon arrival at Estancia Cristina, guests typically disembark the boat and are greeted by the welcoming staff.
From here, the adventure continues with:
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A guided hike to the Caterina River and Chapel, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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The opportunity to witness the impressive Los Perros River Waterfall, which cascades down amidst the diverse local flora.
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Exploration of the semi-arid ecotone, providing a chance to observe the region’s native plant life, including delicate orchids.
The Estancia Cristina experience immerses visitors in the natural beauty and tranquility of this remote corner of Patagonia.
Customer Ratings
According to the overview, the Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure boasts an impressive overall rating of 5/5 stars from past customers.
Reviewers highlight the tour’s excellent value for money, scoring it 4/5. Safety and service were both rated a perfect 5/5, indicating a well-organized and secure experience.
Customers rave about the adventure’s stunning landscapes, including the beautiful icebergs and impressive Andes mountain views.
The tour’s organization also received high praise, with travelers noting a seamless experience from hotel pickup to drop-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Wildlife Can Be Seen During the Excursion?
Participants may spot diverse plant life, including native orchids, at the waterfall. However, the tour focuses mainly on the stunning glacial landscapes, such as the icebergs and Upsala Glacier, rather than showcasing abundant wildlife sightings.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The standard package is a 10-hour excursion, including hotel pickup, boat ride, guided hike, and return transportation back to the hotel.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Boat?
Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and beverages on the boat. However, it’s worth noting that snacks and drinks are also available for purchase during the trip. This provides travelers with additional convenience and flexibility during the Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. The itinerary includes a stop at Estancia Cristina, where participants can use the restrooms. Plus, the boat ride to and from the estancia likely has restrooms onboard for guests’ convenience.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement to Book This Tour?
There doesn’t appear to be a minimum group size requirement to book this tour. The maximum group size is 40 travelers, but the tour can accommodate any number of participants as long as there are enough to meet the minimum requirement.
Recap
The Estancia Cristina Discovery Adventure offers a captivating 10-hour journey through Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes. With a scenic boat ride, guided hikes, and views of the Upsala Glacier, this personalized experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s natural wonders. Catering to a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour’s professional bilingual guides and seamless logistics ensure a memorable and immersive adventure.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in El Calafate
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