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ABOUT ESTANCIA CRISTINA "Day Trip" - in their own words:

The full day program starts Boarding the boat at Puerto Punta Bandera and sailing amid icebergs until reaching the west front of the Upsala Glaciar, towards Avellaneda Peninsula. Our ship will pass several important points (such as Boca del Diablo or La Olla and Cristina Arm) in order to get to the Upsala Galcier. It’s here where you can enjoy the gorgeous glacier. The program continues with the entrance to the Cristina Arm to disembarkation in the Estancia’s beach.

Once here, visitors can choose between 2 different programs: One involves a relaxed afternoon around the Estancia and another one includes a beautiful hike to a nearby mountain or a horseback ride. Upon arrival the program starts with a delicious and traditional patagonic lunch in the Estancia’s restaurant, which has been built on the base of an old wool drying spot and has a fabulous view. It continues with a visit to the main house, the chapel and the museum. We discover the lifestyle of the first settlers of the Estancia, and their relation with legendary explorers of the last century.

The routes are strolls framed by the Caterina River, the mountain chain of the Andes and the Lago Argentino in the Los Glaciares Nacional Park. Another alternative is to reach a panoramic point by hiking to the Carnero Mountain. From there we can admire the mountain chain and its glaciers. The activity includes a lunch box. Or go on a horseback ride to a different panoramic view. The service counts with professional staff and modern boats, tested in the braves waters of South Patagonia.

Quick glance - subject to change without notice:

• 7:45 AM Boarding time in Puerto Punta Bandera
• 8:00 AM Departure time - light breakfast served on board
• 10:00 AM Arrive in front of Upsala Glacier
• 11:30 AM Arrival to Estancia Cristina
• Duration of stay at Estancia Cristina is 6 hours  - activities depend on pre-selected program:
  CLASSIC PROGRAM: Guided walk up to Caterina River and Chapel and tour around the Estancia.
  DISCOVERY PROGRAM: Guided visit to Costumbrista museum (old shearing shed;
      ascent in all-terrain vehicles, traveling 9.5 km through mountainous roads to Continental ice shelter
      30 minute walk to view front of Upsala Glacier, Lake Guillermo, and Southern Patagonian ice & Andes
  TREKKING PROGRAM: Ascent in all-terrain vehicles, travelling 9.5 km through mountainous roads
      Tour through a stunning landscape that until recently was covered by glaciers & has a great geological interest
      Priveleged view f the easter front of Upsala Glacier, Lake Guillermo, Southern Patagonian ice & Andes
      Descent in search of Canadon de los Fossils, a field filled with marine fossils
          NOTE: Not for children under 7; children 7-17 must be accompanied by an adult
• Lunch is not included - bring box lunch with you from El Calafate
• 5:30 PM Departure time from the estancia
• Sailing time from Estancia Cristina to Puerto Punta Bandera: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 7:00 PM Arrival time to Punta Punta Bandera
  Note: Arrival and departure times are estimates and are subject to weather conditions and other unexpected events.

WEATHER: The weather is changeable, with substantial temperature ranges between day and night.

Summer (December to March)      Min.07 C - 44 F Max.24 C - 75 F

Spring (September to December) Min.05 C - 41 F Max.15 C - 59 F

Fall (March to May)      Min.05 C - 41 F Max.12 C - 54 F

Winter (May to September)      Min. - 05 C - 25 F Max.05 C - 41

What type of clothes should I take?

• Gloves
• Scarf
• Waterproof jacket
• Rubber sole shoes (for trekking) or sneakers
• Sunglasses
• Sun-block lotion (facial and lips)
• Advice: in Patagonia, it is advisable to wear clothes in layers so that you can take them off according to the temperature