DIRECTIONS
HOW DO I GET TO ESTANCIA CRISTINA?
The only way to reach Estancia Cristina is by boat, sailing across the north side of Lago Argentino. Our ships depart from and return to Puerto Punta Bandera daily from October to April each year.
HOW DO I GET TO PUERTO PUNTA BANDERA?
From El Calafate city-center, head west on National Route 11 for 47.5km, then turn right following the signs to Puerto Punta Bandera, our dock is the first one.
ARE OVERLAND TRANSFERS INCLUDED?
Round-trip overland transfers to El Calafate are included. This service is confirmed at the time of booking.
CAN I VISIT PERITO MORENO GLACIER FROM ESTANCIA CRISTINA?
It is not possible to access Glaciar Perito Moreno from Estancia Cristina. To visit this glacier, we suggest you spend an extra night at El Calafate.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
It is best to dress in layers to manage the changing temperatures of Patagonia. We suggest wearing comfortable clothing, a fleece coat, and a final windbreaker layer, preferably waterproof.
sunglasses, sunblock for skin and lips, gloves, a hat, and a buff or scarf. It is essential to wear shoes with grip soles, boots, or trekking shoes.
We recommend each guest carry among their belongings all the medicines they usually take; you should consider that Estancia Cristina is isolated, and boats sail only during the day.
WEATHER AND SEASONS
CAN I VISIT ESTANCIA CRISTINA ALL YEAR ROUND?
Estancia Cristina operates per season, running daily from October 1st to April 30th, even on special holidays like Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
WHAT IS THE PATAGONIAN CLIMATE LIKE?
The climate in Southern Patagonia can be described as dynamic, characterized by its intensity, unpredictability, and strong winds. It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES AND DAYLIGHT HOURS:
Fall: Min. 3° – Max. 13° / Sunrise at 7:50 am and sunset at 8 pm.
Winter: Min. -3° – Max. 5° / Sunrise 9:50 am and sunrise 5:50 pm
Spring: Min. 5° – Max. 15° / Sunrise 7:40 am and sunrise 7:45 pm
Summer: Min. 9° – Max. 19° / Sunrise 5:30 am and sunrise 10 pm
STAYS
HOW CAN I PAY MY EXPENSES AT THE ESTANCIA?
We take cash, credit cards, PayPal and MercadoPago.
IS THERE A WI-FI CONNECTION?
Satellite Wi-Fi service is available.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE AND TYPE OF PLUGS?
The voltage in Argentina is 220W and plug type I.
IS ESTANCIA CRISTINA A GOOD PLACE FOR CHILDREN AND SENIORS?
Yes it is. There is no age restriction for those staying at the lodge, and we plan activities for everyone. Estancia Cristina’s valley is an incredible place for those who want to contemplate, relax and there is no need to go out to explore.
WHAT EXPEDITIONS DOES THE STAY RATE INCLUDE?
Our program includes trekking, horseback riding and 4×4 expeditions, which are exclusive to guests. It is not necessary to book them in advance, you can coordinate them on-site with the staff.
Fishing special programs are available, please email [email protected]HOW DO THE EXPEDITIONS WORK?
Expeditions are organized in small groups based on guests’ preferences. There is no minimum quorum for them to operate. There is no limit on the stay, just time and weather conditions will tell.
ARE THE EXPEDITIONS CANCELED DUE TO RAIN?
The expeditions will not be canceled due to rain. When you stay in the valley, we have time to design your activity program adapted to weather conditions and your wishes.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES THE ESTANCIA PROVIDE?
We provide safety and complementary equipment necessary for the activities, you are welcome to bring your own personal equipment.
For the horseback rides: we provide helmets, gaiters and saddlebags.
For the trekking: trekking poles and gaiters.
Water bottle: we deliver a reusable bottle at the beginning of the stay for each guest’s personal use. In this way we reduce the use of disposable plastics.
SAFETY
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY AND FIRST AID MEASURES?
Estancia Cristina has a DA Defibrillator.
Trained staff with a CPR course.
Emergency first aid kit.ABOUT MEDICINES
We recommend each guest to carry among their belongings all the medicines they usually take; you should consider that Estancia Cristina is isolated, and boats sail only during the day.
IS THERE A SAFETY BOX IN THE ROOMS?
Yes, there is.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POWER SUPPLY
Our electricity is generated by a system that operates from 7 AM to 11 PM. Additionally, each room is equipped with a supplemental lighting system powered by solar energy (12v) for use during the night.
VISITS
HOW LONG IS A DAY'S VISIT TO ESTANCIA CRISTINA?
The excursion lasts 10 hours in total, 6 hours at the Estancia plus 4 hours of navigation, considering the round trip. Additionally, we must include the time of land transfers to Puerto Punta Bandera, which can be 1 hour each way.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
It is best to dress in layers to cope with sudden temperature changes and acclimatize when necessary. We suggest wearing comfortable clothing, a fleece coat, and a final windbreaker layer, preferably waterproof.
Wear sunglasses, sunblock for skin and lips, gloves, hat, and scarf. It is essential to wear shoes with grip soles, boots, or trekking shoes.IS IT POSSIBLE TO PARK MY CAR AT THE PORT?
Yes, the port has an open-air parking lot.
CAN THE EXPEDITIONS BE CANCELED DUE TO RAIN?
The Cañadón de Los Fósiles Trekking is the only activity that weather conditions can stop. The Classic, Discovery, or Horseback riding expeditions operate even when it rains.
IS THE PARK ENTRANCE TICKET MANDATORY?
Yes, the park entrance fee is mandatory. You can purchase it online at the National Parks Administration website or request it at the expedition booking.
WHAT FOOD AND BEVERAGE DOES ESTANCIA CRISTINA OFFER?
On the navigation, we offer complimentary coffee and croissants.
At Estancia Cristina’s Quincho we offer cafeteria service, which consists of cold drinks, sweet cakes, and the soup of the day, at an additional fee.
You can add lunch and a snack to your visit when booking or on the boat.
We accept cash and credit cards as forms of payment.IS THERE CELL PHONE SIGNAL OR WI-FI AT ESTANCIA CRISTINA?
Given the remote location, there is no cell phone signal at Estancia Cristina, but we do provide Wi-Fi service.