Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Cruise from El Calafate

Exceptional boat, exceptional staff, organization, punctuality, cleanliness.

Fernando

See the Upsala Glacier up close on this boat ride around the Los Glaciares National Park. You can also hike through the Patagonian forests, get in touch with life at Estancia Cristina and even go for a jeep ride!

Details

Duration

12 hours 30 minutes.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.

Included

Hotel pickup and drop–off (depending on selection)
Transport by minibus (depending on selection)
English–speaking guide
2.5 hour boat ride to the Glacier Upsala
Admission fees
Lunch

When to book

You can book up to 18 hours in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 7 days before the day of the activity. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

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Reviews of our customers

8.7

Excellent 266 Travelers·21 reviews

January 14, 2026
Enrico Gnoato
Romano D'ezzelino, Italy
Very nice experience, beautiful catamaran trip among the icebergs, excellent lunch, and a very interesting visit to the estancia museum. Unfortunately...
As a couple
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November 8, 2025
Fernando
Botucatu, Brazil
Exceptional boat, exceptional staff, organization, punctuality, cleanliness.
As a couple
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January 6, 2025
Marina
Teresópolis, Brazil
This is a tour that is worth doing if you have time. The boat is very good and passes through a beautiful iceberg channel (if you do Todos os Glaciare...
As a couple
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November 23, 2024
Alejandro Horacio Fano
Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina
The attention of the guides, especially Sasha. I must clarify that I traveled with my wife, who is about to celebrate 57 years of marriage; 3 children...
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October 17, 2023
Eulalia
Spain
Boat tour on the Argentine lake and they take you 20km from the front of the Upsala glacier, you cannot sail closer for safety. The curious thing is t...
As a couple
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January 22, 2025
Cesar Roberto
Joinville, Brazil
Very good, good equipment, attentive staff with good value for money.
With friends
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February 19, 2024
Pascale Chapuis
France
Very good Very professional and friendly staff
As a couple
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November 3, 2023
Anónimo
Brazil
Very organized tour, very polite and attentive professionals! A top-notch infrastructure. It was great to learn about the history of Estância Cristina...
As a couple
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February 15, 2023
Patricia
Caba, Argentina
From the punctuality when picking us up at the hotel, the boat guides, and the reception at the hotel
Traveling solo
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Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Cruise

Ready for a day full of Patagonian nature and icy landscapes? After picking you up at your hotels at the scheduled time, we'll set off on an hour's drive to the quay at Punta Bandera.

Then we'll hop on board a boat and set sail to Estancia Cristina. We'll cruise down the Upsala channel on a 2.5-hour boat trip, approaching the magnificent glacier. After disembarking at Estancia Cristina, we'll start a medium-difficulty hike through the area.

Accompanied by your guide, you'll cross a Patagonian forest, spotting numerous Antarctic beech trees and, probably, several species of endemic birds. We'll ascend until we reach a viewpoint from where we'll have a panoramic view of Lake Argentino.

Halfway through the tour, we'll take a break at a local restaurant to refuel with a lunch that includes two empanadas, a main course (a choice between lamb casserole or pasta with pesto), a flan for dessert, a glass of wine or a soft drink and coffee or tea. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

The route will continue uphill with one goal in mind: to reach the Perros waterfall. You'll be amazed by the waterfall and the high view of the Caterina River valley. We'll then enter the estancia's museum to learn a little more about rural life in this region. We'll also visit the chapel, the water mill and other points of interest.

Finally, we'll take a boat to the port of Punta Bandera, where a minibus will be waiting to take us back to El Calafate. We'll arrive at the hotels after around 12.5 hours together.

Book without Transfers

Do you want to travel to Estancia Cristina yourself? You can book without transfers. If you do, you'll have to meet your guide at the pier at the Estancia, located at Punta Bandera, at 8:15 am. On the return journey, the boat will drop you back off at the quay at 7 pm.

Points of interest in El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier

Types of activities in El Calafate

Day Trips from El Calafate Boat Tours in El Calafate Hikes in El Calafate Guided Tours in El Calafate

Other activities in El Calafate

Glaciarium Ticket Kayaking in El Calafate Yeti Ice Bar El Calafate Stargazing Experience Estancia 25 de Mayo Visit, Dinner & Show 25 May Estancia Private Bike Tour Cerro Huyliche Buggy Tour Estancia Cristina Off-Roading Tour Santa Cruz River Kayak Tour Los Glaciares National Park Aircraft Ride

Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Cruise

Ready for a day full of Patagonian nature and icy landscapes? After picking you up at your hotels at the scheduled time, we'll set off on an hour's drive to the quay at Punta Bandera.

Finally, we'll take a boat to the port of Punta Bandera, where a minibus will be waiting to take us back to El Calafate. We'll arrive at the hotels after around 12.5 hours together.

Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier Cruise