El Calafate’s Most Beautiful Estancias

Jun 18
14:29

2010

Matthew Barker

Matthew Barker

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Tour the El Calafate estancias in Patagonia, Argentina, with travel advice from an Argentina travel expert at Argentina For Less.

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Throughout the southern Patagonia region,El Calafate’s Most Beautiful Estancias   Articles especially around El Calafate, are scattered estancias. These ranches once served those brave souls in the 1900s who raised cattle in a nearly desolate landscape. Now, a few of the estancias are still in operation, and many of them offer room, board, and activities like horseback riding and sheep shearing demonstrations, that allow visitors to taste the rugged and beautiful way of life in southern Patagonia.

From El Calafate, the trekker’s town accessible by airport or by bus from El Chalten, there are several estancias within a half or full day trip. 

Estancia Cristina is one of the most remote estancias in the region, but it is also one of the most superb. It is only accessible by boat or extensive trek. On a boat cruise from Puerto Banderas on Lago Argentino, near the Perito Glacier lookout, you head north towards the Upsala Glacier. The 85,000 acre ranch once belonged to an Englishman. Now the lodge offers a full Patagonian lunch to day trippers, plus guided walks to the Upsala Glacier lookout point. In the evening you can return in the boat cruise to Puerto Banderas.

Alternatively, you might want to take a 4x4 vehicle excursion, which allows you to cover lots of terrain and see many estancias along the way. Here are some of the most popular estancias:

The El Galpon estancia, only 12 miles from El Calafate, is a working ranch where traditional sheep shearing methods are practiced. A half day excursion takes you to the ranch by lunchtime, where you will be greeted by fresh homemade goods from the kitchen. Then you can take a walking tour, enjoying bird watching, and exploring the former Native America camping ground. Later you can watch Kelpis shepherding dogs hard at work, before heading into the shearing shed to witness a sheep shearing demonstration. Top off your excursion with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue.

Estancia Nibepo Aike, 56 km from El Calafate, lies on the banks of Lago Roca. This classic Patagonia ranch offers a variety of activates like ice trekking, horse riding, bird watching, fishing or just relaxing on the grounds. There are five rooms, each with private bathrooms, and from the kitchen comes some of the most terrific regional dishes.

Estancia La Serena has terrific views of the placid Lago Buenos Aires. The ranch provides basic amenities such as comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, and excellent heating. The views of the lake are outstanding, turning from silver to teal, but there are few other activities offered.

Cerro Castillo Estancia’s wild grasslands make for a rugged landscape that fits the rustic charm of this remote ranch. A stay here includes delicious meals, plus access to the extensive library, grand piano, and comfy furniture in the living area.

La Serena, between Los Antiguos and Perito Moreno, has a more agreeable climate, sheltered from the fiercer elements. The ranch is open year round. Fruit and vegetable gardens supply the kitchen. Fishing and hunting expeditions are popular. Two cabins have a capacity for four people, and four cabins have a capacity for three people.

La Maipú, located south of Lake San Martin, includes a house transported from England at the turn of the century, as well as a pioneer museum. There is also a garden and evergreens, and during the summer, lavender, lupines, and wildflowers spring up. There are six rooms in the house and three in the shelter for backpackers and climbers who camp at the ranch.

Estancia La Oriental, 30 km from Mt San Lorenzo, is nestled in a beautiful glacial river valley. Horseback riding is popular, and there is a lookout point 2 km away from which condors are often spotted. There are four rooms with capacity for three people, all with private baths, one double and one single each with private baths, and one room with capacity for four with a shared bathroom.