Cañadón de los Fósiles Expedition
5
Cañadón de los Fósiles Expedition
By Estancia Cristina
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About
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 12-75, max of 12 per group
Duration: 11h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
- Professional guide
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Lunch box
- Snack on board
- Entry/Admission - Estancia Cristina
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- The pick up time may vary depending on the hotel location. Any doubt contact our emergency whatsapp: +54 9 2902 504180. It is mandatory to inform your Hotel in order to properly coordinate the transfers.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6049P18- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 12 years
- May be operated by a bilingual guide
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6049P18
From
£335.78
per adult
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Itinerary
- 1Having set sail from Punta Bandera harbor at 9AM, we will glide over the waters of Lake Argentino’s Northern Arm to reach the furthest possible point of navigation in the Upsala Channel, where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier’s immense front. Then, having disembarked at the shores close to Estancia Cristina, the group is welcomed by our specialized driver-guides who will help them into their 4x4 vehicles, ready to head off into the wilderness. Our sturdy 4WDs will then venture up into the Feruglio Mountains, a 9.5km ride which offers great views of our surroundings and takes us ultimately to an elevated area where the cars will be parked. Once there, we’ll begin a 20-minute trek over terrain characterized by glacial erosion, until reaching the Upsala Glacier Lookout; an exclusive point for visitors to appreciate this glacier that can only be accessed from Estancia Cristina. There will be plenty of time here to enjoy views of Lake Guillermo and the eastern side of the Upsala Glacier, as well as the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, before beginning the 14km trek through Fossil Canyon. The fascinating Cañadón de los Fósiles, which is around 170 million years old, has been named so for its immense concentration of marine fossils. We can observe a kaleidoscope of colors across this terrain, the canyon’s walls rising beside us as we make a gradual descent until reaching a ravine at the edge of the valley. Along the way, we’ll stop and tuck into our box lunches, before leaving the canyon behind having explored it fully, then arriving back at the estancia and later onward to the port. Estancia Cristina offers an optional box lunch, please request it in advance. Please also let us know of any dietary requirements in advance.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- vikicarpenter730 contributionsEstancia Cristina discovery trioAn incredible 1st trip of the season with the Estancia Cristina team. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and very attentive. The boat trip was superb with stunning views. Once at the estancia we had a 4 x 4 trip up the mountain and then a short walk to a viewing area for the Upsala glacier. The views were absolutely stunning and we were fortunate enough to see many condors. The 4 x 4 driver was incredibly talented at navigating the lumpy bumpy road. Once back at the farm we enjoyed a fabulous lunch with wine and an informative tour of the museum. Thank you to all of the Estancia Cristina team. You delivered an unforgettable 1st trip of the season and we were delighted to be part of it! Viki & AndyWritten 1 October 2024
- Terry R0 contributionsMagical SettingThe setting was surpassed only by the staff. The natural beauty speaks for itself but the level of service was amazing. I wish I could remember all of the names but Brenda (Pocket) and Balin (horseback guide) are among the stand outs. Brenda at one point t saw from a distance that my friend and ai had gotten off the path and ran to catch us and save us from ourselves.Written 21 March 2024
- classyt240 contributionsStunning scenery but our stay was not as expectedAs part of our Argentina tour we chose to stay one night here as we wanted to experience an estancia. It is approx.3 hours to reach the Estancia after pick up by mini bus and then the catamaran across the lake. The good bits; The scenery on the boat trip is amazing The scenery at the Estancia is incredible, literally off grid in the middle of nowhere. The food during our stay was incredible and well presented All the staff were great, really helpful and friendly The not so good: One of the beds in our room had some mould probably due to humidity throughout the season but when we pointed this out clean bedding was provided but the mattress was just turned over. It wasn’t clear what activities we could do prior to our stay and I wish we had known before. On the website there was fishing, horseback riding, trekking etc but when we arrived we were not offered all of these It’s a very long day after your night stop, activities start at 8.30am and you’re not back until early afternoon and the boat leaves at 5pm meaning you don’t reach El Calafate until 8pm in the evening - something to consider if you have early flights out the next day. We enjoyed the experience but felt planning of activities could be better. and there would be more choice of activities for those stayingWritten 13 March 2024
- Sap4400 contributionsEstancia CristinaThe most beautiful place on earth. The accommodations were lovely. Heaven. Magnificent scenery, hiking, historyWritten 8 January 2024
- ina g0 contributionsGorgeous Patagonian landscapes and lake icebergsThis place is beautiful, you will see the very typical patagonian landscapes! We chose the horseride at the ranch. It all starts with a boat ride on the magnificent Lake Argentino, to admire the mountains and the icebergs. When you get to the ranch, they give you a horse, and off you go on the gorgeous Patagonian steppe, admiring the snowy mountains. The lunch was delicious. You will not regret the experience!Written 1 January 2024
- yangbness0 contributionsWorth the journeyI have nothing but great things to say about this excursion. The shuttle bus ride was fine (no issues - about 45 min). The boat ride was fun - meet new people by sitting with strangers inside and then head outside as you approach 2 key icebergs and pose for tons of photos - what's there not to like. It's a big catamaran - no sea sickness to speak of. Delightful croissants and some standard coffee/tea options, along with 2 bathrooms. The boat captain was generous with our time around the icebergs to allow for all the photo taking that the entire boat could take. Then comes time on the ranch. First, all of the staff are excellent - bilingual, super courteous, knew their stuff cold, constantly looking out after guests. I had low expectations for the museum but it was really fascinating to learn the history of the ranch (who knew it was British settlers). The meal in the restaurant, as many have mentioned, was delightful - great lamb and nice Patagonian malbec. The drive to the lookout was the real excursion bit. The guides collude by telling you it's a 15 min drive but it's more like 50 and it's true offroad 4x4 that needs to be done by a professional. You will absolutely getting shaken and stirred on this part. The last bit is a 15 min walk (uphill) to the lookout. We a moderately cloudy but clear day but the entire glacier was in full view. We also had a pair of condor flying around above us. The winds starting to pick up (probably 40 kmph) so you would tear up if exposed. But the view, while distant, is still something to take in and makes the adventure all the more worth it. Strike up a conversation with your offroading companions and it makes the trip go by faster. All in all, an exquisite day and would recommend to anyone. BTW - we had friends that were staying overnight at Estancia and ran into them at lunch - they too had nothing but rave reviews for the place (and other hiking options).Written 29 December 2023
- 951stuartm0 contributionsMemorable place with great foodIncredible views, very friendly staff, top class food for such as remote place. We went for a day trip but i would really recommend staying overnight for the full experience.Written 19 December 2023
- Cordelia D0 contributionsHidden adventure escapeThis was a really special place, 5* purely on the location. It’s in the middle of nowhere and you can completely relax, the staff are great, the rooms are basic but beautiful and the breakfast is good. They could benefit from upgrading dinner, perhaps having less options but more excitingly executed like big bbqs for everyone as it did become a little monotonous after four days and a couple of times we had to send our food back as it hadn’t been cooked or was still cold, but it would be v difficult to get ppl to work there as it is far away from El calafate and it really didn’t impact our ultimate enjoyment of one of the most beautiful places we have ever beenWritten 14 May 2023
- Meral P0 contributionsNot worth the time and moneyIt was a nice day on the lake and the mini-hike to the glacier view point. However, it was too much time and money to have a far, far away view of the glacier. Also did not appreciate the guides explaining stuff for 10 minutes in Spanish and 1 minute in English.. Seems to be the general approach in the area: charge the same (probably higher) fee to non-Spanish speakers but provide much less service.Written 24 March 2023
- Gabriellefranhan0 contributionsMy visit wouldn’t be the same without this visitThis visit was really an incredible experience! Everybody should visit this place! The first part is amazingly itself, with the boat going through the ice. Then, the amazing view with the 4x4 and little trekking to see the Upsala Glacier! Then, the lunch with amazing food and service. The staff is great! The tour at the museum and the place outside is really really amazing! I would like to have a compliment for Brenda, an amazing guide that don’t miss any detail!Written 10 March 2023
- desireesZ5571PN0 contributionsInteresting & well worth the visit!A well organized & informative tour. Starting with the collection from our hotel, the information shared on the drive to the port, the boat trip across and our time at the estancia. The guides were informative, professional & engaging. The meal was hearty & very tasting. Just to be aware that you do not see the glacier or any part there of on the Clsssic Tour option.Written 26 February 2023
- TSBanstead0 contributionsGreat tripThis was an amazing trip. We sailed up the Upsala channel of Lake Argentino where we saw huge icebergs . We then arrived at Estancia Cristina . We had a lovely guide Augustine who took us trekking to the beautiful falls with amazing views. Lunch was delicious and the tour of the ranch was very interesting . Well worth itWritten 15 January 2023
- vijayasreea20160 contributionsIncredible Experience!If there is one activity that summed up the whole experience of patagonia for us it was the day we spent visiting Estancia Cristina. The upfront close up encounter of the iceberg was the highlight of our trip!. The beautiful rainbow that accompanied us throughout the sail up to the preserve was a predictor of beautiful the day was going to be! We chose the classic option of hiking to water falls once on the preserve and we were treated to the best views of the entire aerial view of the area from the high vantage point. It was followed by Lunch in the restaurant, who whipped up this incredible vegetarian/ vegan meal at moments notice. Overall the day was magical!Written 7 January 2023
- allplanetsearch0 contributionsGreat views in a large organized tour experienceWe did the boat tour to Estancia Cristina, followed by the 4x4 drive to the vista point, lunch, and tour of the local family museum. We liked it, but didn't love it. Here is our experience - your mileage may vary! * Boat trip: it takes a bit over 2 hours from the dock to the farm on the way there. There are gorgeous icebergs on the lake as you sail along, and the boat goes slowly to allow for pictures. The same ride on the way back was closer to 1.5hours. Boat is comfortable, mostly with indoor spaces to watch the view from behind the glass. Bathrooms on board (very clean on the way out, not so much on the way back), coffee and croissants available. * 4x4 ride: once on the other side, groups are split by activity type (you're given a color-coded bracelet..). We had the 4x4 excursion, and were happy that we were assigned to do the trip before lunch vs. after it. The 4x4 are minibuses retrofitted with 4x4 suspension and roll bars. It's small, stuffy, and bumpy, going uphill non-stop for about one hour (not something I'd like to do on a full stomach!). Once at the top, you walk about 20min to a gorgeous vista point. When we were there, the wind was very, very, very strong, which made it for a tough and cold walk. We were told that those conditions are quite common during the Summer. At the top of the hill, you get an expansive view of the glaciers around. We spent about 10-20min at the top and then had to move back to the minibus as a group. Tip: dress warmly! Finally, you descend the same hill back to the flats, for about another hour. No bathrooms available throughout this whole part of the adventure. * Lunch: Lunch was a set menu, with farm-like food and local wine. It was tasty and relaxing. We wished we could have hung out a bit more and chilled after lunch. * Tour: After lunch, we were ushered to tour the family museum on the property. It is interesting enough, but the tour was long and crowded with over 15-20 people circling one of the guides that delivered the information somewhat mechanically. And then it was back to the boat. It is a LONG day in a large, organized tour following a tight schedule. The main highlight being the view from the top of the 4x4 ride. Definitely beautiful, but the cost-benefit equation may have been a bit off for our party.Written 5 January 2023
- charlotteaccounts0 contributionsFabulous special place , visit on day trip, if you can afford it stay the night, amazing, if on day trip do 4wd and walkWhat an amazing place , if you can afford it stay the night, the boat trip was amazing if you stay you are in the vip area, staff excellent, place wonderful, food excellent ( breakfast just slow and needs some work), very special ,we horse rode in the rain!, you must do 4wd to glacier, view one of the most amazing ever seen in life, we then walked back 14km quite challenging but so special , condors amazing views and scenery, guides amazing so supportive and brought coffee and tea and cakes, one night is enough to do everything, very windy and weather changeable but a life experience, the history is amazing , just 6 staying when we were there lovely Americans we all ate together as such lovely people , fabulous experienceWritten 19 November 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Aditi M
4 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
I cannot recommend doing this activity more. It has been one of my favourite hikes! The staff at Estancia Christina are truly amazing, I had an incredible time here to do the Fossil Canyon Expedition. It was a one of a kind experience and my guide Augostina was very knowledgeable and excellent company during my trek through the canyon.
The bus that came to pick me up from El Calafate was very much on time. We went to Puerto Bandera where we were out on a boat to head to the estancia. The boat ride is so incredible, the captain and crew do their best to make you feel comfortable and they take you as close as possible to the icebergs. There’s also a slight detour to see the Upsala glacier whilst on the boat.
They give you a band and a very well detailed set of instructions on the boat. When I got off I was welcomed by my tour guide. I seemed to have been the only one for the hike on the day, so it felt very personalized. My guide Augostina did a fantastic job making me feel welcome and took me down the canyon at a very good pace. I was offered hiking poles before we embarked on our 14km hike, which was so thoughtful. The hike in itself was incredible - the canyon is so full of colours and you get to see the upsala glacier from many angles at the beginning of the hike too. The whole canyon is covered in fossils and so stunning. I didn’t want to add too many photos as to ruin the delightful surprise that is the whole canyon.
Additionally, hats off to the chef. I got a lovely veggie sandwich (grilled veggies, cream cheese, cheese and some lovely seasoning), a brownie (so fresh), a piece of fruit and a large water bottle that was neatly packed for my lunch in the canyon. The food was absolutely delicious!
If you’re thinking about doing this activity, just do it! It’s a one of a kind opportunity. I haven’t been able to experience this anywhere else but here!
The bus that came to pick me up from El Calafate was very much on time. We went to Puerto Bandera where we were out on a boat to head to the estancia. The boat ride is so incredible, the captain and crew do their best to make you feel comfortable and they take you as close as possible to the icebergs. There’s also a slight detour to see the Upsala glacier whilst on the boat.
They give you a band and a very well detailed set of instructions on the boat. When I got off I was welcomed by my tour guide. I seemed to have been the only one for the hike on the day, so it felt very personalized. My guide Augostina did a fantastic job making me feel welcome and took me down the canyon at a very good pace. I was offered hiking poles before we embarked on our 14km hike, which was so thoughtful. The hike in itself was incredible - the canyon is so full of colours and you get to see the upsala glacier from many angles at the beginning of the hike too. The whole canyon is covered in fossils and so stunning. I didn’t want to add too many photos as to ruin the delightful surprise that is the whole canyon.
Additionally, hats off to the chef. I got a lovely veggie sandwich (grilled veggies, cream cheese, cheese and some lovely seasoning), a brownie (so fresh), a piece of fruit and a large water bottle that was neatly packed for my lunch in the canyon. The food was absolutely delicious!
If you’re thinking about doing this activity, just do it! It’s a one of a kind opportunity. I haven’t been able to experience this anywhere else but here!
Written 14 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your great review, and for sharing it with other visitors!
It is fantastic to know you´ve had an unforgettable experience at Estancia Cristina
Kind regards
Estancia Cristina team
Written 22 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carrieul
Rio Verde, AZ480 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is truly a full patagonia experience where you take a boat out to the estancia and go past glaciers, and then immediately are in an idealic setting that has nature everywhere. This spot is an incredible getaway and was one of the highlights of our trip especially with the fossil canyon hike and the asada dinner. There are many hikes that you can take right from the cabins. The hotel is very very well run. What a treat.
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RosalindaBelgium
Belgium170 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
We were the only 2 people who did the trekking that day so we had the guide to ourselves; It was a wonderful afternoon and we got a lot of information from the guide; We had clear wether with some wind but we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Written 27 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your review RosalindaB
Glad you´ve enjoyed the Experience. The Canyon is UNIQUE
Cordially
Estancia Cristina Team
Written 2 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JPatti1
Chicago, IL267 contributions
Jan 2020
Not only a beautiful canyon to hike down but abundant fossil, both negative (imprints) and positive (cavities filled by a material that has survived and thus left a 3D copy). In addition to the hike itself, a highight was the 4x4 ride to the Upsala Glacier overlook that is at the start of the trek - the overlook is fabulous to see and the ride up to it was invigorating and beautiful.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear JPatti1
Thanks a lot for your fabulous feedback
We are glad you enjoy the Canyon that much, it is an amazing place and quite unique on earth!
Kind regards
Estancia Cristina team
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How long is the hiking trail? What is the level of difficulty?
Written 10 November 2018
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