March 2, 2019 – The direct translation of estancia into English is “stay”. Less common translations mean farm or ranch, which is exactly what Estancia Cristina is. The story is incredible…After a very long journey from England in the early 1900s to obtain “free” land in the young country of Argentina, a young couple made their way to Buenos Aires. After many years of attempting to find available land in coastal areas, and the birth of their two children, they moved east to the area near El Calafate, and eventually found about 55,000 acres on the northeastern shore of Lake Argentino, the largest lake in the country. They settled in a (VERY) windy valley surrounded by glaciers and accessible only by water, and became sheep farmers, with over 12,000 head. It was a harsh existence, to say the least, but they were considered successful and continued to own and work the land until the last descendant passed away in 1997. At that time, the land passed to the national parks.
Today’s trip took me first via a long boat ride on a the lake to the front of the Upsala glacier. Unlike many glaciers, the front of Upsala floats in Lake Argentino, so when calving occurs, it creates massive icebergs! 
After sailing around the icebergs for a while, the boat backtracked several kilometers to the estancia, where the rest of the adventures commenced! My group went on a 4WD tour of the upper valley, ending at another viewpoint of the Upsala glacier.
Let me in, it’s windy and cold!!!
There were some interesting views on the drive, and a walkabout on the estancia upon our return.
Then a long boat trip followed by a bus ride back to Calafate
Travels with Nance 