ESTANCIA CRISTINA
HOTEL REVIEW BY LAURA SANGSTER
WHEN: April 2024
WHERE: Argentina, Patagonia
Unlike Torres del Paine, where even the most beautiful spots draw a crowd, this place felt like ours alone—private, peaceful, and pristine. The hiking trails begin right at your doorstep, winding through glaciers, ancient fossil beds, and sweeping valleys, with no long drives or heavy planning needed. You can explore the trails by horseback or on foot—each offering a different perspective of this extraordinary landscape. I’ll never forget the moment we all saddled up and set off; not a single person spoke. All you could hear were the soft sounds of the horses, echoing through the stillness. The air is drier on the Argentinian side, the gear is top-notch, and the experience is just… effortless. It’s where rugged wilderness meets quiet luxury—a cozy lodge surrounded by vast, untouched beauty. Some places stay with you forever, and this is one of them. Contact TJGT for totally customized travel planning.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
VIBE // remote, refined adventure
WELLNESS // Wellness at Estancia Cristina isn’t found in a traditional spa—it’s woven into every moment of your stay. From glacier hikes to quiet valley walks, every hour spent here restores both body and soul.
CULINARY SCENE // the food/bev scene at EC can be described in one word – impressive. Once you arrive, you spend every second on the property keenly aware of how far you’ve come. You’ll feast on impeccably fresh and innovative cuisine, in awe at the spread that lays before you in such a remote location.
BEST FOR // active travelers who appreciate movement during the day and total peace and tranquility at night.
HOW DID THIS HOTEL MAKE ME FEEL // Being at Estancia Cristina felt like stepping into an exclusive summer camp for kindred spirits. Even though I had just met most of the other guests, the absence of modern distractions created space for genuine connection—the kind we rarely find in everyday life. Estancia Cristina isn’t a social club, but there’s something undeniably magical that happens when you travel to the ends of the earth with like-minded adventurers.
IF I DID THE SAME TRIP AGAIN, HERE’S WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY // I’d take more photos! I know we all probably snap too many as it is, but the chances of returning to this exact corner of the world are slim—so capture it while you can. That said, the images etched in my mind still outshine anything my camera could’ve caught.
COMPLIMENTARY VACATION CONSULTATION
Contact The Journey Group to start planning your next getaway, and we’ll schedule a complimentary call to answer your questions, explore ideas, and walk you through how we design seamless, custom vacations. What sets us apart is that we work as one highly experienced team and are part of the world’s largest network of vetted travel providers, giving you unmatched access and peace of mind.