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- On foot
Helsingfors – Estancia Cristina
4 days · a crossing between two historic estancias
- duration
- 4 days
- distance
- ≈ 44 km
- highest point
- 1,019 m
- difficulty
- Expedition
The numbers
Measured on our own track, with heights from the Copernicus GLO-30 model.
- Walking
- 44.3km
- Total ascent
- +2,738m
- Total descent
- −2,829m
- Lowest point
- 180 m
- Highest point
- 1,016 m
- duration
- 4 days
- Difficulty
- Expedition
The trek
Four days far from roads and huts, from the shore of Lago Viedma to Estancia Cristina.
We walk through valleys, glacial moraines and rivers, much of it without a marked trail. Each camp is chosen for the terrain, the weather and the group, so no crossing is quite like the last.
On the last day we walk down the valley to Estancia Cristina. Arriving on foot after days of camping gives the place a different meaning.
Day by day
Day 1
Helsingfors → Seno Moyano
10 km6–7 h+900 m⌂ Seno Moyano
We leave Hostería Helsingfors on the shore of Lago Viedma. After checking the gear we walk towards Seno Moyano through native vegetation and open slopes. We camp wherever the wind is kindest, with the lake below.
The glacier reaching the lake Day 2
Seno Moyano → Cerro Norte moraine
15 km7–8 h⌂ Cerro Norte moraine
The hardest day. With no marked trail we cross two mountain passes and Cerro Norte starts to fill the view. The ground gets more alpine and exposed — not climbing, but reading the mountain. We camp in the shelter of the moraine.
The valley and the snowy peaks Day 3
Cerro Norte moraine → Río Norte canyon
9 km+600 m⌂ Río Norte
We cross a smaller pass and drop into the Río Norte canyon, with views of lakes Anita and Pearson. Rock, open ground and glacial features. We camp near the river.
Arriving at Estancia Cristina Day 4
Río Norte → Estancia Cristina
6 km4–5 h−400 m⌂ Estancia Cristina
The last day is shorter. We walk down the valley as the landscape softens, until Estancia Cristina appears. Arriving on foot after days of camping gives the place a different meaning.
What is included
- Professional mountain guide, in Spanish or English
- All meals on the trek: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
- Shared expedition tents
- Group camping and cooking gear
- Satellite communication and radio
Extra, if you need it
- Accommodation before the trek
- Accommodation at Estancia Cristina (unless stated)
- Personal trekking gear
Worth knowing
- The itinerary may change with the weather or trail conditions.
- A good level of fitness is recommended.
- Small groups.
- Tell us beforehand about dietary needs, allergies or medical conditions.
- We send the packing list once your booking is confirmed.
- Private departures are available.
- For safety, the guide may change or call off the route if the mountain asks for it.
- On foot
km 0 – 44.3 · height 180 – 1,019 m
Route measured on our own track. Touch the profile to see the height at each point.
Wind on the way
It is the first thing we check in the morning. Town can be calm while the lake is blowing hard, so we show both heights.
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Helsingfors – Estancia Cristina: questions
What is the Helsingfors to Estancia Cristina crossing like?
Four days with no marked trail or huts, from the shore of Lago Viedma to Estancia Cristina, crossing mountain passes with views of lakes Anita and Pearson.
What is included?
Guide, all meals on the crossing, shared tents, camping and cooking gear, and satellite communication and radio.
Live
The mountain logbook
What people who walked with us write, as soon as they are back. No marketing filter: we read it, approve it and it appears here, with its date.
The whole logbook →The logbook opens this season: every hiker gets a link when they are back and what they write appears here, dated. The first entry could be yours.
Photos
What happens when you book
The full policy →- 01Written confirmationYour place is confirmed once we receive payment and send you the confirmation.
- 02Meeting point and timeThey come with the confirmation. Depending on the trek, we meet in town or pick you up.
- 03What to bringWe send you the list: hiking boots with good grip, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, water and food.
- 04If the weather says noThe guide decides. If we cannot go, we move you to the next date or give you credit for another trek.
- 05If you need to cancel30 days or more before: full refund; 15 to 29 days: 50%; under 15 days: no refund.
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