Located at the source of the La Leona River, in the Province of Santa Cruz, and a few meters from National Route 40, Estancia La Estela offers a unique experience between El Calafate and El Chaltén. Completely remodeled, the estancia invites you to enjoy its warm facilities and diverse activities, such as horseback riding, rafting, fishing, mountain biking and archery. The accommodation has rooms with private bathroom and heating. The estancia is an immutable observer of the spectacular landscape with views of Lake Viedma, the Viedma Glacier and the Fitz Roy and Torre hills.
Owner: Kargauer family
Categorization: Tourist Stay
Season: October-April
Services: Lodging, food service, cash only, parking, internet/WiFi, laundry, game room, cinema/television, horseback riding, sport fishing, hiking, bicycles, archery, rafting, bird watching.
Amenities: 4 triple rooms with private bathroom, 1 quadruple room with private bathroom.
Activities
• Rafting: Raft ride along the La Leona River, ideal for enjoying with the family, with no age restrictions.
• Horseback riding: Tours along the coast of the La Leona River and the shores of Lake Viedma, with photo sessions.
• Mountain Bike: 2,800 hectares to enjoy circuits between mountains and sand.
• Archery: Shooting range with arches of different categories.
• Fishing: Sport fishing with mandatory catch and release along the La Leona River, with species such as trout and salmonids.
Location: Near Lake Viedma and La Leona River, Santa Cruz, Argentina.
Lodging
The Estancia La Estela Lodge offers 5 double rooms en suite, all spacious and with impressive views of Patagonia, including Fitz Roy, Lake Viedma, Viedma Glacier, La Leona River or the Patagonian Steppe. The bathrooms are fully equipped with a bathtub and various amenities. In addition, the rooms have their own free cafeteria service available 24 hours a day.
Rates:
• SINGLE: USD 140
• DOUBLE: USD 190
• TRIPLE: USD 260
Discounts available for cash payments and payment options with MasterCard and VISA cards.
How to get to La Estancia La Estepa
To get to Estancia La Estela from El Calafate, take Route 5 west for 32 km to the intersection with Route 40. Continue on Route 40 north for 78 km to the Parador y Hotel de Campo La Leona, where you will find the entrance to the estancia. From El Calafate International Airport, the drive on Route 5 is only 19 km to Route 40. If you are coming from the north, such as El Chaltén, follow Route 40 until you cross the La Leona River and turn right to enter the estancia.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding from La Estepa Ranch
Horseback riding from La Estepa Ranch
The “Lago Viedma Horseback Ride” is an experience that departs from the Estancia La Estela stables, where participants ride tame horses and enjoy a tour along the shore of Lake Viedma. The itinerary includes breakfast at the Parador La Leona, an informative talk, a ride to the Guanaco River, lunch at the estancia and a cafeteria service. The excursion ends with the return to the hotel in the afternoon. It is a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy spectacular views.
La Estela reviews on Tripadvisor
Reviews of La Estela:
5.0 Excellent (60 reviews)
• Location: 1 of 8 Lodges in El Calafate.
• Services: Free parking, WiFi, breakfast, airport transfers, among others.
• Hotel style: Lake view, Romantic.
• Languages spoken: English, Spanish.
Guest reviews:
• Chrigel M (December 2019): An idyllic place with incredible views and friendly staff.
• hzhang08 (January 2020): A magical place with excellent food, wine and hospitality.
• Danti (December 2019): Stunning views, but some improvements to breakfast and decor would be ideal.
• Zach Logan (December 2019): Highlight of his trip, with stunning scenery and an authentic experience in Argentina.
• Al C (October 2019): A wonderful experience with a friendly team and perfect accommodation.