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Published: 16-02-2023
What better way to travel a country than stay at a rural country estate that invites you to immerse yourself in true Argentinian culture, as you travel the vast expanse of Argentina? Weather-beaten gauchos galloping across expanses of vast pampas or steppe, magnificent horses at pasture, traditional Argentinian barbecues, under the starriest of skies, and of course wine. An "estancia" (horse ranch or working cattle ranch) experience in Argentina is based around these three classic ingredients: horses, hearty home-cooked food, and clinking wine glasses. What all estancias have in common is their remoteness. Many are lone farms adrift in the massive green sea of the pampas, the fertile lowlands of the continent that cover more than 750,000 sq km. Sample some of the authentic estancias throughout the country on this United Estates of Argentina Tour! For a truly authentic Argentina vacation visiting an estancia is the quintessential Argentine experience, an excellent look into the rural culture.
Asado and Malbec
La Bandada
La Bandada is found on the outskirts of San Miguel del Monte. This historic town in the Argentine countryside is just an hour and a half from downtown Buenos Aires. Gauchos, native to the region, used to gallop the entire distance from end to end. Their silhouette would fade away over the horizon behind a great cloud of dust, with only the odd river or stream stopping them. Land suited to raising cattle and growing crops. In 1846 they started to build fences, and ranches, engage in agriculture, and plant trees. The never-ending countryside was transformed by farming, but the traditions of rural life are still around today and you can learn about them when visiting. If you want to experience more of Argentine culture while you’re here, you can organize a visit to watch the local polo team practice or arrange a cooking class from the excellent chef. If you’re an avid bird watcher, you’ll be in heaven here! Even if you are not a birder, you can see some colorful species that you won´t have seen before. Or if you prefer, order a bottle of wine to enjoy by the pool and spend your entire day parked in one of the lounge chairs.
Gaucho Culture
Los Potreros
Estancia Los Potreros, a family-owned farm set high in the hills outside Córdoba that proffers luxury interiors. Every day at the estancia is different. The would-be gauchos amongst you can canter along grassy hilltops, take a dip in natural rock pools, visit local churches on horseback, help round up the young horses, learn how to lasso or have a go at polo. Out of the saddle, the cattle and horse trails make for wonderful walking, taking guests to awe-inspiring viewpoints and hidden waterfalls whilst experiencing the plentiful birdlife and colorful wildflowers, or watching the gauchos at work. Enjoy the best of Argentine food and wine with home-reared beef washed down with Malbec. The serenity and landscape lend themselves to those who enjoy painting, photography, or writing, or simply curling up with a book, whilst good conversation and a gin and tonic are never far away.
Solo Gaucho
Nibepo Aike
The Estancia Nibepo Aike is located 56 km from El Calafate and still preserves the essence of the old Patagonian estancias. Nibepo Aike covers an area of more than 12,000 ha, delimited by the South Arm of Lake Argentino and the border with Chile, framed by the Andes Mountains. Dedicated to bovine production as the main livestock activity and sheep as a secondary one, it constitutes an ideal place to enjoy an immersion in the life of an authentic Patagonian ranch. A house with more than 100 years of history. An opportunity to have a true experience of rural life in a real Patagonian ranch located inside Los Glaciares National Park. Trips to the glaciers are one of the main activities, along with horseback riding, hiking, and farm activities. At the table, family recipes, the well-known Patagonian roast lamb, and the freshness of the vegetables produced in the ranch's orchard. Visit the facilities of a typical Patagonian ranch that was formerly dedicated to sheep production and that today has been transformed into the most prestigious Hereford cattle ranch in these latitudes and also maintains a sheepfold.
Sheep Herding in The Glaciers National Park
Puerto Bemberg
Only thirty minutes away from the entrance to the Iguazu National Park there is a different alternative for those wishing to visit one of the world's wonders. At Puerto Bemberg, one breathes and enjoys the forest. In the heart of a subtropical ecosystem, time flows amidst trails, bird sounds, dikes, falls, woodlands, natural vantage points, native legend, and the murmur of the Parana River. Combining a turn-of-century style with amenities and facilities that will please the most demanding traveler, this history-filled in of colonial tiles, wide spaces, and native furniture is the hub of singular and intimate experiences with nature. Fourteen spacious and luminous rooms, an exclusive restaurant offering local cuisine with gourmet influences, a natural pool, La Cave and its variety of delicious wines, and the outdoor terrace overlooking the Parana River are some of the highlights of relaxing in this paradise. Posada Puerto Bemberg is the perfect base for a tour of the falls, the Jesuit missions of San Ignacio, and a boat trip to Paraguay. It has 14 rooms, a wine cave, terraces overlooking the Parana River, and a natural pool. Trails, natural waterfalls, rivers, trees, native plants, birds, and fauna of the jungle; characterize the environment of the lodge which is certified as a sustainable tourism hotel by Rain Forest Alliance. The Hotel was built from an old house owned by the traditional Bemberg Family, which has been completely renovated respecting the original architecture. All spacious rooms feature large windows and a private patio, allowing the traveler to contemplate the jungle. They have been tastefully decorated maintaining their colonial style with a combination of natural and local materials.
Iguazu Falls
Find out more about this United Estates of Argentina tour here!
