Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the Open Range
Many estancias once served as the second homes of rich
urbanites and today, some of them offer the most luxurious
rural accommodation in the country for tourists. Many
activities such as bird-watching, trekking, and polo keep
visitors occupied. Aspiring gauchos can gallop across the
plains or go on horseback treks while skilled riders can try
horse-breaking. During walks in the area, it is possible to
see abundant birdlife and spot hares, rheas, skunks, and
foxes. On some working estancias, visitors can also help
with sheep-shearing, watching over the cattle, and
preparing a barbecue. In the evenings, local dance
performances as well as engaging storytelling sessions
around the campfire can be arranged for visitors.
a good base to explore the
World Heritage Site of Cueva
de las Manos.
An excellent option for horse
riding is
Estancia Huechahue
in Neuquén, from where there
are expeditions into Parque
Nacional Lanín
(see p241)
. In
Patagonia, visitors who opt for
leisurely horse rides are also
treated to views of the region's
glaciers and awesome peaks.
Some of the well-known
estancias that offer bird-
watching, trekking, and horse
riding are
Estancias La Maipú
and
El Cóndor
, both located
on Lago San Martín.
Luxury Estancias
Some estancias provide the
perfect laid-back getaway. These
include
Estancia Cerro de la
Cruz
near Tandil, in the Pampas,
and
Estancias La Oriental
,
Menelik
, and
Cueva de las
Manos
in Patagonia. They have
in common fine dining, specta-
cular locations, and personalized
service.
Estancia Peuma Hue
is a
luxurious stopover for trips into
Parque Nacional Huapi
(see
pp242-3)
. Hostería Helsingfors
(see p258)
in Los Glaciares and
Hostería Alta Vista
in El Calafate
are other excellent options.
There are two beautiful
estancias in Córdoba -
Estancia
El Colibrí
, famous for their wines
and haute cuisine, and Estancia
La Paz, once the residence of
President Roca. Near Esteros
del Iberá is
Estancia Rincón
del Socorro
, which is an ideal
place to relax before heading
into the preserve.
Visitors going on a horse-riding tour with the help of a guide
Gaucho for a day
Argentinian gauchos have
always been proud of their
legacy and are more than
pleased to show visitors how
to become a gaucho for a day.
In the Pampas, Estancia La
Bamba and Estancia El Ombú,
both located in San Antonio de
Areco
(see p149)
, are well-
known for their traditional
rustic accom mo dation. Here,
visitors can participate in
sheep-shearing activities
or just watch the gauchos
in action.
Working sheep estancias
include
El Galpón del
Glaciar
near El Calafate, and
the isolated
Estancia La
Angostura
in Patagonia. The
130-year-old Estancia Monte
Dinero
(see p235),
near Río
Gallegos in Patagonia, also
offers trekking apart from
gaucho activities.
Estancia
Río Capitán
, located in
southern Patagonia, also
organizes wildlife tours.
Bird-Watching, Treks, and
Horse Riding
Life on an estancia entails being
close to nature. Most ranches
offer bird-watching as part of
their package. Estancia Telken
(see p247)
, near Perito Moreno in
Patagonia, is known for bird-
watching, as is
Estancia Rincón
del Socorro
in Esteros del Iberá
(see pp170-71)
. The latter also
organizes trekking trips and is
The well-furnished living room of Estancia Cerro de la Cruz
