An estancia is an Argentinean ranch, a country house. Several open their doors to visitors and offer a variety of services and activities. You can find estancias that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors – some even provide spa services. Others specialize in bird watching. Most estancias offer horse riding, strolls in horse driven carriages and gaucho shows. Want to try your hand at polo? Find estancias that offer beginner classes. Other activities often include golf, tennis, bike riding and fishing. Oh, and pack your bathing suit – most estancias have a pool.
Within an hour or two (by car) of Buenos Aires, there are over 20 estancias to chose from. They range from the super luxurious to the basic. Prices are very reasonable – as little as $200 per person per night, including all meals and basic activities.
Estancieros are very proud of their culinary offerings and their traditions. You will be treated to an asado (a full Argentinean barbeque), mate (traditional gaucho tea) and fantastic wine. Most estancias will happily accommodate your taste and dietary requirements if you let them know ahead of time.
Welcomeargentina.com has compiled a nice list of estancias close to Buenos Aires. Check out their photo galleries to see the beautiful airy rooms, the grounds, the dining options. As I look at my plummeting thermometer and 8″ of snow in my backyard here in New England, I wish I could make a reservation right now…(sigh)
Here are a few more to check out:
- Estancia Santa Susana – their standard service offers a 1/2 day of activities and meals, no overnights. Perfect if you’re pressed for time
An acquaintance visited Estancia Monte Viejo last month and reports back that she had a great time.
Please note that there are many estancias outside of Buenos Aires province. I’ll do some research and include those in upcoming posts.
I would love to share your experiences with other readers, so please add your comments.
Estancia Santa Susana
Share a mate with a friendly gaucho!
Born in Argentina, Paula Crerar moved to the United States as a child. She continued to visit Argentinean relatives every year in Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Córdoba and Salta. With the seasons reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, most of her stints in Argentina were spent in Patagonia skiing, and soon her shelf space was filled with ski racing trophies.
She has also lived and traveled extensively in the Caribbean and Latin American countries. Paula is currently a marketing executive in the technology industry and lives in Boston.
