The Best Estancias in Argentina

Estancias, or country ranches, are Argentina’s answer to cowboy ranches. Some of them only function as lodges nowadays, but there are some examples of fully-functional farms, which also offer accommodation for guests wanting to learn more about the country’s history with cattle and other rural activities. Here’s a list of the best estancias in Argentina, according to our Argentina travel expert.

 From the northern tip of the country near the Iguazu Falls to the southern glacier region and even some estancias located just outside of Buenos Aires, here are the best estancias in Argentina:

Estancias in Buenos Aires

Estancia La Porteña, this Estancia was declared National Historic Monument, and is located in San Antonio de Areco, known as the “cradle of the Argentine tradition.” The famous Argentinean writer Roberto Guiraldes, wrote here his famous novel “Don Segundo Sombra,” the internationally acclaimed Gaucho story. The main building was built on 1822, and including other 2 buildings, there is a total of 12 rooms to choose from. There is also a polo field, where polo classes and tournaments are available. Estancia Villa Maria, Province of Buenos Aires: located south of the city of Buenos Aires. It’s main building is one of the most impressive examples of Tudor architecture in the Province of Buenos Aires. Villa María has 11 luxurious rooms, and the Manor House has been specially conditioned to provide the best service to guests, who will feel immersed in a kind of well-being they will only experience at Villa Maria. The hotel has a gourmet restaurant, a bar, a wine cellar, a cigar room, billiards & board games, as well as a private room. Note, these estancias are within easy reach of a day trip from Buenos Aires. Talk to our South America travel experts about how to include an estancia visit into your Buenos Aires tour.

Patagonia Estancias

Nibebo Aike, El Calafate (included in our Patagonia Estancias Tour). The Lodge is situated on the southern arm of Lago Argentino, just 56 kms from El Calafate, the heart of the Glacier Region in the Argentinean Patagonia. Standing within “Los Glaciares” National Park, this is a typical Patagonia Pioneer Estancia dating from the early 20th Century. It is a fully functional ranch, whose main activities are beef and sheep cattle. The lodge holds 10 bedrooms, a restaurant, and all guests are welcomed to take part in the rural activities done in the Estancia, such and the branding of cattle, sheep shearing, milking the cows, rounding up cattle, etc. Estancia San Guillermo, Puerto Madryn (included in our Patagonia Estancias Tour). Located just 17 kms outside of Puerto Madryn, this Patagonian Estancia is strategically located between the UNESCO protected Valdés Peninsula (inhabited by whales, sea lions, and elephant seals) and Punta Tombo, home to the largest penguin colony in Patagonia. The Estancia offers various outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, bird watching, and fishing.

Estancias in Northwestern Argentina

Club Tapiz, in Mendoza: this wine lodge is located in an estate built in 1890 surrounded by 22 acres of vineyards, on Mendoza´s wine region. The main house if this Historical Building that once belonged to and was the Governor’s House, is located a few yards from the Club. 4 rooms with a private bathroom, air conditioning, it’s own swimming pool and playroom, are in a more private setting, ideal to hire complete with friends or family. Guests can enjoy a wine tasting every evening, free of charge. Other activities available are cycling, horseback riding, cooking lessons, and visits to the Club Tapiz’s winery and olive oil factory. View our Mendoza winery tours.

Estancias near Iguazu

Yacutinga Lodge, in the Misiones Forest: a stay in this fabulous lodge is included in our Iguazu and Yacutinga Lodge Tour. The jungle lodge is located by the Superior Iguaçu River, on Argentina’s northeastern border. Just 60 km away from the Iguaçu Falls. The Eco Lodge, the first and most important eco-accommodation complex in Argentina, was built in materials from the place such as rocks and large logs recovered from fallen trees that have been successfully incorporated into the local architectural concept, thus totally integrating itself into the natural environment.

Would you like to visit the best estancia’s in Argentina? Contact our team of travel experts to book one of these excellent estancia’s as part of your Argentina tour.