Gauchos in Argentina: A day in the countryside at a Gaucho Estancia

Updated: September 18th, 2020

When thinking of  traveling to Argentina, many people will get a few words come to mind: “tango”, “gauchos” and “pampas”. Buenos Aires and its outskirts combine these three words, which also refers to the country’s rich culture.

But what does “gaucho” actually mean? This almost mythical figure, comparable to the American cowboys, has been present in Argentina’s history and traditions ever since the Independence War, in the early 1800s, when rural men helped the patriot forces against the Spanish. The Argentina Gauchos were local people that worked in the large cattle estates or “estancias”, a nomadic group of men who, after the war, settled in the vast “pampas” region, a large fertile area famous for their never ending plains and flat lands.

Nowadays, visitors can visit some of these centuries old “estancias” or country ranches, and get to know more about Argentina gauchos and their way of life. Their rich culture includes dance and music (the fun “malambo” and folklore music such as “chacarera” and “chamame”, to name a few), food (the typical “asado” or barbecue, and the delicious “empanadas”) and drinks (Argentina‘s national infusion called “mate”), and most importantly, their horsemanship.

Anyone staying in Buenos Aires for more than a couple of days should visit one of these estancias or country ranches, to enjoy a day in the countryside at a typical gaucho ranch in Argentina. We have chosen one of the most traditional ones in the area: La Candelaria Estancia

Estancia La Candelaria

Estancia La Candelaria is located 70 miles (about 112 km) from downtown Buenos Aires, and offers visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience “a day in the countryside.” Guests enjoy typical Argentine dishes, such as the empanada and the asado (traditional barbecue) and can spend their time horseback riding, cycling, swimming in the outdoor pool, at the tennis court, or simply strolling through the beautiful park.

The Castle

The main house is a beautiful French-style castle from the 19th century, which has been featured in countless Argentine films and TV shows. It is surrounded by a magnificent 100-hectare park designed by remarkable landscape architect Charles Thais, with 240 tree species, a lake, and a forest. A day at La Candelaria estancia in Argentina includes a tour of the main house, where you will learn about its history and see the extravagantly decorated interior. 26 rooms give guests the opportunity to spend a few days enjoying the quiet of the Argentine countryside, which can be a welcome break after sightseeing in bustling Buenos Aires. You can also visit on a day trip, where various traditional activities give visitors a glimpse at life during the time of the Gauchos in Argentina‘s early years.

La Candelaria is reached by van or car from Buenos Aires – It takes about 2 hours to get there. Arriving guests are greeted and welcomed with refreshments and empanadas before the activities begin. As well as a choice of the outdoor pursuits already mentioned, you will be treated to a folkloric show during lunch, where dancers in traditional costume perform the unique Argentina Gaucho dances to music. This is followed by a demonstration of horsemanship outside in the castle grounds, including various daredevil horseback riding games that are exciting to watch, and even more exciting to participate in!

By late afternoon, guests return by van/car to the city of Buenos Aires, which makes it a great chance for a most deserved “siesta” or nap, before getting to the Hotel.

SouthAmerica.travel offers many possibilities for visiting an estancia in Argentina, including day trips or overnight stays, and destinations across the country from Buenos Aires province to Patagonia. Get in touch with our expert travel consultants for more information about planning your visit to an estancia in Argentina on your custom South America tour.