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The Pampas
The land that surrounds Buenos Aires is known as “the Pampas”. Once inhabited by Gauchos, these flat plains were the grounds of vicious battles between natives and criollos - Gaucho descendants of Spanish conquistadores and aborigines (natives) of the Pampas. Considered outcasts, they lived solitary lives.
Through their existence, Gauchos became experts (still are) at handling boleadoras, a 3 hard-rock leather ball tied to a rope that was used for hunting for the most part. They also developed a taste for music in spite of their rough life and manners and used their creative nature to challenge other gauchos at impromptu "Payadas".
They would carry everywhere a particular type of knife called Facon and by living in the open in close contact with cattle they became used to eating beef cooked in an open fire. These are the first historical records of what later became one of argentine's favourite weekend pastimes: barbecuing meat. Today the Pampas offers a glimpse into the history of Argentina. Most estancias are still working ranches allowing you take part in the daily life and experience the Gaucho life first hand. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Below is a list of things that can be seen and done whilst at an estancia, however please bear in mind that each estancia offers their own activities.
Horse riding – for many this is the main reason for coming to an estancia and each estancia has a number of horses of varying standards from beginners to expert riders Polo – some estancias offer this, most notably estancia El Rocio which has a dedicated polo field and regular games Ranch life - various stock-rearing activities as they happen on the ranch: milking, driving cattle to harness, vaccination, ear-tagging, de-horning, branding, etc. Walking – exploring an estancia on foot or, accompanied by seasoned gauchos, on one of the many horses that are part of the working drove.
Horse drawn carriages – these are available at most estancias.
San Antonio de Areco - a picturesque pampas town, with its museums, such as the famous Ricardo Güiraldes Gaucho Museum, silversmiths, leather craft and wood workshops, a delightful little chocolate factory and frequent country auctions, all of which serve to keep very much alive the traditions of the gaucho culture. Other activities – Most estancias have a swimming pool, table tennis, table football, volleyball and football, bicycle rides and golf and tennis available or can be found nearby.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Buenos Aires Estancias
One of the most luxurios working Estancias in the Pampas region, with only 5 rooms and with an incredible homely and attentive service, this exclusive retreat is one of the best options within the area.
Buenos Aires Estancias
El Ombú de Areco is an historical estancia, built in 1880 by Lieutenant-general Pablo Riccheri and offers an experience of staying in a rustic working Estancia. The place still retains its original features
Buenos Aires Estancias
This renowned historic manor house of the Estancia Maria is surrounded by 74 hectares of incredible parkland and sits on 3700 acres of vineyards. There is an English influence in the public rooms
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