Rural tourism in Patagonia

Pampa and gauchos, Patagonia Argentina, Visit Argentina No Responses »
Dec 062012


Combining a trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier with a stay at a local ranch is a great way to get to know the region. Extensive lands dedicated to cattle ranching and agriculture open their doors to tourists and offer them an opportunity to experience life as a gaucho. Some of the ranches offer luxury accommodations, while others are more economical and offer camping areas to expeditionaries.  Although it is possible to visit all year long, it is recommended that you visit between October and April which coincides with the southern spring and summer.

The region’s scenery is comprised of mountain peaks, rivers and crystal water lakes. Ranches offer different types of activities to visitors: horseback riding, hiking, sport fishing, rafting, mountain climbing, archeology, and flora and fauna watching. Other activities include watching, or participating in, daily local activities such as: horse brushing, sheep shearing, cattle herding, cattle branding and learning the secrets of preparing the best grilled Patagonian lamb.
The best known ranches, located relatively close to the Perito Moreno Glacier are: Estancia Cristina, El galpón del Glaciar, Alta Vista, Nibepo Aike, Huyliche, María Elisa and Helsingfors.

The picturesque town of El Chaltén, also known as the “National Trekking Capital”, is located at the foot of the Fitz Roy Mountain and has several rural inns that offer all types of services: Pudu Lodge, Estancia La Quinta, Punta de Lago, Lago del Desierto, El Pilar, Santa Teresita, El Cóndor and Aires del Fitz. One of the oldest is Estancia de las Montañas, which is dedicate to raising cattle. Here you can learn the secrets of Patagonian cooking, visit old workstations and enjoy one of the thousand southern-themed books located in the library.


Heading towards the south and located 28 miles from Río Turbio is Estancia Cancha Carrera, a must-see of the region. Located on the path that unites Los Glaciares National Park and Torres del Paine in Chile, you will see an impressive natural stone bridge and a hot spring waterfall between snow capped peaks.
On the northern edge of Santa Cruz in Los Antiguos is Estancia Telken, dedicated to ovine exploitation, and Estancia Suyai. Both are situated before the famous Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands).

Without a doubt, there is something for everyone in the countryside. Argentinian ranches are deeply connected to the country’s history and the essence of its culture.

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Posted by Paula Colantonio at 5:07 Tagged with: , ,

Polo in Argentina. Ready to sign up?

Buenos Aires tourism, Pampa and gauchos, Sports in Argentina, Visit Argentina No Responses »
Nov 202012
Polo in Argentina is highly developed and considered the best in the world. This is due to the high quality of the players, the horses used and the great number of establishments used to practice the sport. Argentina is also home to the most prestigious tournaments in the world every year.

Argentravel can organize a fun and exciting afternoon of playing polo. Even if you have never mounted a horse before, the instructors have the necessary ability and experience to teach you. At the end of your training you will end up playing a match with your adventure partners. It has been tested and guaranteed! The experience lasts approximately 6 hours: it begins once you are picked up at the hotel (or you meet at a nearby location). The trip to the countryside lasts 30 minutes. After a brief theoretical introduction, you will be taught how to mount a horse (if you don’t already know how to do so) until you feel confident. Once you are comfortable, you will learn the basic polo strokes. After this first part of the class you will take a short break. During the second part of the class you will learn the rules of the game and play a match! On occasion the activity will last longer because the class coincides with the professional player’s practices and you can stay longer to watch them play. The class fee includes round-trip transportation from/to the town center and instruction (this includes horse and equipment (helmet, boots and riding crop) rental.

Another option is attending a polo match. These take place between March and May and between September and December during the tournament season.


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Posted by Paula Colantonio at 18:40 Tagged with: ,

Horseback riding in Argentina

Active tourism in Argentina, Eco-tourism in Argentina, Pampa and gauchos, Patagonia Argentina No Responses »
Oct 312012

Horseback riding in Argentina: Argentina, horses, gauchos. 3 concepts that paint a picture of this country and evoke words such as tradition, folklore, epic and homeland. It is said that the country was “created on horseback”. Just as in the days of old, this is a fantastic way to appreciate and enjoy this beautiful land.

Today, it is still possible to traverse this almost virgin land on horseback and to the rhythm of native horses. You can travel through mountains, forests, jungles, prairies and beaches.

You can also discover the secrets of the deep valleys accessible only on horseback. Whether you travel alone, with a group or with a seasoned guide, the experience is always interesting and unique. For those who do not know the area, we recommended using a local guide. There are excursions for everyone: expeditions for several days across the mountains, tours through Esteros del Iberá where you will likely see black howler moneys, cattle herding with gauchos and much, much more.

Here we give you a detailed description of a tour so that you can get an idea of what these horseback riding expeditions are like.

One example is horseback riding through the Patagonian Andes:

  • The scenery is rich with dense forests full of wildlife and surrounded by imposing mountains. Glaciers, emerald colored lakes, streams and snow-capped peaks complete the scenery.
  • Once you arrive, you will stay at a local ranch from where you will explore the region on horseback accompanied by gauchos for as many days as you would like (typically between 2 and 5).
  • The paths chosen by the guides have gentle inclines and have a moderate level of difficulty.
  • Horseback riding trips last between 5 and 7 hours.
  • At night, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery while savoring the best Patagonian lamb and barbecue prepared by locals.
  • These programs typically include the first night stay in a hotel and subsequent nights in a camp or cabin (all accommodations), transfers, entry to national parks, local guides and fully-equipped horses.
  • A camera is a must on these amazing trips!

More information on horseback riding in Argentina

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If you would like to receive exclusive information, subscribe to our newsletter and download the FREE “Guide to Argentina”

  • Once you are subscribed to our newsletter you will have immediate access to our “Tourist Destinations in Argentina” guide with information regarding the different regions, main attractions and activities. In only 34 pages you will have a clear panorama of what you can see and do in Argentina.
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Posted by Paula Colantonio at 21:29 Tagged with:

The Argentinian Countryside

Argentina tours, Pampa and gauchos No Responses »
Oct 292012
Argentina has more than 500 ranches that open their doors to tourists so that they can experience the Argentinian countryside and the gaucho lifestyle first-hand, but with the advantages of modern comfort. Some of the ranches have a history of over 200 years and are still being managed by the great-grandchildren of the original owners.

The majority offer characteristic activities such as horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides and the possibility of engaging in rural activities such as cattle herding and sheep shearing. You’ll also be able to attend folkloric dances and rural games, enjoy a polo or pato match (the national sport) and of course, enjoy a delicious typical barbecue.


In many establishments you can also fish, hunt, ride bicycles and observe native flora and fauna.

The hosts of the ranches open their doors and welcome you like family. The ambiance is always relaxed and restful. Guests can either participate in activities or relax in the comfort of the ranch and its surroundings.

It truly is worth getting away from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires for a few days and enjoy the famous Argentinian countryside.

CLICK here to find out more

If you would like to receive exclusive information, subscribe to our newsletter and download the FREE “Guide to Argentina”

  • Once you are subscribed to our newsletter you will have immediate access to our “Tourist Destinations in Argentina” guide with information regarding the different regions, main attractions and activities. In only 34 pages you will have a clear panorama of what you can see and do in Argentina.
  • You will receive a monthly newsletter with discounts and exclusive content.
Posted by Paula Colantonio at 21:15 Tagged with: , , ,

The Argentinian countryside: The gaucho

Argentina tours, Pampa and gauchos No Responses »
Oct 262012

The gaucho, a mix of indigenous and Spanish blood, was the vagabond inhabitant of the pampas. He traveled on horse with no particular destination in mind and he dedicated himself to hunting cattle. He actively participated in the wars for independence.In time, they were used as farmers. This is where today’s definition of “gaucho” comes from; referring to men, both farmers and ranchers, from the countryside.

The term gaucho is synonymous with liberty, countryside, horse, mate, barbecue and love of land. If you travel to Argentina try to spend at least one day in the countryside so that you can experience first-hand what gaucho signifies.

Below you will find a National Geographic video on the gauchos of Argentina

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If you would like to receive exclusive information, subscribe to our newsletter and download the FREE “Guide to Argentina”

  • Once you are subscribed to our newsletter you will have immediate access to our “Tourist Destinations in Argentina” guide with information regarding the different regions, main attractions and activities. In only 34 pages you will have a clear panorama of what you can see and do in Argentina.
  • You will receive a monthly newsletter with discounts and exclusive content.

Posted by Paula Colantonio at 20:41 Tagged with: ,
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