Argentina is not all tango and Malbec—it’s also the home of some of South America’s most beautiful countryside retreats. If you’re taking a trip and need to get away from the tourist hubbub of Buenos Aires or Mendoza, including an estancia (Argentine ranch) on your to-do list is an absolute must.
Estancias provide a perfect combination of rural charm, authentic gaucho culture, and luxurious hospitality. Whether horse riding, savoring fine wines, or simply basking in peaceful landscapes, these under-the-radar gems are equipped with everything you need.
Here’s your ultimate roundup of the best estancias to add to your Argentina adventure.
This ranch from the twenty-first century is the perfect blend of luxury and history. Just a two-hour drive from Buenos Aires, La Bamba offers a peaceful retreat into gaucho life, minus the rough edges. Think antique-filled rooms, polo fields, gourmet meals, and no TVs in sight.
Expect horseback rides, mate tea under ancient trees, and maybe even a gaucho show if you’re lucky. This one’s a no-brainer for those on luxury Argentina tours.
A member of Relais & Châteaux located in the Sierras de Córdoba, El Colibrí is akin to a boutique hotel with a rural heart. The amenities are sumptuous, the food locally grown and of five-star quality, and the adventures outside are limitless—horseback riding, cycling, walking, or simply resting by the pool with the mountains as a backdrop.
It’s the sort of place where you wake up to birdsong, drink espresso on a rose-covered terrace, and forget what city noise sounds like.
Need a Patagonia experience that’s a bit off the beaten path? Estancia Cristina is your solution. Situated within Los Glaciares National Park and only reachable by boat (yes, it’s that far removed), this estancia is an immersive experience.
With glacier hikes, 4×4 mountain excursions, fly fishing, and breathtaking vistas of the Upsala Glacier, it’s ideal for thrill seekers. And the history of the region, established in 1914 by English settlers, is an added bonus.
If you’re tight on time but still want that traditional estancia vibe, Villa María is just 45 minutes from Buenos Aires. This mansion exudes romantic emotions, exquisite architecture, and well-kept grounds.
The 11-bedroom Tudor-style house is ringed by 74 hectares of rolling countryside and is ideal for an overnight stay or day outing. Play polo, feast on Argentine asado, or simply stroll through the picturesque gardens with a glass of wine in your hand.
For something a bit more low-key and real, Estancia Los Potreros is a family-run, homier experience. Less glitz, more snug. Located on a 6,000-acre working cattle ranch, it provides horseback riding experiences for every level, wine tastings, and home-cooked meals lovingly prepared.
It’s perfect for independent travelers, couples, or families who want to unplug and absorb rural Argentina. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and hospitable, like you’re staying at a friend’s country villa (if your friend just so happened to reside in paradise).
This is a polo enthusiast’s haven. Puesto Viejo is not only an estancia—it’s also a world-class polo club. Watch a game, learn to play, or simply relax poolside as riders whizz by on horseback.
The accommodation is trendy, the food is locally sourced, and the sunsets over the pastures are… blissful poetry. For a short weekend escape, Buenos Aires is also nearby.
Adventure and sustainability converge at Huechahue. This family-owned, fourth-generation ranch prioritizes riding, fly-fishing, and cultural immersion in Mapuche culture.
If you want Patagonia minus the throngs, Huechahue’s rolling open plains and white-capped peaks will satisfy your cravings. Plus, you may even catch glimpses of condors soaring overhead or be able to assist in herding cattle like an authentic gaucho.
It’s an all-out mood. Whether you’re reclining in a hammock beneath ancient trees or riding across fields of gold, an estancia stay allows you to take your time and get the genuine Argentina.
And you get to experience the other side of the country that most visitors don’t see—the people, the scenery, the culture—and you get to do it in a serious style.
Argentina’s estancias are more than just beautiful places to stay—they’re experiences. They blend comfort, culture, adventure, and luxury in one unforgettable package. So, next time you’re plotting your dream South American getaway, make sure to pencil in at least one estancia. Your blissed-out future self will appreciate it.
Whether you’re crafting the ultimate road trip or planning one of those once-in-a-lifetime luxury Argentina tours, these estancias are the perfect detour into Argentina’s soulful countryside.
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