First and foremost Pablo is not only an outstanding guide, but also a warm engaging person. We had a delightful day in his company, and benefitted from his knowledge of the country, its history and the places we visited.
San Antonio De Areco is a lovely place to spend a short time, Pablo guided us to the points of interest such as the church, silversmiths, the Gaucho bar and introduced us to Yerba Mate!
The Gaucho ranch is a fabulous day out, a gentle 20 minute horse ride, great lunch with more beef available than anyone could ever eat - all of it tender, tasty and well cooked, accompanied by decent wine. Lunch is followed by a show, guest are invited to join in wit the dancing. Great fun.
Highly recommended
This gaucho (cowboy) estancia tour was honestly one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Argentina.
From start to finish, everything was seamless and thoughtfully done. Our guide, Oriana, was incredible. She picked us up right on time from our hotel in a clean, air-conditioned 12-passenger van with a fantastic driver. From the moment we met her, her energy was warm, bubbly, and welcoming. She kept checking in to make sure everyone was comfortable, even offering a phone charger if anyone needed one. It may seem like a small detail, but it made a big difference, especially on the roughly 2-hour ride to the countryside.
On the way, we made a stop at a really nice coffee shop for drinks and snacks, and later explored a charming historic town filled with cafés, souvenir shops, and even a beautiful church. It was such a picturesque stop and perfect for photos.
The final stretch to the ranch was an adventure in itself. We transferred into 4x4 jeeps for a short ride down an unpaved road, which added to the whole experience.
When we arrived at the estancia, the property was absolutely breathtaking. We were welcomed with freshly made empanadas and drinks (wine, beer, soda, or water). And I have to say, these were hands down the BEST empanadas we had during our entire trip. Don’t hold back, they keep bringing them!
We then had the option of horseback riding or taking a covered carriage ride. My husband and I chose horseback riding, even though we are complete beginners. The gauchos were amazing. They helped us get on safely, gave clear instructions, and made sure we felt comfortable. The horses were very well-trained and followed each other in a calm, single-file line, which made it feel very safe. It ended up being one of our favorite parts of the day. They even offered to take photos and videos for us, which was such a nice touch.
Lunch was incredible. We got to see the asado being prepared, which added to the authenticity. The spread was huge with multiple salads, and then came the meats. Pork, chicken, beef, sausages, everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The homemade chimichurri was next level. Wine was flowing freely, and the whole meal felt relaxed and communal. Sitting with fellow travelers and chatting made it feel like a big family-style gathering. Oriana continued to check in and engage with everyone, which made the experience even more special.
After lunch, there was live music and traditional dancing. At first we were a little shy, but after a bit of wine, we joined in and had such a fun time learning the dances. It was such a joyful and authentic cultural moment.
A few tips:
• It is a full day (we left at 8:30 AM and returned around 6 PM)
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty
• If it rains, the grounds can get muddy
• Definitely wear sunscreen
Overall, this was an unforgettable experience. Beautiful scenery, amazing food, warm hospitality, and such a fun way to experience Argentine culture.
If you’re even considering this tour, DO IT. You won’t regret it.
And if you can, request Oriana as your guide. She truly made the day extra special.