Across thousands of kilometers, amidst the most raw and unyielding wildernesses of this enormous country, you will find some of the best estancias in Argentina —remote retreats that are far more than just places to stay, but rather iconic symbols of Argentine identity. Unique sanctuaries, providing a portal into the past, and at the same time, poignant reminders of traditions still alive today and being preserved for the future.
In the bitter-blowing beauty of Patagonia, a warm fire roars indoors, and a steaming tub bubbles under unpolluted skies. In the wide-open Pampas, where gauchos gallop across vast plains flanked by the Andes, dinner awaits. Argentine steaks licked by open flames, paired with award-winning crimson red. In the fertile valleys close to the colonial city of Salta, a sprawling family-owned manor, surrounded by lush gardens, verandas, and peaceful courtyards, beckons you inside after long days exploring the forest. In a country that stretches almost half the continent, from its most southernly icy tip, to the north – close to the border with Bolivia – you’ll find those scenes in the most strikingly beautiful lands.
Remoteness begets reward of course but brings with it travel times that make a stay at an estancia an essential part of a wider exploration of Argentina rather than a single destination trip. Thankfully, that’s where we come in. Our bespoke adventures span from Buenos Aires to Mendoza to Patagonia – pinpointing some of the best estancias in Argentina – but first, a word on their far-reaching history.
The History of Estancias in Argentina
The story of Argentina’s estancias is woven into the very fabric of the country’s history, tracing back to the early days of Spanish rule. These vast estates, originally granted to the settlers, stretched across the Pampas and beyond, becoming the backbone of the nation’s cattle ranching and agricultural economy.
Over centuries, the estancieros—wealthy landowners—built grand manor houses at the heart of these lands. Where the echo of horse hooves and the clinking of spurs from gauchos still reverberate today. The Gauchos, Argentina’s rugged cowboys, shaped the estancia’s rhythm, their horsemanship and traditions immortalized in the country’s folklore. As generations passed, these estates became more than just working farms but cultural sanctuaries. Preserving the rural traditions, customs, and spirit of the Argentine countryside.
Today, the best estancias in Argentina welcome travelers, offering not only luxurious accommodations but also a living connection to a storied past. Where the essence of Argentina’s heritage thrives amid the wild beauty of its varied landscapes.
Five of the best estancias in Argentina by Aracari Travel
At Aracari, we have long loved the estancias of Argentina. Quite unlike anywhere else, these often-working ranches redefine luxury within their own context. Here, the onus is on hearty meals infused with tradition, rooms that celebrate unobstructed views, deep cultural reverberations, and family-run hospitality that feels akin to coming home as opposed to staying away.
It’s those qualities that thread through each of those featured in our exclusive list of the best estancias in Argentina. Welcome to our highly selective curation, all best paired with a bespoke Argentina adventure designed by our experts.
1. Estancia Los Potreros: the family-run haven amongst the hills of Córdoba
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Córdoba, Estancia Los Potreros is a timeless retreat. It perfectly captures the spirit of Argentina’s rural heartland. This family-owned working ranch, passed down through four generations of the Begg family, offers an intimate glimpse into a traditional way of life. The family’s personal touch and welcoming hospitality make guests feel like they’re part of the tradition. The lodgings are cozy, with individually styled rooms blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Think wood-burning stoves, local textiles, and sweeping views of the hills.
At Los Potreros, the air is filled with the scent of fresh leather and wild grasses. Horses roam freely across the landscape, waiting to carry guests on unforgettable rides through vast fields. The estancia is also renowned for its award-winning Aberdeen Angus cattle. Meals here showcase the best of farm-to-table dining, with home-cooked dishes featuring ingredients from the ranch. The pace slows, inviting you to savor life’s simple pleasures. Sip mate under ancient trees, watch the sun dip behind the hills, or gather for a traditional asado.
Far more than just a place to stay, Estancia Los Potreros is a living testament to Argentina’s rural heritage. It offers an authentic, hands-on experience blending family warmth with the rugged beauty of the countryside. This makes it truly one of the best estancias in Argentina.
2. Rancho ‘e Cuero: a celebration of the Andes, nearby to Argentina’s wine heartland
Cradled deep in the Andes near Mendoza, Rancho ‘e Cuero is a family-run sanctuary of Argentina’s finest estancias. For over 250 years, the Palma family has cared for this 7,400-acre retreat, sharing their land with guests. With just six rooms spread across two rustic lodges, the estancia ensures a private, immersive stay. Each room offers sweeping views of the Andean peaks, rivers, and valleys. Guests can also hire it exclusively, enjoying the luxury of complete privacy.
Life here revolves around adventure and the great outdoors. Guests can ride criollo horses through dramatic mountain passes, fly fish in the pristine Guevara stream, or trek through valleys where guanacos, deer, and condors roam freely. What we love most, having met the family, is that whether you’re seeking the thrill of exploration or quiet moments in nature, the members of the family themselves are there to guide you, sharing their knowledge and passion for the land. Every meal is a celebration of tradition, with gourmet asados, fresh farm-to-table produce, and fine Mendoza wines reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Rancho ‘e Cuero’s remoteness creates an idyllic escape, offering both adventure and serenity and a deeply personal connection to the country’s past and present. As one of the best estancias in Argentina, Rancho ‘e Cuero blends the rugged beauty of the Andes with warm, familial hospitality, leaving an indelible mark on all who visit as part of an Aracari adventure.
3. Estancia Pampa Grande: The authentic gauchos of Argentina
This estancia made into our list of the best places to visit in South America for 2024 curtesy of our friend Mirjam, whom many of you will know from our stories following her journey across the continent as she embarks on a unique family sabbatical to South America. It’s during the family’s travels through Northern Argentina back in December 2023, that they visited Estancia Pampa Grande; a working gaucho farm.
The property of the same Spanish General who came down from Peru and founded the city of Salta, 400 years ago. Estancia Pampa Grande offers its visitors an exceptional opportunity to work alongside real gauchos in a unique geographical location: a fertile valley at 1700m altitude set within 30.000 hectares of land.
As Mirjam explains, “It’s a proper working Estancia with a village and gaucho community right next to the main Estancia, where we stayed. We loved that we had the privilege to join the gauchos in their daily tasks. Helping to herd cattle on horseback and our boys loved weighing the cattle ready for being taken to the market in Salta.”
Like all of those in our list of the best estancias in Argentina, Pampa Grande is not manicured and refined for tourists, but rather incredibly authentic. “The gauchos are continuously going about their daily tasks and if you want to join them you need to be up and ready to go on horseback at 7.30 am. Some people might dislike that, but we much prefer activities where we can join in a real experience rather than something that is “put on” for tourists. The horses are also incredibly well-trained, so children aged 10 and up can easily enjoy this activity. Also, everything (including ponchos against the rain) is provided,” says Mirjam.
“The Estancia is on the old Inca train in a little-visited corner of Northwestern Argentina. Almost cut off, making it truly off-the-beaten-track. It was also a great contrast to the desert landscapes of Atacama, Jujuy, and Northwestern Argentina we had seen just before. Estancia Pampa Grande is lush and green.”
4. Estancia Arroyo Verde: one of Argentina’s best estancias for fly-fishing
Tucked away in the heart of Patagonia, Estancia Arroyo Verde is a family-run sanctuary that offers guests a luxurious yet deeply authentic estancia experience. Nestled along the banks of the renowned Traful River, this exclusive retreat has been welcoming guests since 1983, combining world-class fly fishing with breathtaking natural beauty. The estancia’s deep-rooted connection to the land and commitment to conservation is evident in every aspect of the experience, speared-headed by the daughters of the original family, with whom we have met and who share the same principles of experiential regenerative travel as we do. With just a few elegantly appointed rooms, guests are guaranteed an intimate stay, where the peacefulness of the surrounding wilderness feels ever-present. Each room boasts rustic charm and comfort, with stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Known as one of Argentina’s top destinations for fly fishing, Arroyo Verde offers unparalleled access to the crystal-clear waters of the Traful River, famous for its brown and rainbow trout. Beyond fishing, guests can explore the rugged terrain on horseback, hike through ancient forests, or simply unwind in the serene beauty of the Patagonian wilderness. Meals are a highlight, with traditional Argentine cuisine served alongside fine wines, often enjoyed in the warmth of the lodge’s communal spaces.
Whether casting a line in one of the world’s finest fly-fishing rivers or riding through scenic trails, Estancia Arroyo Verde offers a personalized and immersive experience. For our experts, it stands as one of the best estancias in Argentina, blending adventure, luxury, and the deep heritage of Patagonia’s natural beauty.
5. Estancia Cristina: gateway to the breathtaking Los Glaciares National Park
In the far reaches of Patagonia, where the icy winds carve through Los Glaciares National Park, Estancia Cristina stands as a remote sanctuary, echoing a history that began in 1914. Accessible only by boat, it feels like a hidden world, cradled between the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino and the towering Upsala Glacier. This estancia is more than a retreat—it’s a living testament to a bygone era, where the pioneering spirit meets the wild beauty of Argentina’s south. With just 20 rooms, the experience is intimate, each space offering views of untamed mountains and glacial waters that stir the soul.
Adventure pulses through every day at Estancia Cristina, as discovered by our founder Marisol – during her own adventures to Patagonia at the start of 2024. Whether you’re trekking to panoramic peaks, riding horseback through valleys untouched by time, or uncovering the estancia’s rich history at its museum, each moment feels deeply connected to the land. There’s the option to take guided 4×4 journeys for your party alone or cast a line into the crystal-clear rivers that teem with Patagonian trout.
Evenings here are a celebration of Argentina’s culinary heritage, with home-cooked dishes crafted from local produce, paired with the finest wines of the region. As one of the best estancias in Argentina, Estancia Cristina offers a rare opportunity to lose oneself in nature’s grandeur while rediscovering the country’s past—rugged, beautiful, and profoundly moving.
6. Estancia El Bordo de Las Lanzas: An estancia amongst the fertile lands of the Siancas Valley
Set in the fertile and expansive Siancas Valley, over 2,500 feet above sea level, Estancia El Bordo de Las Lanzas is cradled by sweeping landscapes just east of the city of Salta. This 2,200-acre family-run estate is steeped in history. It dates back to 1609, and once belonged to General Martín de Güemes, a hero of Argentina’s independence. The rolling fields, tropical fruit plantations, and forests give the estancia a timeless feel. The sprawling colonial manor, with its adobe walls and hardwood accents, sits at the heart of this fertile valley, surrounded by lush gardens, verandas, and peaceful courtyards perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
What we found especially charming about this estancia is the architectural splendor of the estate, one of the best-preserved examples of colonial rural design in the region. The 17th- and 18th-century furniture, Jesuit artifacts, and religious paintings breathe history into every corner. During a bespoke Aracari adventure that passes through Salta, our can guests stay in one of nine unique rooms, each exuding rustic charm with wood-burning stoves that create a cozy retreat after days spent riding through the estate or exploring the surrounding countryside.
At El Bordo, the past comes to life not just through architecture, but also in the culinary traditions. The Arias family, descendants of Güemes, serve up Salta’s finest flavors, from empanadas baked in mud ovens to hearty carbonado stews, using ingredients grown right on the estate. As one of the best estancias in Argentina, Estancia El Bordo de Las Lanzas offers a journey back in time, where the landscape and the living history combine to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Visit several of the best estancias in Argentina with Aracari
As ever, our guide is merely the beginning. Speak to our experts today, to start planning your bespoke adventure through Argentina. Our experts can curate the perfect experience for you, be it a family vacation, a honeymoon, or a trip with friends, as well as shorter or longer vacations, or combining many other destinations across South America.