The Pampas

The pampas, flat and fertile plains that surround Buenos Aires and reach as far south as Bahía Blanca, were a major source of Argentina’s wealth during the agricultural boom at the beginning of the 20th century. The gaucho tradition was born here and in Entre Ríos, and is typified by towns like San Antonio de Areco, with its museums, silversmiths, and leathercraft.

Another lasting legacy of the boom years is the number of extravagantly built estancias in a variety of styles from French chateau to English country house, depending on the origin of the owners.

Our preferred accommodation

Estancia El Rosario de Areco

Estancia/Ranch - San Antonio de Areco
Around 1 hour 45 minutes north from Buenos Aires. Owned by the Guevara family, the main house was built in 1892 and the estancia has 200 acres. The sitting room has a huge open fireplace. There are two polo fields and a pool.
Estancia La Bamba

Estancia/Ranch - San Antonio de Areco
Around 1 hour 45 minutes north from Buenos Aires. A traditional estancia dating back to 1830, when the main building was used as an old posthouse on the Camino Real (Royal Road), that joined Buenos Aires with the North of the country. The main colonial house has a watchtower, covered verandas, interior patio and a lovely sitting room, which leads to the dining room where guests dine communally. The gardens are well kept, there is a outdoor pool and quincho.
Estancia La Bandada (ex Candelaria del Monte)

Estancia/Ranch - San Miguel del Monte
Around 1 hour 30 minutes south of Buenos Aires. The estancia is a family owned and run house, set in a beautiful park, with sycamore, Ginkgo bilobas, elms, a variety of pine trees and a swimming pool. The brick built house is of colonial design and traditionally furnished with many antiques.
Estancia Las Viboras

Estancia/Ranch - Dolores
Around 3 hours south of Buenos Aires. An impressive working estancia with extensive grounds and a swimming pool in the heart of the Pampas. The original house dates from the 1820's, with beautifully decorated interiors and the owners, Sandy and Gigi Dodero, are very welcoming. Plenty of asados and typical food eaten communally.
Estancia Villa Maria

Estancia/Ranch - Maximo Paz, outskirts of Buenos Aires
Only 1 hour from central Buenos Aires and 25 minutes from the international airport. A very impressive Tudor style main house with well kept gardens, a lake and over 300 species of trees. There is a beautiful main sitting room with antique furniture, an impressive dining room and it has the feel of a traditional country hotel.