Gaucho Culture & Lifestyle in Areco

Get to know the Argentinean countryside traditions: gauchos, asado and estancia culture.


Lucky for the porteños, the vast plains of the Pampas, gaucho culture and tradition are alive and so close by. Only an hour drive from Buenos Aires city we arrive in San Antonio de Areco town, far away from everything and surrounded by wild countryside landscape, home to the Tradition Festival in November.

San Antonio de Areco church

Founded in 1730, San Antonio de Areco has been home for centuries to the traditions and rituals inspired by the gauchos, but the town really started to embrace its fame after 1926, following the publication of the famous novel Don Segundo Sombra by the local writer Ricardo Güiraldes, which follows the meeting between a gaucho and an orphan in the Blanqueada, a typical pulperia (bar) in the town.

Wandering through the colonial streets of Areco, time seems to have stopped. Over the centuries, the town has preserved its heritage and identity, becoming one of the most visited historic places in the province of Buenos Aires.

We invite you to a full day of gaucho lifestyle, tradition, asado, craftwork and estancia culture. A day trip from Buenos Aires to Areco to see the real national heritage; an opportunity to learn about one of the emblems of the Argentine identity and the rural life.    

Early in the morning, we leave from your hotel and exit Buenos Aires towards the Route 8 to reach our final destination. Soon after leaving the city landscape behind we start seeing the Pampas scenery.

An hour or so later, we arrive in San Antonio de Areco where we meet our guide, who will guide us through the charming streets of the historical center and show us the local church and the famous pulperías.

A visit to the Silversmith Draghi Museum, the First workshop and museum of Draghi’s silverware, where we may observe the process of making a genuine piece of silverwork; and also to the Ricardo Güiraldes Museum where gaucho life is celebrated and preserved with a collection of traditional gaucho gear: mates, handicraft decorated knives, ponchos, and all manner of elaborate saddlery and bridlery.

After the tour around Areco and its surroundings, at noon we arrive at an exclusive and historical estancia where we will be greeted with empanadas and a delicious Argentine asado. We will walk around the estancia with the guide, hearing stories about this historic working ranch.

At the estancia we will meet gauchos and participate in different rural activities such as horseback riding and carriage rides. Also we will enjoy a traditional folkloric music dancing performance and an impressive gaucho skills demonstration.

In the afternoon, after a full day in touch with the countryside and the gaucho culture, we get back on the bus and to Buenos Aires.

When visiting our city, we recommend getting to know a bit of our country history and traditions. This is the perfect experience to do so!


GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Operates year round upon reservation.
  • Full day tour from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Personalized tour for 2-4 people or private bigger groups.

Includes:

  • Door-to-door transfers to and from Buenos Aires hotel.
  • Bilingual local guide.
  • Guided visit to the historical town, museums and handicrafts.
  • Reception with empanadas, drinks and asado for lunch.
  • Horseback riding or carriage at the Estancia.
  • Demonstration of gaucho skills and traditional folkloric music performance.
  • Open swimming pool in the summer.

 


 

The Gaucho’s Trail: Areco town and Estancia

Discover the spirit and the roots of the Argentinian gaucho in the emblematic town of San Antonio de Areco, the national capital of traditions.


Located one hundred and thirteen kilometers away from Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco has kept its identity to the bone. Its picturesque streets are a living testimony of our national heritage, and with this full-day excursion, you can grasp its essence to the fullest.

We will start in Buenos Aires, where a car will pick us up and drive us to San Antonio de Areco´s center. During the drive, the guide will provide us with historical facts about the town and its origins. At arrival, we will walk the streets and visit the workshops of Areco’s most distinguished artisans and, of course,  the famous pulperías -old suppliance stores and meeting spots of the locals.

As we visit the different workshops, we will contemplate the finest of the gaucho’s traditional art. From creole leader and silverwork to vivid paintings that reflect the Pampa´s spirit in their vibrating colors. After this first encounter with Areco’s history and traditions, we will drive to Estancia El Ombú, an old ranch that remains active at the present and where we will spend the rest of the afternoon.  

At El Ombú, we will enjoy a reception of empanadas and drinks. Then, we can choose between a carriage or horseback ride around the estancia, the perfect opportunity to see the gauchos in their daily tasks. After our ride, the asado will be waiting for us. A delightful experience to taste the best of Argentinian meat, with vegetable options for vegetarians and vegans, joined by folklore music performed live by Areco’s paisans.

To end a splendid day, gauchos will give us a horseback demonstration, a traditional practice and an icon of the gaucho culture. It is also important to remark that, if you come from November to March, Estancia El Ombú has a swimming pool to refresh on the hot summer afternoons.

Finally, after the horseback demonstration, we will be driven back to Buenos Aires, arriving at approximately six pm. This experience is an excellent option for those who want to come to Argentina and get in contact with our roots and traditions. The uniqueness and simplicity of this town host within them the true essence of the gaucho spirit.

If you wish more information about this experience, please do not hesitate to contact us at Kallpa Tour.


GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Departure: 8:30 am
  • Arrival: 6:00 pm

SERVICES INCLUDED

  •  shared transportation round trip with hotel pick-up in cars or executive vans (capacity up to 7 pax),
  • All the activities and transfers within the town,
  • Bilingual local tour guide in all the activities (Town and Estancia)
  • Reception: Empanadas with drinks,
  • Lunch: Asado with variety of salads, wine/beer/sodas, dessert, coffee/tea,
  • Horseback ride or carriage ride, visit to the facilities, swimming pool nov/march.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

  • Tips.