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.

 

 

Wetland wildlife & tradition at Iberá

Visiting the tropical Iberá Wetlands in Corrientes is a must. But even more is staying at Estancia San Juan Poriahú and enjoying its activities and homemade meals.

Almost a year ago we introduced this traditional estancia located northeast of Corrientes province, on the banks of the Iberá Wetlands and close to the San Ignacio Jesuit ruins.

Still dedicated to stockbreeding, San Juan Poriahú provides accommodation, full board and outdoor activities for anyone willing to immerse into this mysterious ecosystem. 13.000 hectares, including its own fauna reserve, surrounded by an ancient and exuberant grove and the characteristic humidity of the wetlands.

Although the estancia is one of the oldest in the region (it was founded by the Jesuits in the 17th century), it keeps its colonial charm and has been preserved and adapted to receive tourists from everywhere.

The ancient farmhouse is warm in the winter and refreshing in the summer, thanks to its thick adobe walls, palm roof (typical of this region) and outside gallery. Also, it has nine wide and simple twin rooms with private or shared bathroom, all of them very homey and comfortable, decorated with antique furniture and country details.

A huge park and the swimming pool invite you to relax on summer afternoons, while contemplating the natural surroundings.

Homemade delicious meals are served daily in the shared dining room. You will try regional dishes and the traditional asado.

During your stay you will take part of some outdoor activities to get to know the wetlands. You can’t miss the boat ride! Jump onto a canoe conducted by a guide and navigate this aquatic environment girdled by colorful vegetation and an incredible array of wildlife all around. You may spot roseate spoonbills, maguari storks, whistling herons, yacarés (caymans), marsh deers, aguará guazú (maned wolves), river otters and the cute capibaras or carpinchos.

Other daily options include horseback riding joined by the resident gauchos, photographic safari, guided hikes for bird and fauna watching, night tour for yacaré watching, off-road 4×4 ride within the ranch and rural activities such as cattle branding. Keep in mind that the activities are subject to weather conditions.

The estancia fully operates year round, except on Holy Week holidays and July. You may visit the Esteros whenever you like. Due to its tropical weather, there‘s no dry season. For birdwatchers, the best time to visit is on August or September.

Don‘t forget that the stay at San Juan Poriahú includes full board with drinks and excursions. Please contact us for more information and rates.

 

RIDING INTO THE DUNES

Only 10 km away from Cafayate, Estancia Chimpa rests in the middle of the Calchaqui Valley, waiting for you to enjoy a day in the northern countryside.

This fascinating estate is at your disposal for spending the night but today we will tell you about one of the many activities it has to offer.

The Nanni family, passionate for the valley, its mountains, grapevines and horses, made of this 7600 hectares plot a beautiful relaxing place to rest and spend the day.

The estate´s main house stands out for its architecture and style; with two wings that define its structure: the South Wing, antique and original from the XXth century; and the West Wing refurbished between 2004 and 2006. In the summertime, a big exterior pool at the back to enjoy the landscape provided by the immensity of the surrounding mountains.  

The adventure of the day at Estancia Chimpa involves a one hour and a half horseback riding in the surroundings of this dreamy estate. Authentic creole gauchos who know the area as the palm of their hands, will lead the ride. Starting at the horse’s corral, you’ll be riding through the green vineyards where the Nanni family grow cabernet, torrontés and malbec grapes, among others.

Soon after, the scenery changes dramatically into a dazzling mass of white sand: behold the Cafayate dunes, a sandy area that enlightens the panorama drawing the visitors attention because of the curious figures formed on the surface by the wind.

This wonderful ride is available year round. During the winter, the ride takes place between 10:30 and 14 hs, trying to make up the most of the sun and avoid the coldest hours. In the summer, the best is to go out at dusk or dawn. Also, night rides are a classic at Chimpa; a wonderful experience with a different perspective of this natural environment, amazing starry sky view, a cozy bonfire and the nocturnal noises of this unique place.

For those who like the countryside and riding horses, while visiting Cafayate this is the estate to stop by. For more information, contact your Kallpa Tour executive.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • 1.30 hs excursion. Minimum 2 pax per riding.
  • 24 hs advanced booking required.
  • It is advisable to bring sunblock, comfortable clothes, sunglasses and a cap.
  • Conditions: Min age 3 years old / Max age: 60­-65, depending on physical conditions. Traveller max weight/height permitted 100kg / 2 mts.

 

Colomé Estancia re-opening in Salta

The luxury boutique hotel comes back with a new proposal that invites to connect with nature and to enjoy the finest wines and the typical gastronomy of the Calchaquí Valley.

Group Colomé recently announced the re-inauguration of Estancia Colomé after six years of being closed to the public. Now, the Hotel re-opens its doors and welcomes those who wish to live the northern experience from a different, and appealing, perspective. At Estancia Colomé you will find top-of-the-line comfort, personalized services, and superb location to make your stay unforgettable.

The hotel features 9 rooms, two of which are master suites with a private living room and direct access to the gallery, and seven junior suites. All the rooms are fully equipped to satisfy the most demanding guests, they all count with underfloor heating, a fireplace, a minibar, a safe-deposit box, idd, background music, and a balcony that offers a magnificent view of the valley.

The decoration of the spaces is warm and cozy and keeps the rustic touch that gives it that extra something. Besides of the superb comfort of the bedrooms, you can enjoy several relaxation areas, such as a library, a playroom, a gym, a wide living room, a bar, a restaurant with A-class gastronomy, an internet room, and even a gift shop!

In terms of gastronomy, we can say that the cuisine offered at Estancia Colomé deserves an article for itself. Most ingredients come from the vegetable garden and farm of the estancia and are grown with agroecological practices, getting products that are beyond organic and have natural flavors and textures. Both Andean and regional-cuisine dishes stand out because of their blend of exquisite tastes.

Another reason to visit Colomé is, of course, the wine. The Chef seeks the perfect combinations of the different dishes and the wines in all their presentations: Colomé Torrontés; Colomé Estate and Colomé Reserva. You can even enjoy a taste of small wine lots specially produced for the guests at the Estancia.

Staying at Estancia Colomé is not just spending the night at a fancy hotel, it is experiencing the essence of the Calchaquí Valleys. During your stay at Colomé, you can enjoy a nice and refreshing walk among the vineyards, taste a glass of wine while watching the sunset from the gallery, play tennis at the estancia’s private court, or even enjoy the art of the Canadian artist  James Turrell at the homonymous museum, which holds ten works of the notorious artist.

Certainly, Colomé is a must for both wine and comfort lovers. If you visit the Calchaquí Valley, do not miss the opportunity to stay at the Estancia.

If you wish more information about this hotel, please contact us at Kallpa Tour

GENERAL INFORMATION.

  • Feasible all year

INCLUDES:

  • Breakfast
  • Use of facilities such as swimming pool and tennis court

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Wine tasting experience
  • Other meals
  • Tips and extra expenses