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.
WINE TASTING AND MOUNTAIN BIKE DOWNHILL THROUGH VINEYARDS IN CAFAYATE
Taste and live the best of Cafayate in an experience that merges history, culture, and flavor with a spark of adrenaline.
Cafayate unquestionably is one of the Northwest’s top destinations. Known for its world-class wines and its spectacular geography, this place is an invitation to travelers from all over the world. However, there is more to Cafayate than just wines and landscapes. Adventure also finds its place in the land of sun and wine, and we would like to invite you to discover it with this thrilling activity that combines a degustation experience with a mountain bike downhill.
Our adventure begins with a hotel pick-up in Cafayate, and drive up to Finca Domingo Molina, a family winery exclusively dedicated to the production of premium wines. With a privileged terroir that allows excellent grape growing conditions, the wines obtained from those grapes display intense aromas and flavors. At this cellar located in North Yacochuya, we will enjoy a degustation of the finest Domingo Molina’s wines, which include varieties such as Torrontés, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat.
After the visit and degustation and before getting too comfortable, we will prepare to start our downhill descent. While we get ready and settle up the bikes and equipment, the guide will instruct us in regard to safety precautions, posture, and use of the bikes. He will also give us historical and geographical details of the area.
Once ready to pedal, we will start this enchanting descent through North Yacochuyas’ road. Along the road, we will pass by the iconic vineyards of Cafayate while contemplating a mind-blowing scenery. We will see how the green grape leafs merge with the hills in the horizon as we feel the wind in our faces. And since the road is easy, we will be able to enjoy this magnificent scenery to the fullest.
As we move forward, we will take small pauses to hydrate and ask any questions we might have concerning the surroundings. During the descent, we will capture the magical spirit of the Valley and its peculiar geography. Finally, we will reach our destination: Cafayate’s central square, where this adventure finishes. At Cafayate town, you can wander its streets and enjoy the rest of the afternoon in this charming town. This is an incredible experience and it is ideal if you are planning to stay in Cafayate for a short period.
If you wish more information on this experience, please do not hesitate to contact us at Kallpa Tour Operator.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Duration: 2.45hrs
- Downhill difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 9 km
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Visit and premium wine tasting at Finca Domingo Molina
- Bilingual guide
- Bottle of water
- MTB and equipment
- Transfer in from Cafayate to Domingo Molina.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
- Tips
HISTORIC NORTHERN ESTATE IN TUCUMAN
At Las Trancas, Tucumán Province, we find a traditional northern Estancia where adventure, culture, and history unite to create a unique experience.
As we get deeper into Tucuman northern valley, passing the thickness of the yunga’s jungle and its overwhelming contrast with the surrounding mountain ranges, we reach this quiet place that waits to offer rest and relax to travelers.
Nevertheless, Estancia Zárate isn’t just a picturesque place to retire but also a passage throughout history. Its historical records date from the early 18th century. The main residence was a shelter for those brave men who traversed the valleys and needed refuge for the night; and hosted under its roof governors, caudillos, and messengers from the turbulent times that forged this country.
The historic residence still preserves its colonial style and some details from the original structure, such as doors, window frames, pieces of furniture that remained intact over the years, the classic galleries and its columns, and the old well, just to mention some. The rooms also preserve the colonial identity with high ceilings, wooden beds, and antique wardrobes with elegant walnut root details.
Nowadays, the estate is an active stockbreeder, specialized in Bradford livestock and polo horses, and it has recently opened its doors to travelers who wish to witness part of the northern history and learn how an agricultural and breeding system works in such peculiar area. The project was born with the intention of preserving the environment and providing the local community with sustainable work.
As part of this integration program, all the activities and services will be in the hands of the locals who will proudly share their stories, culture, and flavors. During our stay, we will be able to see men working the fields or grouping the cattle. We can also learn how they train the polo horses with an innovating method called joined-up, based on developing a relationship with the horse with no violence involved.
Among other activities that this place offers, there are of course horseback rides, trekking paths, and an exclusive program for the brave ones, which consists of an 8-hour ride towards Las Queñuas, nature reserve accessible only by horse or foot. Also, those who are interested in polo will be able to enjoy the beautiful ground to either play, learn or watch a friendly game.
Besides the mentioned options, Estancia Zárate also counts with an indoor playroom that invites guests to relax, watch TV, enjoy several board games, or even try talent with the old snooker table, one of the surviving pieces of furniture found in the house.
All in all, this estate is an excellent option for those who want to visit the Argentinean Northwest. Due to its privileged location, it is a perfect stop point for those who want to connect the valleys of Tucuman and Salta, both top northern destinations.
If you wish more information on this or other programs, please contact us at Kallpa Tour!
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Open all year
- Special fees for Christmas and New Year
- Activities are planned locally with visitors, according to their interest and subject to weather conditions.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Full board
- Activities: Horseback riding, cattle grouping, trekking
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks outside meals
- Transfers in/out
- Laundry service
- Tips
- Other guided excursions not included in the main program
- Polo classes and clinics
- Horseback ride to las Queñuas