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.

 

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.

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