Argentina - A different proposition

Tourism that takes in the rural areas affords the possibility to experience nature from within. The estancias have made this activity possible, a type of tourism that is now chosen by visitors from all over the world. They come to become acquainted with the life of the gaucho and to share his “mate” beverage, the fried cakes, home-baked bread, the barbecues and the horseback outings.

The estancias were the residences of the first Argentine ranchers in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. These are large houses in the midst of a green wooded landscape and their architectural style varies between an indigenous one and the European styles prevalent at the time.

The heirs of these lands take advantage of these aged abodes by providing an excellent service to cater to visitors who come to enjoy the establishments and their rural surroundings.

Extended horseback outings and relaxing strolls around the neighborhood of the built-up area are some of the frequent activities visitors engage in. The breaking-in of horses and the bringing-in of cattle to enclosures in the evening may  be watched and, in this way,  contact  may be taken up with the Argentine “gaucho” ( cowboy) and acquaintance made with his life-style.

Food is also a part of this unusual proposition: the barbecue,  the "empanada" (a turnover pie or pastry), the "locro" (a corn, potato, meat and pepper dish) and other types of native food. The sun-dried clay brick furnace and the grill broiler lend the food the typical taste of the country’s  native dishes.

No doubt: the estancias afford a way to leave the cities behind in order to enjoy the peace of nature found in the rural areas. From their architecture down to their food the estancias are the vehicle through which the country offers its visitors diverse options of rural tourism.