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A home away from home in the heart of Argentina's polo country, just outside Buenos Aires, Tres Palmeras offers an intimate introduction to life on the Pampas. Once the family's weekend retreat, it now welcomes a small number of guests each year while retaining the warmth and informality of a private home. Polo is central to life here, but so too are long lunches (Any dish prepared by Mirta is a hit. Don't leave without trying her famous dessert, Cremita), generous family hospitality and the unhurried pace that has shaped the Argentine countryside for generations. Adding to its charm are the beautifully designed gardens, created by the owner, Clara, an accomplished landscape designer whose passion is evident in every corner of the property.

Beyond Buenos Aires, near the historic gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco, La Bamba de Areco is one of Argentina's oldest and best-preserved colonial estancias. Home to an international polo team, it reflects the country's deep-rooted equestrian traditions while offering a more refined estancia experience. Days are spent on horseback, watching polo practice, exploring the surrounding countryside by bike, and gathering for the daily asado. These long, communal lunches bring guests together over generous servings of grilled meats and vegetables. Afterwards, seek out the cosy billiards room for a gin and tonic.

Tucked away in the sun-kissed rolling hills of Córdoba's Sierras Chicas, Los Potreros is a working cattle ranch that has been in the Begg family for more than a century. In 2001, fourth-generation owner Kevin opened the estancia to guests, and today he warmly welcomes guests into his family home, sharing stories of the estancia's history, his lifelong passion for horses and the traditions that continue to shape life here. Each day, guests are paired with one of the estancia's 140 horses and taught to ride like the gauchos: loose-reined and one-handed. Ride to the highest point of the estancia for sweeping views across the sierras, visit a hidden waterfall for a refreshing dip, join the gauchos as they round up the estancia’s prized Aberdeen Angus cattle and share home-cooked meals around the table while swapping stories over a glass of Malbec.

Hidden within a private nature reserve in the Sierras de Córdoba, Carahuasi began as a family dream over 20 years ago. Today, it welcomes only a handful of private groups each year, offering complete seclusion amongst rugged hills, crystal-clear rivers and quiet forest trails. Days unfold without much of a plan: riding through the Sierras, swimming in the river in summer, lingering over long lunches and homemade dinners shared around a single table. Save some time to chat with Eli, the owner's daughter and the wonderful host of Carahuasi, who loves sharing the place where she spent her childhood summers.

Where Mendoza's vineyards give way to open country, Rancho 'e Cuero is a family-run estancia that has been in the Palma family for more than 250 years. Days revolve around the great outdoors, where mountainous terrain and dramatic valleys are best experienced on horseback, just as the locals have done for generations. Don’t miss an evening ride at dusk, when the light softens across the valley. There's fly fishing, and hiking through valleys where guanacos, deer and condors roam freely, and after a day outdoors, settle in for long asados, fresh farm-to-table meals and some of Mendoza's finest wines. Our favourite is lunch, served on a table suspended above a flowing mountain stream.

In Los Glaciares National Park, with the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier just beyond its doorstep, Nibepo Aike is a historic working ranch founded by Croatian pioneers in 1910. Rich in history, every corner reflects the family's legacy, from antique furnishings and black-and-white photographs to its very name, Nibepo, created by combining the childhood nicknames of the founder's three daughters. Spend your days riding across vast open steppe and watching gauchos at work, herding cattle and shearing sheep. For those wanting to venture further, multi-day riding, trekking and navigations venture beyond the well-trodden trails to hidden glaciers, secluded valleys and spectacular viewpoints.

Still a family-owned working cattle ranch near San Martín de los Andes, the massive El Porvenir spans 15,000 hectares of private Patagonian wilderness from rivers and native forests to canyons, grasslands and rugged peaks. Condors soar overhead, while guanacos, red deer, foxes and wild boar roam the property, with the occasional puma passing through. Days move at your own rhythm: ride into the mountains, join the gauchos on cattle drives, fish wild rivers, and share long asados under an open sky. Available for only one group at a time, the estancia offers a rare opportunity to experience this landscape with complete privacy and a true connection to ranch life. For a complete change of pace, spend a night in one of the property's mountain cabins. We recommend Huenuman, reached by horseback or 4WD, with a wood-fired hot tub, fire pit and sweeping valley views.

Dating back to the late 19th century, Estancia Pilolil is a historic family-run property set along the Aluminé River in Northern Patagonia. Surrounded by red canyon walls, willow-lined riverbanks and the Andean foothills, the estancia offers access to some of Patagonia’s most exceptional fly fishing, with thriving populations of rainbow and brown trout. Beyond the river, the landscape invites exploration on horseback, foot or mountain bike, with guanacos, vicuñas and the elusive huemul deer roaming the surrounding wilderness. Make time for a visit to Las Condoreras, with its breathtaking valley views. Another favourite is the beach along the river, where the crystal-clear water is perfect for a swim or simply relaxing in the sun. After a day outdoors, retreat to the bar in the stables for a drink by the fireplace while a gaucho prepares a traditional asado.

Just outside San Martín de los Andes, this intimate luxury lodge is located on a 20,000-hectare working cattle ranch, Cerro de los Pinos. Founded in 1909, the estancia remains home to more than 4,000 head of cattle, with gauchos continuing to work the land on horseback as they have for generations. Framed by the Chimehuin and Quilquihue rivers, Tipiliuke lies in one of Patagonia's premier trout-fishing regions. Days can be spent fly fishing, horseback riding and hiking across the ranch, or joining the gauchos in their daily work. For the best views on the property, hike or ride to the summit of Cerro Tipiliuke, where a 360-degree panorama takes in the Andes, Lanín Volcano and beyond. Back at the lodge, unwind with a wood-fired sauna, massages at the spa, and yoga.

Set on the banks of the Traful River in Argentina's Lake District, Estancia Arroyo Verde is a family-run lodge overlooking the Traful Valley. Since 1983, it has welcomed guests seeking a relaxed base for exploring the cinematic landscapes of northern Patagonia. Tucked away from the main house, we love the cabin. This private hideaway sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake, with some of the most spectacular views on the property. Wake up surrounded by nature, make a coffee, and wander down to your own little “private beach” to enjoy a quiet moment by the water. Best known for its outstanding fly fishing, the estancia offers direct access to one of the region's premier trout rivers. Beyond the water, horseback rides and hiking trails lead through native forests, open valleys and the surrounding Andes.

Set across 35,000 hectares of northern Patagonia's vast steppe, Estancia Collón Cura offers the rare opportunity to experience the essence of Patagonia in complete privacy, hosting just one group at a time. Hereford and Angus cattle roam the plains, gauchos ride out each day on horseback, and guests are invited to step into the rhythm of authentic estancia life. With the legendary Collón Cura River flowing exclusively through the property, guests enjoy some of northern Patagonia's finest fly fishing alongside exceptional horse riding, hunting and authentic ranch experiences.

Set on the remote southeastern coast of the wild Península Valdés, Estancia Rincón Chico is a fifth-generation family-owned estancia with 20 kilometres of private Atlantic coastline. Its secluded beaches are breeding grounds for elephant seals and sea lions, and, depending on the season, southern right whales, Magellanic penguins and the peninsula's famous orcas can be seen just offshore. Once a working sheep and cattle ranch, the estancia is now dedicated to conservation, protecting one of the world's richest marine ecosystems. Every stay supports Conservación Península Valdés, the family's non-profit organisation working to preserve the region's unique wildlife and habitats.

Among the verdant valleys of northwest Argentina, Estancia Pampa Grande is a 30,000-hectare working ranch where time seems to stand still. Located on the old Inca trail, around four hours south of Salta City, the estancia was once home to the founder of Salta. Today, this remarkable estancia offers a window into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Rather than simply observing estancia life, guests become part of it. Rise early to saddle up with the gauchos as they gather horses, move cattle across the property, and carry out the ranch's daily work. Back at the estancia, learn family recipes in the kitchen, share long lunches, and experience the warmth of a close-knit community.

Located 45 minutes from Salta, this historic working ranch has been in the Arias Cornejo family for over 400 years and offers an authentic window into the traditions of Argentina’s northwest. The estancia is home to Peruvian Paso horses, with riding experiences led by local gauchos. Guests can also explore the property on foot or by bike, take part in cooking classes, and discover the finca’s seasonal produce. The nine-room manor house is filled with antique furniture, artwork and family heirlooms, while meals draw on recipes preserved by the family over centuries. Beyond the estancia, guests can also explore the dramatic landscapes of Salta and Jujuy, including El Totoral Nature Reserve, Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes.

Deep within the remote Pucará Valley of northwest Argentina, this vineyard is one of the country’s most ambitious wine projects. At over 2,400 metres above sea level, it was built against extraordinary odds, in a region where rugged terrain and extreme altitude produce wines of exceptional intensity and character. Welcoming only a handful of guests each year, the estancia combines high-altitude winemaking with the traditions of a historic Andean ranch, where rugged landscapes, ancient cultures and rural life come together. Explore the surrounding mountains on horseback with the estancia’s graceful Paso Peruano horses, ride to ancient fortresses, explore archaeological remains of a lost Inca city, discover the uses of native valley plants with a local shepherd, harvest alongside the winemaking team, and learn to prepare Argentine asado and empanadas. Nights are for sharing the estate's legendary wines beneath one of the world's clearest skies.

Rincón del Socorro is a beautifully restored estancia in Argentina’s Iberá Wetlands, set within a 12,000-hectare protected estate. Once a working cattle ranch, it has been transformed into a conservation-focused eco-lodge founded by the late Doug Tompkins, where wildlife and birdlife are often spotted just beyond your room. The main house dates back to 1896 and preserves its original character, with whitewashed walls, antique furnishings and historic interiors. Local guides lead excursions by 4WD, boat, horseback and on foot, exploring the wetlands’ landscapes and abundant wildlife. Guests can also visit a nearby estancia to watch working gauchos in action, rounding up cattle; a timeless glimpse into the rural rhythms of Northeast Argentina.