Page 312 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

310  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS

On the Open Range a good base to explore the
World Heritage Site of Cueva
Many estancias once served as the second homes of rich de las Manos.
urbanites and today, some of them offer the most luxurious An excellent option for horse
rural accommodation in the country for tourists. Many riding is Estancia Huechahue
activities such as bird-watching, trekking, and polo keep in Neuquén, from where there
are expe ditions into Parque
visitors occupied. Aspiring gauchos can gallop across the Nacional Lanín (see p241). In
plains or go on horseback treks while skilled riders can try Patagonia, visitors who opt for
horse-breaking. During walks in the area, it is possible to leisurely horse rides are also
see abundant birdlife and spot hares, rheas, skunks, and treated to views of the region’s
foxes. On some working estancias, visitors can also help glaciers and awe some peaks.
Some of the well-known
with sheep-shearing, watching over the cattle, and estancias that offer bird-
preparing a barbecue. In the evenings, local dance watching, trekking, and horse
perform ances as well as engaging storytelling sessions riding are Estancias La Maipú
around the campfire can be arranged for visitors. and El Cóndor, both located
on Lago San Martín.
Luxury Estancias
Some estancias provide the
perfect laid-back getaway. These
include Estancia Cerro de la
Cruz near Tandil, in the Pampas,
and Estancias La Oriental,
Menelik, and Cueva de las
Manos in Patagonia. They have
in common fine dining, specta-
cular locations, and personalized
service. Estancia Peuma Hue is a
luxurious stopover for trips into
Parque Nacional Huapi (see
Visitors going on a horse-riding tour with the help of a guide pp242–3). Hostería Helsingfors
(see p258) in Los Glaciares and
Gaucho for a day Bird-Watching, Treks, and Hostería Alta Vista in El Calafate
Horse Riding
Argentinian gauchos have are other excellent options.
always been proud of their Life on an estancia entails being There are two beauti ful
legacy and are more than close to nature. Most ranches estancias in Córdoba – Estancia
pleased to show visitors how offer bird-watching as part of El Colibrí, famous for their wines
to become a gaucho for a day. their package. Estancia Telken and haute cuisine, and Estancia
In the Pampas, Estancia La (see p247), near Perito Moreno La Paz, once the resi dence of
Bamba and Estancia El Ombú, in Patagonia, is known for bird - President Roca. Near Esteros
both located in San Antonio watching, as is Estancia Rincón del Iberá is Estancia Rincón
de Areco (see p149), are well- del Socorro in Esteros del Iberá del Socorro, which is an ideal
known for their traditional (see pp170–71). The latter also place to relax before heading
rustic accom mo dation. Here, organizes trekking trips and is into the preserve.
visitors can participate in
sheep-shearing activities
or just watch the gauchos
in action.
Working sheep estancias
include El Galpón del
Glaciar near El Calafate, and
the isolated Estancia La
Angostura in Patagonia. The
130-year-old Estancia Monte
Dinero (see p235), near Río
Gallegos in Patagonia, also
offers trekking apart from
gaucho activities. Estancia
Río Capitán, located in
southern Patagonia, also
organizes wildlife tours. The well-furnished living room of Estancia Cerro de la Cruz

310-311_EW_Argentina.indd 310 05/08/16 10:43 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm