Estancia Tourism

Those who travel long National Route 40 know about its dissimilar scenes which in the area of the Province of Santa Cruz are characterized by wild landscapes amidst water bodies and low hills. Some estancias offer their services as an added value to the tourist circuits available.

Almost all these venues are devoted to sheep or cattle production and they share the local customs with visitors. Inside them, outdoor activities and rural asados are the most outstanding. Angling enthusiasts will find good rivers and lakes where they may quench their passion.

Almost all these ranches started with the arrival of the first nations. These people managed to overcome economic and weather difficulties typical of this region evident even today.


Estancia La Angostura

Resting on the ample valley of the Chico River and surrounded by a beautiful tree grove, this is a family estancia in the vast Patagonian high plateau in Santa Cruz. Visitors are welcomed into the facilities with southern warmth and invited to take part in the classic rural tasks. Afterwards, when it is time for a meal, the table is shared with the hosts and so are the anecdotes.

Normally, the hosts lead visitors on horseback around the area or go out fishing with them and also serve their cooking specialties. They are famous for the bird-watching activities in one of the ponds located inside the estancia and for the guided fishing tours to excellent fisheries.

Estancia Laguna Verde

At first sight, we were impressed by the wild rough environment of the estancia. Nevertheless, we changed our mind when we became familiar with its vast size. The almost inexistent vegetation is balanced with the comfort provided by the main house and the proximity of highly praised fisheries in nearby rivers and lakes.

Well-known Lake Strobel -or Jurassic Lake- is the greatest attraction in the area due to its size and the qualities of the rainbow trout that dwell in it. Anglers from all over the world come to this location to try and catch a good specimen of salmonidae after fighting the strong winds and waves of this water body. Fishing is also possible at some of the 15 small ponds inside the estancia.

The Barrancoso River lies 8 kilometers away from the lodge and its variable volume of meltdown water that flows down the mountain is suitable for good fly-casting.

Some extra features available are 4WD outings, photographic safaris and horseback rides that show travelers ancient Tehuelche ruins and rock paintings dating from 6,000 years ago.


Estancia Los Ñires

The fact that this estancia lies so close to Mounts San Lorenzo, Pico Agudo and Huemul guarantees excellent views of the mountain range. The hosts organize hiking tours and ascents with guides featuring different degrees of difficulty towards the hills and El Salto Cascade. Very close, but across the international border, lies Lake Brown, which may be spotted from the top of the mountains.

Sunset is the moment to get close to the fire where meat and lamb are being roasted according to local customs, while sharing some good wine and conversation.

All the estancias offer a space for quietness where visitors learn to appreciate nature and the slow pace of the local dwellers who, used to life in isolation, speak little but know much.


Estancia La Oriental

Estancia La Oriental is located in Perito Moreno National Park. It is a long way from Gobernador Gregores and usually an alternative during a long journey along National Route 40.

With very few rooms available, staying there makes guests feel at home and it is the owners themselves who host any visit. For such purpose, they offer the rooms in the main house at the estancia or the surroundings, where it is possible to camp when allowed by the weather.

One thing is clear: nature lovers may observe animals and birds that cannot be found elsewhere. Thus, it is usual to see guanaco herds or huge condors flying over the hills close to Lake Belgrano.

Within a wild scene, horseback rides, climbs up 3,700-meter-high Mount San Lorenzo and also drives up to Lake Burmeister and the Lácteo River rapids are scheduled.

A good lamb roasted in a Patagonian fire pit under the stars may be one way to end a day in the countryside, just like any other inhabitant of the estancia would.


Estancia Melenik

Amidst the desolate pre-Andean scene and framed by majestic Mount San Lorenzo, there appears
estancia Melenik and its endless land.

Besides offering accommodation, there is the chance to observe the daily tasks of the estancia according to season: branding, horse-breaking, running of bulls and care of the pens are just some of the usual activities carried out with cows, sheep and horses. Everything is experienced live, not through any videos or TV shows.

The proximity of Perito Moreno National Park enables visitors to schedule tours on horseback or on vehicles to see the plentiful Belgrano River, Meseta del Águila (Eagle’s High Plateau) and the summer pastures area.

Every afternoon, delightful tea tables are served in the estancia shell. In the evenings, guests may enjoy the traditional rural asados while real or fictitious stories from former times are told.