Quick Picks: Selecting Your Ideal Ranch

Are you in a hurry to book your getaway? Here are our top recommendations based on specific needs. For a classic experience with exciting gaucho shows, head to Estancia Santa Susana. It is one of the most popular choices for first-time visitors. If you prefer high-end service, choose Estancia La Bamba de Areco.

• Best Overall: Estancia Santa Susana (Great for shows and asado)
• Best for Families: Estancia Don Silvano (Plenty of activities for kids)
• Best for Luxury: Estancia La Bamba de Areco (Relais & Châteaux property)
• Best for History: Estancia El Ombu de Areco (Historic colonial charm)

Most of these locations are within a two-hour drive from the city center. You can find more details on travel times in our Buenos Aires nearby towns transportation guide. Always check the weather before booking your trip. Sunny days are best for enjoying the vast outdoor spaces of the Pampas. Most ranches operate year-round, but spring and autumn offer the mildest temperatures.

10 Best Estancias near Buenos Aires to Visit

Each of these properties offers a unique slice of Argentine culture. Choose the one that matches your interest in horses, food, or relaxation. Here are the top-rated spots for your 2026 trip.

1. Name: Estancia Santa Susana
   Type: experience
   Why go: This is a classic day trip destination. It offers a massive asado lunch and a thrilling gaucho skills show.
   Best for: First-time visitors and groups.
   Where: Los Cardales.
   Time: 7-8 hours.
   Cost: Mid-range (packages often include transport).
   Getting there: Best via an organized Santa Susana ranch tour.
   Tip: Don't miss the horse race called "Corrida de Sortija."
2. Name: Estancia El Ombu de Areco
   Type: sight/experience
   Why go: Located in a historic 1880 mansion. It is surrounded by ancient trees and offers very authentic riding.
   Best for: Horse lovers and history buffs.
   Where: San Antonio de Areco.
   Time: Full day or overnight.
   Cost: Upscale but worth the value.
   Getting there: Two hours by car or bus.
   Tip: Spend some time in the nearby San Antonio de Areco town before visiting the ranch.
3. Name: Estancia La Bamba de Areco
   Type: luxury experience
   Why go: This is a boutique luxury ranch. It provides high-end service, beautiful decor, and quiet exclusivity.
   Best for: Couples and luxury travelers.
   Where: San Antonio de Areco.
   Time: Overnight stay highly recommended.
   Cost: High-end luxury.
   Getting there: Private transfer recommended.
   Tip: Their polo team often practices on-site during the season.
4. Name: Estancia Villa Maria
   Type: sight/luxury
   Why go: Known for its amazing Tudor-style mansion. It has one of the most beautiful parks near the city.
   Best for: Architecture fans and weddings.
   Where: Cañuelas.
   Time: Day trip or overnight.
   Cost: Luxury.
   Getting there: 45 minutes by car via the Ezeiza highway.
   Tip: If you love horses, ask about their polo lessons options.
5. Name: Estancia La Candelaria
   Type: sight/architecture
   Why go: It looks like a French castle in the middle of the Pampas. It features a stunning forest and a fairy-tale vibe.
   Best for: Photographers and families.
   Where: Lobos.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: Mid-range to high.
   Getting there: About 90 minutes by car.
   Tip: Visit during the weekend for the full gaucho show experience.
6. Name: Estancia Don Silvano
   Type: experience
   Why go: A family-run ranch that focuses on entertainment. It offers wagon rides and very friendly service.
   Best for: Families with small children.
   Where: Capilla del Señor.
   Time: 6-7 hours.
   Cost: Affordable.
   Getting there: Route 8 by car or tour bus.
   Tip: Try the homemade empanadas during the welcome reception.
7. Name: Estancia Los Dos Hermanos
   Type: activity
   Why go: Focused heavily on horseback riding treks. The trails go through beautiful wild fields.
   Best for: Serious riders.
   Where: Zarate.
   Time: Flexible day outings.
   Cost: Mid-range.
   Getting there: One hour from the city.
   Tip: They offer rides for all skill levels, including beginners.
8. Name: Estancia La Porteña
   Type: sight/history
   Why go: Once the home of famous writer Ricardo Güiraldes. It is a National Historic Monument.
   Best for: Culture and literature enthusiasts.
   Where: San Antonio de Areco.
   Time: Afternoon or full day.
   Cost: Moderate.
   Getting there: Drive or bus to Areco.
   Tip: Read "Don Segundo Sombra" before you visit.
9. Name: Estancia San Ceferino
   Type: experience
   Why go: A massive resort-style estancia with social areas and many sports. It has a large museum of carriages.
   Best for: Corporate events or active groups.
   Where: Lujan.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: Mid-range.
   Getting there: Near the Lujan Basilica area.
   Tip: Plan to stay for the afternoon tea service with traditional pastries.
10. Name: Estancia La Bandada
    Type: experience
    Why go: A peaceful boutique estancia known for birdwatching and personalized service. It feels like a private home.
    Best for: Relaxing and reading.
    Where: San Miguel del Monte.
    Time: Overnight stay.
    Cost: Upscale.
    Getting there: 90 minutes by car.
    Tip: Walk through the citrus groves at sunset for a magical view.

Planning Your Dia de Campo Experience

A "Dia de Campo" or day in the country is a structured event. It usually begins around 11:00 AM with a warm welcome. You will often receive fried empanadas and local wine or juice. After this, you can explore the grounds or go for a short horse ride. The staff will help you mount the horse safely.

Lunch is the main event of the day. You will sit down for a traditional Argentine asado. This includes various cuts of beef, chorizo, and morcilla. Most ranches also serve fresh salads and local desserts like flan. It is a slow, relaxed meal that lasts for nearly two hours. You can see more about regional food on the Visit Argentina official portal.

After lunch, the entertainment usually begins. This includes live folk music and traditional dancing called zamba or chacarera. The gauchos then show off their horse skills in the main field. These skills were once vital for cattle work on the Pampas. Most programs end with "merienda," which is tea and coffee with sweet pastries.

If you want a different kind of day trip, you could check out the Campanopolis village tour instead. However, the estancia experience is the best for food lovers. Prices in 2026 usually include all food and activities. Alcoholic drinks are sometimes extra, so check your booking details beforehand. Most ranches expect you to book at least a week in advance.

How to Reach the Estancias from the City

Getting to the best estancias near Buenos Aires requires some planning. Public transport is difficult for these rural locations. Most travelers choose to book a tour that includes a shuttle. These vans pick you up at your hotel in the city center. This is the most stress-free way to enjoy the day.

If you prefer independence, you can rent a car. Driving on the main highways near Buenos Aires is fairly easy. Just be prepared for tolls and some heavy traffic on weekends. Navigational apps work well in these areas. For more details on city logistics, check the Buenos Aires official site for traffic updates.

Private transfers are another great option for small groups. They offer more flexibility than a large group tour. You can stay later or arrive earlier. Most estancias are located between 60 to 120 kilometers from the capital. Expect the drive to take about 90 minutes on average.

Some ranches near San Antonio de Areco can be reached by bus. You take a bus from the Retiro station to the town center. From there, you will need a local taxi or "remis" to reach the ranch. This is a cheaper option but takes more time. Always confirm the return bus schedule before you head out to the fields.