Searching for estancias near Buenos Aires? This list features 11 beautiful properties for a relaxing weekend escape!
One of my favourite ways to end a visit to Buenos Aires is by booking an estancia stay in the city outskirts. Buenos Aires is a thriving metropolis packed with activities – cafes, restaurants, museums and art galleries! However, it’s nice to have the opportunity to unwind after an action-packed trip.
Most estancias near Buenos Aires are located in Buenos Aires Province which encircles the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, and many of them are just a 1-2 hour drive away making them fairly accessible to travellers.
My favourite aspect about estancia stays is slipping into the slow pace of life. You can watch the sunrise over the pampas, go horseback riding through the countryside, enjoy traditional Argentine meals, and all of this in a rustic yet luxurious setting.
Over the years, my husband and I have enjoyed many Buenos Aires estancias on both day trips and overnight stays. We’ve done even more estancia stays down in Patagonia and it has become our favourite way to travel.
So today, I’ve created a list of some of the best estancias near Buenos Aires for you to consider! The idea is to give you a bit of inspiration if you’re looking to enjoy that estancia life for yourself. I’ve already experienced a handful of these and the others are still on the travel bucket list.
Beautiful Estancias Near Buenos Aires
Estancia Villa Maria
Best estancia for Tudor-style architecture
Estancia Villa Maria is a Tudor-style estancia set in Cañuelas 56 kilometres south of Buenos Aires. It has consistently been ranked one of the top estancias in Argentina and South America!
The estancia sits on 74 hectares and was constructed as a summer villa by renowned architect Alejandro Bustillo, who is responsible for many iconic buildings across Argentina (including the Llao Llao Hotel in Bariloche).
Estancia Villa Maria offers 11 rooms and guests can choose between superior rooms, suites, family and master suites.
The estancia also has its own in-house restaurant where guests can enjoy traditional country recipes, outdoor barbecues and afternoon tea out in the gardens. They even offer cooking classes for guests who want to take some Argentine recipes like empanadas and alfajores back home!
Aside from the gourmet restaurant, guests can also enjoy a private lounge, bar and wine cellar.
There are lots of activities at Estancia Villa Maria for guests to keep busy including horseback rides, carriage rides, bicycles, a tennis court, an 18-hole golf course, football fields, plus a billiards room with board games.
Polo lessons can be arranged with a prior reservation and at an additional cost.
If you’re looking for luxury estancias near Buenos Aires, this one fits the bill!
“The entire place was kind of magical – like being transported back in time. The staff were so helpful and accommodating (particularly given we speak little Spanish). It was more like being house guests at someone’s estate than being at a hotel. Very personalised.” – Matthew from the UK
Review via Booking.com
Book your stay at Estancia Villa Maria.
Address: Avenida Pereda s/n, Máximo Paz, Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia La Candelaria
Best estancia for a French chateaux feel
Estancia La Candelaria is a 200-year-old French castle-style estancia set in Lobos 120 kilometres southwest of Buenos Aires.
While most estancias near Buenos Aires have a colonial look, this one will make you feel like you’ve been transported to France!
The estancia is divided into two sectors: the chateaux sector and the colonial sector.
The French-inspired chateaux sector offers 3 different types of rooms all decorated with period furniture: 6 Castle Classic rooms, 3 Castle Suites and 1 Castle Windmill.
Meanwhile, the colonial sector has more of a country feel. Here guests can choose between 10 Colonial Rooms and 2 Forest Bungalows. This sector is better suited for families or larger groups of friends.
Some of the daily activities guests can enjoy at Estancia La Candelaria include horse rides, bike rides, forest hikes, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and the outdoor swimming pool during the summer months.
Aside from this, the estancia also has different activities throughout the week like yoga, movie nights, empanada cooking classes, folklore shows and more.
There is a restaurant on the estancia grounds, 5º CHUKKER, where guests can enjoy classic Argentine dishes.
“Romantic, perfect and an absolute treasure in time. Thank you for keeping the history and the beauty of La Candelaria open with us to share. Highly recommend for those who want to get away and slow way down while enjoying a beautiful historical estancia! Special kudos to the chef – the food exceeded expectations and was the best food I had on my entire trip.”
Review via TripAdvisor.
Book your stay at Estancia La Candelaria.
Address: Ruta Nacional 205 Km 114,5, Lobos, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia El Ombú de Areco
Best working estancia for traditional gaucho culture
El Ombú de Areco is a working estancia set in the outskirts of San Antonio de Areco, the town known as the cradle of gaucho culture.
This working ranch has over 300 hectares which are used for grazing cattle; they have 350 heads of Aberdeen Angus livestock. They also grow a variety of crops like soy, corn, wheat and oats depending on the time of year.
The estancia has 11 guest rooms including double, triple and quadruple rooms. They also have interconnecting rooms in case you’re visiting with a large family. The rooms have been lovingly renovated featuring vintage furniture and they each have their own private bathroom.
Estancia El Ombú de Areco offers full board which includes 4 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. That means there’s no reason to leave the estancia during your stay unless you want to explore the surrounding area.
Activities at the estancia include 2 daily horseback rides. Plus guests can also enjoy bike rides, long walks through the property, and the outdoor pool during the warmer months.
Estancia El Ombú de Areco is a very popular gaucho day trip from Buenos Aires where you can experience a day in the countryside and learn more about traditional gaucho culture. It includes horse riding, a traditional Argentine BBQ, live folk music and dancing, a horse whispering demonstration and more. It’s a nice alternative if you want to experience estancia life for a day.
It’s a beautiful property with extensive grounds to explore. Plus, this estancia’s architecture is simply divine! We loved the friendly estancia dogs and found the staff to be super attentive.
You can check out this accommodations guide if you’re specifically looking for estancias in San Antonio de Areco and other unique stays.
“We’ve previously stayed in estancias in the area, so were able to make a comparison. We found the owner and staff to be very welcoming and keen to accommodate our needs. The home cooked meals were tasty, especially the empanadas and cakes. The rooms were nicely decorated with light colours and were full of character. The horses appeared to be well cared for and, as experienced riders, we were taken on the most fabulous ride through the extensive grassland. My horse was amazingly responsive to the lightest touch. The dogs were a pleasure to have around too.” – Claire from Australia
Review via Hotels.com
Book your stay at Estancia El Ombú de Areco.
Address: Ruta 31 Cuartel VI, Villa Lía, San Antorio de Areco, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia La Bandada
Best estancia for bird watching
Estancia La Bandada is located in San Miguel del Monte 122 kilometres from Buenos Aires.
The estancia offers accommodations in a 19th century colonial-style house that has been renovated yet retains its traditional charm. There is a maximum capacity of 14 guests so it offers a private and tranquil setting.
There are 3 types of rooms to choose from: one standard double room, two suites, and two two-bedroom apartments. The rooms are all named after different types of birds that can be spotted on the estancia grounds. These include herons, tijeretas, hummingbirds, horneros and cardinals.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities at Estancia La Bandada like horseback riding, bird watching, cooking classes, bike riding, evening guitar sessions and more.
They also offer 1-hour polo lessons for visitors who may be interested in learning more about this sport. You just need to be able to ride a horse and they can teach you the rest!
“This is a beautiful property inside and out. Large comfortable rooms, wonderful grounds exceptional service. The staff was extremely friendly and eager to please. Agustina was very professional – she took the time to explain all about the property. She showed us around the organic garden, the riding area and told us all about the animals that live there. She made sure meals prepared were to our liking. The ranch is beautifully decorated be it the living room and dining area or the bedroom – simply gorgeous.” – Maria from Austria
Review via Booking.com
Book your stay at Estancia La Bandada.
Address: Ruta 41, km 120, San Miguel del Monte, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia Puesto Viejo
Best estancia for polo players and a giant labyrinth
Estancia Puesto Viejo is set on 220 hectares of land in Cañuelas 76 kilometres, or less than one hour, from Buenos Aires.
This particular estancia offers various types of accommodations to suit different budgets. They have a 10-bedroom hotel where all the rooms are named after the owner’s favourite polo horses.
We stayed in the estancia hotel when we visited a few years back. The rooms were decorated with antique furniture including a beautiful wooden armoire, a footboard bench, and a chandelier.
Aside from the hotel, Estancia Puesto Viejo also offers a glamping option. There’s a sector of the property where they have built wooden platforms that hold 21 geodomes. Guests can choose between double and triple domes. Just note that the geodomes won’t give you access to the swimming pool.
One of the unique draws to this particular estancia is the giant labyrinth – an especially attractive proposition if you’re visiting with kids! We had a hard time finding out way out of there!
In terms of activities, there are free bikes to explore the estancia grounds, you can sign up for a short horseback ride, or you can even book a polo lesson.
Also, we were very well fed for the duration of our stay with 4 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner!
“Great place for relax and to be in touch with nature. If you are a horse fan there is no better place, no matter your age. 100 times better to connect to the airport than from central BsAs. The staff is great always ready to satisfy any need. Food is amazing!!! My only complaint is that I got used to be woken up by bird’s songs in the morning and I don’t know how I will manage now without…” – Ed
Review via Google Reviews
Book your stay at Estancia Puesto Viejo.
Address: Ruta Provincial 6, Km 83, Cañuelas, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia La Bamba de Areco
Best estancia for a historic connection
Estancia La Bamba de Areco is a highly acclaimed Relais & Chateaux property located just outside the gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco.
The estancia dates from 1830 making it one of the oldest Argentinian colonial-style estancias in the area. One of the original post houses on the property actually formed part of the Camino Real or Royal Road, an old trade route that connected Buenos Aires with Alto Perú (modern-day Bolivia).
La Bamba de Areco was one of the first estancias to welcome visitors back in the 1980s. It has since been renovated and offers 11 rooms and suites. The decor features dark wooden floors and antique furnishings.
“Our girls trip took us to La Bamba on our recent trip to Argentina. It was such a unique experience — from the scenery to the horseback riding to the communal meals with people we otherwise would have never met! We definitely recommend this spot for a couple of nights to get out of Buenos Aires and enjoy a very slowed down (little wifi!), relaxing experience. Special shout out to Michaela, Segundo, Jo, and Eduardo for making our experience so special.” – Melissa from New York
Review via TripAdvisor
Book your stay at La Bamba de Areco.
Address: Ruta 31 Km 7.5, San Antonio de Areco, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia La Madrugada
Best estancia for a luxurious and private stay
Another estancia to visit near Buenos Aires is La Madrugada. This is a rather exclusive property with only 3 suites that lead out to a garden, so it’s the ideal place to book with a group of friends or family.
The estancia offers a rural experience with a touch of luxury. The main farmhouse has been renovated to add modern comforts, however, the place still manages to retain its traditional charm.
Meals at Estancia La Madrugada consist of a three-course menu and outdoor barbecues. Ingredients are sourced directly from the organic garden providing guests with a farm-to-table dining experience.
As far as activities go, Estancia La Madrugada offers horse riding, live guitar music by the campfire, and the opportunity to visit the nearby gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco – the town is only 5-kilometres away, so you can even cycle there using the free bikes they provide.
“My wife and I have been to La Madrugada twice now (one on August – winter, and once in the end of November – summer). Both times very different due to the season – but both incredible. This is a small estancia (max 3 bedrooms) so you really feel like you have the entire estancia (ranch) to yourself. All meals are included, food is great, nice wine selection. Entire staff is personalized and very accommodating! We have a 6 month old baby – and the entire staff could not be more helpful. In the winter they have a great space with a fire, very relaxing to play games or read. In the summer they have an enormous pool – plenty of space – beautiful setting. There is also the option to go horseback riding with a professional guide – again all personalized (riding offered at all levels). The estancia itself is an old traditional home that’s been renovated – keeping its old charm and decor but will all the needed modern amenities to stay comfortable (great shower, airconditioning, etc.) If you are looking for a place to relax out in the country side, quiet setting, personalized service – I could not recommend La Madrugada more.” – Philip
Review via Google Reviews
Book your stay at Estancia La Madrugada.
Address: Camino del Yameo, San Antonio de Areco, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia La Sofia
Best estancia to play polo
Estancia La Sofia is a boutique hotel and polo ranch situated in Azcuénaga some 130 kilometres west of Buenos Aires.
La Sofía is a colonial-style ranch that offers six spacious en-suite rooms. Guests can choose from 2 Grand Suites, 2 Superior Suites, and 2 Standard Suites.
There are plenty of ways to keep busy at this estancia with lots of fun activities on offer. Guests can enjoy horseback riding through the pampas, birdwatching, the outdoor swimming pool, and cooking classes where you can learn to make empanadas, asado and mate.
Polo is a big part of life at this estancia. La Sofia Polo Club is part of the Argentine Polo Association and the club has two polo fields.
Whether you want to practice polo, learn to play, or find out more about a sport, the estancia can organize a special program for you. And if you don’t feel comfortable on a horse, of course, you can watch a polo game!
“Our stay was absolutely magical. The place is so charming and feels like a friend’s country house. The chef is incredible and you feel as if you have stumbled upon a wonderful part of Argentinian life. The horses are great to ride for all levels and we (both occasional riders) really enjoyed the polo lesson too. I was skeptical about learning polo since I didn’t think it would be rewarding as a beginner but it was so so much fun. If you are there during a polo match that’s a lovely experience and the pool is great too. A really peaceful oasis, with roaring fires in the evening when it is cold, and Al fresco dining when it is sunny. The hotel only sleeps a small number of guests so is truly boutique and we loved getting to know the other guests as well. Would love to revisit if I am back in Argentina.” – Flo
Review via Google Reviews
Book your stay at Estancia La Sofia.
Address: Cuartel VI, Azcuénaga, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia Don Manuel
Best estancia for polo lessons and clay pigeon shooting
Estancia Don Manuel started out as a polo school back in 1998 and today it has expanded to offer accommodations for guests looking to unwind and enjoy a taste of country life.
They offer a boutique experience that offers privacy and respects guests’ desire for rest and relaxation. At full capacity, the estancia can hold a maximum of 36 overnight guests.
As far as gastronomy goes, Estancia Don Manuel focuses on homemade dishes with an artisanal touch. Portions are abundant and prepared by an internationally-trained chef.
The estancia has a football field, volleyball court, bicycles, a gym, and ample room to enjoy long walks and even do some bird watching. For rainy days or low-key afternoons, there’s a clubhouse with board games, pool, table tennis, darts, foosball and more.
Guests can also book additional services like polo lessons, clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, golfing, tango dancing lessons and more.
“We went for my birthday with a group of 10 people. The service was excellent, Emiliano and Juli made sure everything worked perfectly. Regarding the food, we brought the raw materials and the ranch staff took care of everything, allowing us to relax and enjoy the stay. Amelia was super attentive, she cooked very well for us and adapted to the dietary restrictions of some guests very easily. All the facilities were in very good condition, the beds were very comfortable and there was always someone making sure that the campfires had a fire to maintain the temperature of the common spaces. We were able to take a horse ride in the morning and in the afternoon Emiliano and Sergio took us to another area where they explained to us better how to handle the horse. It was a great experience! I recommend the stay to go with friends or family to spend a few days, the place is beautiful, the service is excellent and the prices are very reasonable.” – Ariel
Review via Google Reviews
Book your stay at Estancia Don Manuel.
Address: Ruta 205 Km 59800, Cañuelas, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia Las Marias
Best estancia for a glamping experience
Estancia Las Marias falls into the glamping category offering some rather unique accommodations! Guests can choose between sleeping in a grain silo or a geodome. Rooms can be arranged to fit a queen-sized bed or two single beds.
This setup is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy a self-catered holiday. Breakfast is served daily, however, lunch and dinner are up to you! The accommodations come with an electric kettle, an electric oven and a small fridge – you’ll want to plan for quick and easy meals, which leave more time for exploring.
On the premises, guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and sauna, visit the local farm animals (pigs, horses, goats and more!), and spend the evenings around the campfire.
“We had a great stay. I wanted to highlight the attention of Lucas and Ivan, very kind and respectful. In the place you are constantly surrounded by many animals. I also wanted to clarify that the breakfast is very complete, I am celiac and they had prepared a variety of options. The dome was properly equipped, with a stoker outside, which was illuminated for the night. Thank you so much! We had an excellent day.” – Angie
Review via Google Reviews
Book your stay at Estancia Las Marias.
Address: Marcos Paz, Buenos Aires Province
Estancia Don Pedro
Best estancia for families with children
Estancia Don Pedro sits in the locality of Solis 96 kilometres northwest of Buenos Aires.
Guests can choose from 4 different types of rooms: master suites, double suites, quadruple suites and quintuple suites.
This estancia offers complete room and board with 4 daily meals: breakfast, lunch, merienda and dinner. Dinner consists of a 3-course fixed menu.
Estancia Don Pedro has a relaxed and family-friendly environment. It’s well suited for stays with children as they have farm animals guests can visit and ample room to play and roam.
Pets are welcome at this estancia though they must be on a leash and accompanied by their owners at all times. There are other dogs and farm animals at the estancia, not to mention guests and children, so that’s something to be mindful of.
“Excellent place, attention and delicious food and super original menu. We also really liked the tranquility of the place and the fact that it was more exclusive than other estancias.” – Agustina from Argentina
Review via Booking.com
Book your stay at Estancia Don Pedro.
Address: Ruta Nacional 8 Km 94, Solis, Buenos Aires Province
Travel tips for choosing an estancia near Buenos Aires
- Book an estancia for the end of your trip. This is such a nice way to unwind after a busy itinerary in Buenos Aires. Two nights at an estancia is the perfect way to pamper yourself before hopping on a flight home. As a bonus, a lot of these Buenos Aires estancias are near Ezeiza International Airport.
- Not all estancias are created equal. You’ll hear this over and over again! We’ve done enough estancia stays across Argentina to attest to that. The estancia experience will vary from one establishment to the next. Some estancias only serve breakfast while others provide four meals per day. Certain estancias include activities while others charge an additional fee for things like horse riding or polo lessons. There are estancias geared towards couples and estancias better suited to accommodate families.
- Choose an estancia based on your interests. Many Buenos Aires estancias have a focus whether it be showcasing gaucho culture, horseback riding, or polo lessons. Meanwhile, if you venture further down to Patagonia, you can find estancias that specialize in fly fishing or game hunting. So there’s something out there for everyone.
- You can find estancias all over Argentina. If you enjoy the estancia experience, seek them out on the rest of your travels across Argentina! You can find loads of estancias in Patagonia. One of our favourites is Estancia Tecka for fly fishing and unmatched service. Meanwhile, if you’re visiting El Calafate, Estancia Nibepo Aike is a fun estancia for a taste of ranch life. You can also find loads of estancias in Córdoba up in the sierras, Mendoza and the Iberá Wetlands. Or try something different like glamping across Patagonia!
- Book a Día de Campo to visit for the day. If an overnight stay at an estancia is not in your budget, you can consider visiting for the day. Many estancias near Buenos Aires offer a Día de Campo or ‘countryside day’ where you visit for the day, learn about gaucho culture and have an Argentine BBQ for lunch. This estancia day tour is one of the most popular day trips from Buenos Aires and it’s also highly rated!
GROUP TOURS – If you’d rather join a group tour to travel in Argentina, check out Gadventures.
CAR RENTAL – To explore Argentina beyond the cities, the best way to do so is by renting a car. Discover Cars offers rentals across the country.
BUS TICKETS – Bus travel is a great way to see Argentina. BusBud offers numerous routes.
TRAVEL INSURANCE – Don’t leave on your trip without booking travel insurance. You can get a quote on SafetyWing.
HOTELS – Booking.com offers accommodations to suit all budgets and travel styles.
TOURS – For a variety of tours and activities, have a look at Viator.