There are some beautiful estancias in Cordoba set in the sierras and they are the ideal places for a taste of rural living!
For me, the beauty of Cordoba is found when you leave the city behind and head up into the Sierras. These mountains are divided into two chains, the Sierras Grandes and the Sierras Chicas, the larger of the two of which is home to the highest peak in the province, Cerro Champaquí.
While you can experience the Sierras on a day trip from Cordoba, I would argue that this is a destination where it pays off to linger. Life in the mountains moves at a different rhythm, and the best way to enjoy the vast grasslands, sloping hills and golden streams is by spending a few days at one of the many estancias in Cordoba.
You can find estancias all over Argentina; you can choose from estancias in Buenos Aires for a taste of the pampas, estancias in Mendoza’s wine country at the foot of the Andes mountains, and even estancias in El Calafate not too far from the glaciers! However, having spent part of my childhood in Cordoba, the Sierras are my happy place, and it’s one experience that I love to recommend to others.
Few international travellers make it out to the Sierras of Cordoba, and yet there is something truly magical about the landscapes in this part of Argentina. Not to mention the wildlife; we’re talking grey foxes, condors, and wild boars galore!
Plus, staying at an estancia is the perfect opportunity to learn about gaucho culture, go horseback riding and enjoy traditional cuisine! It’s the quintessential Argentine experience.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at some beautiful estancias in Cordoba where you can reconnect with nature. These properties range from boutique experiences with a touch of luxury to more casual guesthouses with a rugged feel.
Estancias in Cordoba, Argentina
1. Estancia Los Potreros
Estancia Los Potreros is one of the best-known estancias in Cordoba, and it offers a boutique experience in the countryside.
This property is tucked away east of La Falda in the Sierras Chicas, between the Pampas and the Andes Mountains.
The estancia hosts no more than 12 guests at a time, giving every visitor the best attention possible. This is also a family-run estancia and guests are welcomed as part of the family, sharing meals, horse rides and laughs together.
Horses are a big deal at Estancia Los Potreros, with 130 horses calling this place home. You’ll find criollo horses, Peruvian Paso horses, quarter horses and polo ponies!
The focus at this estancia is horseback riding, and because this is a working cattle estancia, guests have the opportunity to ride out with the gauchos and lend a hand with some of the daily tasks, including rounding up the cattle and moving the horses into the corrals.
Or if you’re looking for something a bit easier, you can bring salt for the horses as a treat and try your hand at gaucho games as a fun way to end the day.
Stay at Estancia Los Potreros
2. Estancia La Paz
Estancia La Paz is a notable estancia in Cordoba with a lot of history. The property borders the old Camino Real de Córdoba, a legendary road over three centuries old, surrounded by Jesuit estancias and churches.
The property’s historic center dates back to the 19th century and was the summer residence of the two-time President of Argentina, Julio Argentino Roca.
The estancia’s park was designed by Charles Thays, a revered French-Argentine landscape architect who left his mark across many green spaces in Argentina.
This Cordoba estancia has 20 rooms, the most famous of all being the Roca Suite, where the president stayed. It has been carefully restored and welcomes guests.
Gastronomy takes center stage at Estancia La Paz’s Restaurante 1830, combining modern cuisine with typical Argentine flavours. The menu changes seasonally, always featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Meanwhile, Rincón Criollo is set lakeside, and it’s a place where guests can enjoy traditional Argentine meat cooked over the fire.
Alternatively, for a lighter meal, guests can swing by Bar Los Troncos at the golf club, where the menu features sandwiches, charcuterie boards, tarts and salads.
Some of the activities at Estancia La Paz include golfing at the 18-hole golf course, taking polo lessons or hiking along the Río Ascochinga.
Stay at Estancia La Paz
3. Estancia El Colibri
Estancia El Colibri is a colonial-style estancia located in Santa Catalina, Cordoba.
This estancia has 9 rooms – 2 deluxe rooms and 7 suites with private terraces.
Alternatively, guests can book La Maison, a large house with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms that can hold up to 12 guests. La Maison was the estancia’s family home for many years and is now a Relais & Châteaux Villa.
The estancia’s restaurant, La Table du Colibri, serves homemade dishes using products harvested from their organic vegetable garden and fruit orchards. Meanwhile, the Club House serves meals overlooking the polo field.
Estancia El Colibri offers numerous activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, polo, birdwatching, and a farm, which is a favourite with children.
If you simply want to relax and unwind, you’ll be pleased to hear that the estancia has a jacuzzi, hammam, sauna, treatment room and gym.
Meanwhile, if you want to venture out of the estancia, nearby attractions include the historic Jesuit Estancia of Santa Catalina, Ongamira Caves, and the City of Cordoba.
Stay at Estancia El Colibri
4. Estancia La Dorada
Estancia La Dorada is a modern ranch-style property set in Rayo Cortado in the northern part of Córdoba Province.
The estancia has 7 rooms and can welcome up to 18 guests on a full board basis. Here, guests will enjoy criollo cuisine using local ingredients, traditional cooking methods and delicious flavours.
As far as activities go, Estancia La Dorada can help guests arrange numerous tours and experiences like guided horse treks, 4×4 jeep excursions, fishing on Río Dulce, hikes to nearby Cerro Colorado and walks through the local vineyards.
You can spend the afternoons swimming and sunning at the pool, and sunsets gathered around the fire pit with fellow guests.
Stay at Estancia La Dorada
5. Estancia del Pilar
Estancia del Pilar is located in Santa Elena in northern Cordoba Province, and it is a fourth-generation family-run estancia.
This is a small and intimate estancia with 6 double rooms, each with its en-suite bathroom.
Estancia del Pilar is quite flexible when it comes to meal options; guests can opt for full board, half board or breakfast only. All of their meals are created using fresh ingredients from local producers, and they also offer a vegetarian and celiac menu.
There are plenty of ways to keep busy during your stay in this Cordoba estancia, including horseback riding through the countryside, booking spa treatments, hiking to nearby Cerro Colorado, and visiting Casa Museo Atahualpa Yupanqui – the house of one of Argentina’s most famous folk musicians.
The estancia has a playroom equipped with a pool table, foosball, chess, and all sorts of board games, should you get a rainy day or want a relaxed afternoon. Their living room is also stocked with books, where you can grab a spot next to the crackling fireplace.
Stay at Estancia del Pilar
6. Estancia Los Chañares
Estancia Los Chañares is situated in Cordoba Province, and it is primarily known as a dove hunting lodge operated by FlyWays Argentina.
The weather in this part of Cordoba averages over 320 sunny days per year and no extreme temperatures, making it suitable for this sport.
Los Chañares is a 1,000-acre property with rolling hills. It has a 9-bedroom luxury lodge, an outdoor pool, and a jacuzzi for unwinding at the end of the day.
Meals at the estancia feature a combination of field lunches and Argentine-style asados paired with local wines.
Estancias Los Chañares is located in one of the largest dove roosts in the world and is endorsed by Orvis and Beretta.
Stay at Estancia Los Chañares
7. Estancia La Abundancia
Last but not least, another Cordoba estancia to consider is La Abundancia, formerly known as Estancia La Constancia. This property is located in San Javier, Valle de Traslasierra, Córdoba.
La Abundancia is the name of the guesthouse that sits inside the tract of land known as Estancia La Constancia. It is set in a nature reserve of 1,200 hectares at the foot of Cerro Champaquí.
They are focused on preserving native flora and fauna, and natural waterways such as springs and streams that originate within the reserve. Some of the local fauna include: puma, deer, condors, hares and foxes, just to name a few.
The historic home is surrounded by hills, forests and streams – a perfectly secluded spot to connect with nature. Guests can enjoy a natural spring water pool suitable for swimming. Plus, there are numerous trails and outdoor spaces for various purposes.
The guesthouse has 11 rooms, each with its private bathroom; these include 2 suites, 3 premium rooms and 5 standard rooms.
Accommodations at La Abundancia include full room and board.
Stay at La Abundancia
If the city is more your thing, you can browse places to stay in Córdoba featuring hand-picked properties that range from boutique hotels to hostels.
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