Spending a few nights at an estancia in Mendoza is an opportunity to experience Argentine country life at its most authentic.
These historic ranches are a gateway to the region’s rural heritage – a place where you can go horseback riding, enjoy home-cooked meals paired with wine, and learn about gaucho traditions against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains.
While staying at a wine hotel in Mendoza is a great way to get acquainted with the Winelands, spending a few nights at an estancia is an opportunity to delve a little deeper and experience a different side of Mendoza.
That’s why we’re highlighting 5 estancias in Mendoza where you can experience Argentine hospitality while adventuring into the rugged mountains.
Estancias in Mendoza
1. Rancho e Cuero
Rancho e Cuero is a massive estancia that encompasses 3,000 hectares of land in the Andes Mountains. The landscapes are ever impressive boasting vast tracts of land with rivers, valleys, and rugged cliffs.
This ranch has been in the hands of the Palma family for over 250 years, and it now welcomes guests for a one-of-a-kind experience in rural Mendoza.
The estancia features six suites that are rustic yet quaint. This is not a 5-star hotel nor does it pretend to be, but rather the magic is in the remote, wild landscapes and the sense of adventure that the place offers.
When you stay as an overnight guest at Rancho e Cuero, all of your meals are included. Because the estancia is quite remote and requires a fair bit of effort to reach, once you arrive, you won’t be leaving to explore the city of Mendoza or go on any wine excursions – the estancia is the destination!
Here, guests can enjoy unlimited horseback riding, trekking and fishing.
This is one of a handful of estancias in Mendoza that offers a ‘country day’ where you can come and visit for the whole day.
Book your stay at Rancho e Cuero
2. Los Chulengos
Estancia Los Chulengos is situated in Valle de Uco along the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
The estancia’s origins are humble; it began as a precarious shelter built along a river bank where a gaucho looked after the cows, sheep, goats and horses. With the passing of time, this crude refuge turned into a summer getaway for the Palma family.
Over time more comforts were added until Los Chulengos became this remote yet sought-after estancia for travellers who want to embark on an adventure. The 100-year-old shelter has been renovated and now acts as the main lodge. Plus, there is also a house integrated in a barn which is suitable for lodging larger groups.
As for the name of the estancia, ‘chulengo’ refers to the baby guanaco which inhabits the Andes. It was named so because one of the owner’s favourite memories was rescuing a chulengo who had lost its mother and nursing it with a bottle. That is how the estancia got the name Los Chulengos.
When it comes to activities, this estancia offers horse riding excursions that take you up into the mountain range, you can also go trekking and explore the mountain trails, and there’s fly fishing on the local streams – mainly brown and rainbow trout.
One thing that sets Los Chulengos apart is that they have been breeding and raising stallions for many years, specifically, the Quarter Horse breed, known for its gentleness and docility. It’s an energetic and agile horse when it comes to working with cattle.
As for food, at Los Chulengos you can expect to enjoy traditional Argentine dishes elaborated from family recipes using fresh and natural ingredients from the estancia’s organic garden. Some of the specialties include empanadas baked in the clay oven, grilled beef and trout.
Book your stay at Los Chulengos
3. Estancia Los Coirones
Estancia Los Coirones is located in Tupungato at the foot of the Andes Mountains offering views of Tupungato Volcano and Cerro el Plata.
The casa where guests stay is built of stone and adobe, and it’s the oldest part of the estancia. The structure has been carefully renovated and decorated to welcome guests for a comfortable stay. It can hold up to 8 people.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities during their stay at Estancia Los Coirones. The Andes Mountains are waiting to be explored either by trekking, mountain biking or horseback. These activities typically range from 2-3 hours.
This estancia in Mendoza is known for breeding Texel sheep, which you can also see during your visit.
Trying the local cuisine is another important part of the estancia experience. At Los Coirones you’ll get to savour dishes prepared using various traditional cooking methods like the grill, plow disc, and clay oven. And because this is Mendoza, of course, the meals are accompanied by the best wines the Uco Valley has to offer!
Book your stay at Estancia Los Coirones
4. San Ignacio Estancia Andina
Estancia San Ignacio sits at 1,500 meters above sea level along the Andes Foothills, yet it’s only 25 minutes from the city. This makes it one of the more accessible estancias in Mendoza.
At Estancia San Ignacio there is a strong focus on enjoying nature and soaking in the immensity of the Andes Mountain Range. This is a place where you come to spend time outdoors, be it horseback riding or hiking along the trails. The day’s activities can be adapted to suit your fitness level and interests.
This is an all-inclusive experience, which in Argentina means 4 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
This estancia also offers a Día de Campo where you can come and enjoy the place for the day.
Book your stay at San Ignacio Estancia Andina
5. Estancia Las Pircas
Estancia Las Pircas is situated in Mendoza’s Uco Valley at 2,000 meters above sea level.
Formerly known as the Estancia Palma, this land at the foothills of the Andes has belonged to the Palma family for over 200 years.
Traditionally a place for the family’s summer holidays and gatherings, today the estancia welcomes guests from across the globe who want to experience a taste of traditional Argentine country life.
Estancia Las Pircas has four double suite rooms decorated in a rustic yet warm style and offers views of the Cordón del Plata mountain range.
Their 3-night program is a popular offer as it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the estancia and enjoy everything this remote destination has to offer. Activities include horse riding, 4×4 rides, trekking, photographic safaris and biking.
This is one of those estancias in Mendoza that also offers a day program for guests who want to come and get a taste of the rural way of life.
Book your stay at Estancia Las Pircas
If you’d like to experience more estancias in Argentina, check out some of these luxury estancias near Buenos Aires and these remote estancias near El Calafate.
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