Pampas Relax

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires - transfer to estancia 

Landing at the Jorge Newbery (AEP) regional airport after your flight from Ushuaia, your driver will meet you and take you by private vehicle, around the metropolis of Buenos Aires and into the vast, open Argentine pampas (grasslands). Today’s drive isapproximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. You will journey 75 miles, leaving the city behind and delve deep into the iconic grassland region of the pampas. Heading south-west from Buenos Aires, the pampas region is the agricultural heartland of Argentina and one of the largest natural prairies in the world. This is big-sky country, with fields of cattle and crops as far as the eye can see, and of course, home to Argentina's famed horsemen, the gauchos (cowboys).  

Upon arrival at the small, elegant rural estancia (ranch), you’ll be greeted by your hosts who will check you in to one of the establishment’s five rooms. The estancia has a maximum capacity of just 14 guests, this guarantees an intimate and peaceful experience during your stay. The estancia is cozy yet spacious; each room has its own style and characteristics, with bespoke decoration and private bathrooms. Take time to settle in, enjoy a stroll through the verdant surroundings, maybe mingle with your hosts and other guests and prepare for a tasty meal this evening, in the wonderful setting of the estancia’s dining room. 

Meals: Dinner - including house wine and soft drinks

Accommodation: Uniquely decorated bedroom with private bathroom, estancia

Day 2: Estancia time - Transfer to international airport 

Your itinerary at the estancia is deliberately left open for you to enjoy your stay at your own pace. We encourage you to relax and enjoy the photogenic surroundings. Having just returned from the trip of a lifetime (often with early-morning starts) you might like to let the birdsong wake you up naturally, catch-up on writing your diary, contact friends and family at home (there is a WiFi connection) or edit the hundreds of photos you’ve taken over the course of your expedition. 

If you prefer some light activity, you might choose to make use of one of the estancia's bicycles and enjoy a self-guided exploration around the property, or maybe take a walk around the area enjoying the lush habitat, the sights and sounds of the birds and wildlife that is everywhere in the estancia’s 10 hectare estate. Alternatively, gain a unique perspective of the surroundings by taking a short horseback ride with a local gaucho as your guide. The estancia’s swimming pool (maintained with non-chemical salts), is available for a dip, in water that will be significantly warmer than a polar plunge! Visit the property’s organic herb and vegetable garden, perhaps pick something fresh for your meal, or simply nosey around and see what’s growing. You can learn how your hosts keep a seed bank and produce their own organic insecticide. Depending what’s on the menu, you might be able to join the ranch’s chef in an "Argentina Flavours" cooking class where you will learn how the locals prepare typical dishes such as empanadas (pastry turnover), fried tortas fritas (a type of sweet doughy snack), or other sweet delights! 

Alternatively you can hang out with the gauchos and see how they prepare a typical Argentine asado (BBQ). Gauchos are still very much an integral part of the pampas way of life; they are the custodians of the traditions and the countryside here. Other optional activities include taking part in a game of polo (seasonally available), or enjoying an hour-long massage at the estancia (must be booked in advance).  

After a hearty BBQ lunch you can continue to enjoy the surroundings and keep your room until a late check-out, then take a private transfer to Ministro Pistarini (EZE) international airport. We are sure you will not want to leave, and will wish you were able to stay for one more day! You can easily extend your stay for more nights to really disconnect and enjoy your surroundings before returning home; or perhaps you might prefer to stay at the estancia before your expedition to Antarctica. This can all be arranged; please ask us for more information. Whenever you do leave, the drive to the airport will take approximately 1 hour, and you will arrive in good time to check in before your flight home. 

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - including house wine and soft drinks