Skip to main content

Argentina: Beyond the Pampas

According to locals, the true soul of Argentina can only be discovered in its boundless steppes, not in its cities.  For centuries the Argentine grasslands have been the domain of the gaucho, a variant of the North American cowboy, providing their livelihoods through cattle rearing and sheep shearing. Whilst the gaucho is still very much living and working part of the national culture, many of the country’s smaller ranches, known as estancias, have been persuaded to open up their gates to paying guests in order to ensure survival.

Today the vacation ranch market already seems nearing saturation; you will find luxury estancias complete with spas and pools catering for honeymooners, or those that have been turned into Disney style nightmares for gawking tourists. However, delving a little deeper will unearth a handful of places that are indeed the real thing; working estancias maintained by true gauchos.

Recommended Videos

Located on the edge of Patagonia, 125 miles north of Bariloche, 990 miles south west of Buenos Aires and seemingly a million years away from anything, lies the 15,000 acre estancia Huechahue. With eight double rooms, all en suite, the accommodation is basic but comfortable. Meals are served communally either in the lodge dining room or outdoors, where traditional barbecues, or ‘asados’, are prepared over open pit fires. Being in prime beef country means its pretty much meat galore for lunch, dinner and sometimes, even breakfast. But don’t expect a dainty sirloin steak; the animal you saw grazing just hours before will be roasting in its entirety on the flames. Huechahue is virtually self-sufficient when it comes to food; sourcing its own eggs, milk and bacon – it also provides freshly baked bread and has a sizeable orchard.

Although one can choose to partake in some fly fishing or a spot of bird watching, the main event here is horseback riding. There is cattle gathering to be done on a daily basis and the estancia also organizes excursions through the Andean foothills, where you will be trotting amongst rocky gorges, galloping through Patagonian rivers and can even stop to visit ancient Tehuelche Indian burial caves. All the horse related activities are presided over by one of the ranch gauchos, meaning no nonsense and experienced guidance.

The estancia remains closed from May to September when the land plummets into a frigid slumber and the cows move onto greener pastures, but if travel does take you that far south, be sure to venture beyond the capital and explore the wilderness that awaits.

Manfredi Conti
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Manfredi is an aspiring globetrotting gypsetter. This is not to be confused with a vagabond beach bum. Apart from…
The most child-friendly city in Europe might surprise you
Paris might be the perfect place to take your kids
Paris

Thinking about moving abroad with kids or planning a family vacation? A new report from the Clean Cities Campaign reveals the top European cities for child-friendly mobility, and the winner might not be what you expect.

Paris, France, has been named the most child-friendly city in Europe. While often seen as a busy capital, Paris ranked highest for its safe driving speeds and protected cycling infrastructure. The city’s ambitious School Streets program is a key reason for its top ranking. Paris aims to create 300 School Streets by 2026, with at least a third fully redesigned to include greenery and safety features.

Read more
Rock Creek Resort in Montana is making a big comeback in July 2025
Newly renovated with the needs of the modern traveler in mind
Rock Creek Resort

Rock Creek Resort in Montana, a 40-acre property along Rock Creek near historic Red Lodge, is set to reopen in July after an extensive renovation. The property has a foundation built upon a long and rich history, serving as a staple in the community for over 50 years. Now managed by Columbia Hospitality, the newly reimagined Rock Creek Resort will serve the modern traveler while still honoring its storied past. Some upgrades include refreshed dining experiences, versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces, and new design elements and amenities designed with modern needs.

The new renovation includes 78 upgraded rooms and suites, including creekside accommodations that feature clawfoot tubs, fireplaces, and private decks. These accommodations make the resort well-suited for all types of travelers, including solo travelers, families, and groups. The development team's focus for the upgrades includes comfort and connection, with upgrades like a thoughtfully designed communal space to unite people. Upgraded amenities like saunas and a heated indoor pool promote relaxation while on-site activities, such as axe throwing and fly fishing, celebrate the area's natural beauty.

Read more
Delta adds new global flights and lounges as it grows Seattle presence
Delta SkyClub, Seattle

This week, Delta bolstered its offerings at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), announcing two new lounges and direct service to Rome and Barcelona. The airline will also offer priority access to 18 gates throughout Concourses A and B, so travelers can enjoy a smoother experience from ticketing to touchdown.

Flights to Rome and Barcelona, and two new lounges

Read more