5 Estancias in San Antonio de Areco for an authentic experience
We get a lot of enquiries about estancias near Buenos Aires where to live an authentic experience, and so based on our experience in the area, we recommend these options in San Antonio de Areco, just 113 km from the city.
The proximity to the city, together with the fact that San Antonio de Areco is considered the cradle of the gaucho tradition, makes this destination the ideal place for those looking to immerse themselves in an authentic experience and experience the deep-rooted traditions of the Argentinean countryside up close.
San Antonio de Areco offers the opportunity to experience rural life, participate in traditional activities such as dressage, enjoy the local gastronomy and immerse yourself in the rich gaucho culture.
1. La Bamba de Areco

La Bamba de Areco is an estancia from the beginning of the 19th century, located only 120 km from Buenos Aires and a few kilometres from San Antonio de Areco.
Its origins date back to the year 1830, when it was one of the post houses on the Camino Real (Royal Road) that linked Buenos Aires with the north of the country. In 1980, it was one of the first estancias to open its doors to the public, with an atmosphere impregnated with gaucho spirit.
The main house is built around a main courtyard where the watchtower, which was used to defend against native attacks, stands out.
The stables, the summer dining room, the billiard room and the grocer’s shop make up most of the buildings surrounding the main house.
The 11 rooms and suites are spread over three buildings and are named after famous horses. Wooden floors, antique colonial furniture and works of art create an elegant atmosphere.
Each of the dishes offered during your stay are of incredible quality and are created with ingredients from local producers.
Among the activities included are:
- Horseback riding,
- Carriage rides,
- Mountain biking,
- Mate tasting,
- Indian dressage or equestrian skill demonstrations,
- Folkloric dances,
- Walks,
- Swimming pool,
- Massages, with additional cost
- Polo matches during the season
🛎️ Book your stay at the best price here.
Ruta 31 Km 7.5, San Antonio de Areco
2. La Madrugada de Areco

The centenary estancia covers 8 hectares with dense trees, several sheds, a stable, two train carriages and a manor house that has been completely remodelled.
The gardens add a chapter of beauty of their own. More than 250 varieties of roses impregnate the whole environment with their fragrance, sharing the limelight with sculptures strategically placed in every corner.
La Madrugada de Areco offers three suites, each decorated with exquisite taste, with views of the garden, huge beds that guarantee a pleasant rest, and wooden doors and windows that open onto the veranda. Authentic touches such as cowhide rugs, ponchos and historic artefacts are displayed throughout.
Accommodation includes all four meals and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Dishes made with fresh ingredients are complemented by freshly baked bread, jams and homemade yoghurt. The presentation of the dishes on English porcelain adds a touch of elegance, and the experience culminates in the evening with a barbecue around the fire pit.
But what really distinguishes La Madrugada de Areco is the feeling of exclusivity and intimacy it provides. The friendly and willing staff contributes to this unique experience. Guests enjoy total freedom to explore at their own pace, with no strict timetables for meals and the possibility of horseback riding at sunset, creating unforgettable moments in a peaceful and elegant setting.
Among the activities included are:
- One-hour guided horseback rides,
- Walks,
- Semi-Olympic swimming pool,
- Board games,
- Bonfire,
- Bird watching.
🛎️ Book your stay at the best price here.
Km. 2,5 in Camino del Yameo, San Antonio de Areco
3. El Ombú de Areco

The historic estancia El Ombú de Areco is located in San Antonio de Areco, only 120 km from Buenos Aires and 11 km from San Antonio de Areco, cradle of the gaucho tradition.
It consists of a magnificent 1880’s farmhouse, owned by the Boelcke family since 1934. It has 300 hectares dedicated to livestock (Aberdeen Angus cattle and horses) and fields planted with soybean, corn, wheat, oats or pastures, depending on the season of the year.
Since 1993, the Ombú has opened its doors to tourism to allow you to enjoy unforgettable stays in the option of a Country Day or full board accommodation in its comfortable suites.
The facilities include 11 magnificent rooms, a living room, a restaurant, a games room, two swimming pools, football and volleyball courts.
Among the activities included are:
- Horseback riding,
- Rides in sulky or carriage,
- Folkloric shows with music and dance,
- Indian dressage or troop driving demonstrations,
- Walks and bike rides,
- Bird watching,
- Volleyball and football fields, ping pong and billiards,
- Activities with cattle: milking, herding, vaccination, among others.
🛎️ Book your stay at the best price here.
Ruta Provincial 31, Villa Lía
4. La Cinacina

La Cinacina is strategically located between the quiet backwater of the countryside and the heart of the historic centre of San Antonio de Areco, only 500 metres away, and 112 km from the city of Buenos Aires.
In one of the several colonial buildings of the 19th century that make up the estancia, there was originally a dairy that supplied milk to the shops and inhabitants of the town.
The 50 hectares of land is surrounded by centenary trees, flowering gardens and an infinite horizon of sown fields. La Cinacina offers a unique and charming atmosphere.
Today’s owners are different from the originals and have transformed it for more than 60 years into a charming hotel, which welcomes visitors from all over the world.
It has 25 rooms, 3 of them with hydromassage, some with fireplace and a suite of 40 m2. All have private bathrooms and views of the park. The simple and tasteful decoration creates a cosy and authentic atmosphere.
What makes La Cinacina stand out is its proximity to the village, allowing guests easy access to local grocery stores, restaurants, the riverside promenade and museums with just a short stroll.
Although only offering breakfast service, the estancia has a 24-hour coffee shop and a cosy living room with a fireplace, board games and books.
Some of the activities included are:
- Guided horseback riding for one hour, with additional cost,
- Hiking,
- Semi-Olympic swimming pool,
- Board games,
- Massages, with additional cost.
🛎️ Book your stay at the best price here.
Mitre 9, San Antonio de Areco
5. Los Vagones de Areco

The Hotel Rural Los Vagones de Areco is in the middle of the countryside, about 7 km from the old Vagues Station by dirt road, and a few minutes from San Antonio de Areco.
This very original place is attended in a personalized way by its owners and a very committed staff. Undoubtedly, it is a different place. A hotel in the middle of the countryside with rooms inside old restored train carriages.
The rooms are decorated with period furniture, with private bathroom, air conditioning and a deck with iron tables and chairs, ideal for reading a book, chatting or just relaxing looking at the horizon.
In the case of the Premium Suite, it has a king-size bed, dressing room, private bathroom and antique bathtub. The other 6 suites are located in an old passenger train wagon.
In this ideal environment, you can enjoy a picnic or full board accommodation (adults only) in its comfortable wagons.
Among the activities included are:
- Visit to the Museum of Antiquities,
- Swimming pool,
- Walks to the creek,
- Croquet, frog game and board games,
- Barbecue at noon,
- Bonfire at sunset.
Ideal for those who wish to enjoy nature, in the shade of aromatic and leafy trees, in the deckchairs by the swimming pool.
🛎️ Book your stay at the best price here.
Vagues, San Antonio de Areco
As you can see, a stay at any of the estancias in San Antonio de Areco is a spectacular programme to relax and connect with nature, just a short distance from the city.
Another option is to make an excursion from Buenos Aires, to live the Gaucho Cultural Experience Tour in San Antonio de Areco.
In case you need a car for your trip, don’t hesitate to compare prices in our search engine..
