The most exclusive estancias in Buenos Aires province
The vast expanse of Buenos Aires province is home to some of the most exclusive estancias in Argentina and South America.
Many people ask us where to start… but this is something very personal, because these places transcend the mere stay to become unforgettable experiences, exclusive corners that captivate from the very first moment.
From the moment you cross the gate, these Buenos Aires destinations envelop you in an aura of exclusivity, making you feel as if the whole world were vanishing, and you were the only protagonist of this idyllic scenery.
The serenity of the sunrises and sunsets, the harmony with the surrounding nature, and the variety of activities offer a range of options for every preference, be it adventure or simple relaxation in the shade of a tree.
The gastronomic experience cannot be missing in the programme, and it comes with the traditional barbecues, the handmade sweets and the wine that accompanies every bite and the long after-dinner conversations.
Some of them are located less than 100 kilometres away from the city of Buenos Aires, allowing for quick getaways, while others are located in more remote places, ideal for those who are looking for a longer disconnection.
In this article, we will reveal the secrets and charms that each of these estancias have in store for those who are looking for more than just a tourist destination.
Best estancias in the Buenos Aires province – Summary
The choice of this list of the most exclusive estancias in the Buenos Aires province is based on our experience exploring these destinations over time.
- Estancia La Bamba de Areco in San Antonio de Areco
- Estancia La Madrugada de Areco in San Antonio de Areco
- Estancia Villa María in Marcos Paz
- Estancia La Sistina in Guaminí
- Estancia La Oriental in Junín
- Estancia La Bandada in San Miguel del Monte
- Estancia La Raquel in Castelli
- Estancia La Fortuna in Salto
1. Estancia La Bamba de Areco – Relais & Chateaux
La Bamba de Areco is the only hotel in the Buenos Aires province that is part of the distinguished Relais & Châteaux family and one of the oldest estancias in Argentina.
It is located 120 kilometres from the city of Buenos Aires at km 7.5 of Route 31, very close to the town of San Antonio de Areco.
The estancia was renovated in 2009 as a boutique hotel with details that combine modern luxury and colonial elegance.
All meals are included in your stay, with exquisite cuisine prepared by the estancia’s own chef accompanied by the highest level of service.
Horseback riding, excursions on horseback, by carriage or mountain bike, Argentinean petanque, hot stone massages, the swimming pool and the numerous surrounding areas offer the guest an unforgettable relaxing experience.
What distinguishes the Bamba de Areco?
- Its history: The origins of La Bamba date back to 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. Its main building and watchtower served as a defence against native attacks, its old stables (La Pulpería) and its 200 year old park are rooted in Argentine and gaucho history.
- The Indian Dressage Ceremony. Click on this link and read the full article.
2. Estancia La Madrugada de Areco
La Madrugada de Areco is located at km 2.5 of Camino del Yameo in San Antonio de Areco, 126 km from the capital and very close to the town of the same name.
In this estancia in Buenos Aires province, there are 3 tastefully decorated suites with king size beds and all of them overlooking the gardens. The country touches are provided by the cowhide rugs, ponchos and every object displayed everywhere.
Activities at the estancia include a semi-Olympic swimming pool, guided horseback rides, bonfires and walks in the surrounding area.
Meals are all-inclusive and offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
What distinguishes La Madrugada de Areco?
- The freedom to move around the estancia and the flexible timetable.
- The guided horseback riding is real, not a walk around the hull.
3. Estancia Villa María
Villa María is located 59 km from Buenos Aires in the district of Ezeiza, in Marcos Paz.
The estancia was founded by Vicente Pereda at the end of the 19th century, and from its origin it was a precursor establishment of the cattle raising area on the way to Cañuelas. In 1919, his son Celedonio Pereda commissioned the famous architect Alejandro Bustillo to build a hull to be used as a summer residence.
Since then and for decades, Villa María was the protagonist of countless family and social events that wrote a great part of Argentina’s history.
It has 16 rooms, 11 in the main house and 5 in the neighbouring French house, a countryside restaurant, a multipurpose room with capacity for 200 people, spacious common areas and a centenary wine cellar.
The majestic architecture extends through galleries and terraces towards the park designed by Benito Carrasco, a disciple of Carlos Thays. It is home to more than 300 species of trees that change the landscape at different times of the year.
It is possible to enjoy the accommodation with all meals included or the Countryside Day. Among the activities included are horseback riding, carriage and bicycle rides, tennis court, football, billiard room and board games.
What distinguishes Villa María?
- The imposing Norman Tudor style palace built by the architect Alejandro Bustillo in 1923 for the Pereda family with incredible interiors.
- The 72 hectares park with more than 300 species, designed by the landscaper Benito Carrasco, disciple of Carlos Thays.
4. Estancia La Sistina
La Sistina is located in the Laguna del Monte, in the locality of Guaminí, in the southwest of the Buenos Aires province, about 480 km from the city of Buenos Aires and 70 km from Coronel Suárez.
The estancia was named after one of its last owners, the Austrian Countess Ena Werckheim, who used to live on Sistina Street in Rome. In 1984, she built the lodge where visitors stay today. The estancia was sold to the Salentein group in 1995.
The island can be reached by boat, after a travelling time of about 10 minutes. It can also be reached by private plane, as the estancia has a 1200 m airstrip.
The lodge has 8 rooms with private bathrooms, all with views of the lagoon or the park. The living-dining room with huge windows is ideal to sit and watch the lagoon, the swimming pool and the park with all the animals that pass by just a few metres from the house. Maras, deer, flamingos, pheasants, peacocks, antelopes, and mouflons, among others.
The stay includes accommodation and all meals. Swimming, hiking and biking. Photo safari and boat or kayak trips. There is the possibility of doing water sports such as water-skiing, wakeboarding and kitesurfing (lessons and equipment, these activities have an additional cost).
What distinguishes La Sistina?
- The location of the estancia in the middle of an island.
- The photo safari with a variety of exotic animals.
5. Estancia La Oriental
The Estancia La Oriental is located 10 km from the city of Junín and 264 km from Buenos Aires.
At the end of the 19th century, Justo del Carmen Saavedra, a Creole pioneer, built the original estancia, which became one of the most outstanding stud farms in the country. When he died, without descendants, it passed into the hands of the family of the current owners, who opened the estancia to tourism in 1993.
The house has 7 rooms with fireplace, large bathrooms, impressive living room and dining room. The French decoration has furniture brought from different parts of the world.
It is an ideal proposal for a getaway of one or several days, to enjoy nature in a unique environment. The service includes accommodation, full board and activities.
Swimming pool, horseback riding, bicycles, ping-pong, croquet, archery, among others; fishing in the lagoon, kayaking, bird watching, and agricultural and livestock activities depending on the time of the year.
What distinguishes La Oriental?
- Centennial forest with oaks, poplars, magnolias, eucalyptus, plane trees and araucarias.
- Fishing in the Carpincho Lagoon, surrounded by the Salado River.
6. Estancia La Bandada
La Bandada is located 120 kilometres from Buenos Aires, in San Miguel del Monte.
The colonial style main house is surrounded by a grove of plane trees, poplars and pines. In autumn, the ginkgo bilobas stand out with their bright yellow leaves. The place was renovated in 2017 while maintaining its traditional look.
The rooms are beautiful and named after different birds: Hummingbird, Hornero, Cardinal, are some of them.
Among the activities you can enjoy, apart from the swimming pool, are horseback riding, polo clinics or cooking classes, walking or cycling in the park.
The service is personalized, and the cuisine consists of traditional recipes cooked with fresh ingredients from the important vegetable garden that can be visited.
What distinguishes La Bandada?
- Exquisite dishes with fresh ingredients from their own organic garden.
- Flocks of ducks fly in their characteristic V-formation from pond to pond.
7. Estancia La Raquel
La Raquel is located at kilometre 168 of Route 2 in the District of Castelli.
The first owner of this countryside was Felicitas Guerrero who inherited it from her husband Martín de Álzaga, one of the richest men in Buenos Aires. As we all know, Felicitas was murdered by a suitor, and when she died childless, her property passed first to her parents and then to one of her brothers, who married Raquel Cardenas. Hence, the name of the estancia.
The French style castle was built in 1894, with salmon-coloured walls and a large tower that can be seen from the road and from whose windows you can see the Salado River.
Valeria Guerrero, Raquel’s daughter, decided to create the family foundation in 1972, which is continued to this day by her descendants.
The estancia has different proposals for a day in the countryside. It includes a menu of steps and a historical talk about the castle and the Guerrero family, and a botanical tour through the estancia’s park. The farewell is at sunset with coffee / tea with fried cakes, pastafrola and croissants.
What distinguishes La Raquel?
- The warmth and quality of the service offered.
- The possibility of visiting the famous property of Felicitas Guerrero and her descendants.
8. Estancia La Fortuna
La Fortuna is located in Salto, Buenos Aires province, 200 km from the city of Buenos Aires.
The house was built at the request of its owner Pedro Estrugamou in the early years of the 20th century, with a design by the French architect Le Bergere.
The house and its surroundings were completely restored by the current owners in 2009, maintaining the original charm and glamour while perfectly combining modern comforts. It is they who bring their personal touch together with hotel expertise and personalized service.
At La Fortuna you can enjoy exclusive stays that include full access to all rooms of the palace for up to 16 people, activities on the property and full board.
Another way to experience the estancia is to book a hotel room on certain dates, which includes on-site activities, 4 meals a day, non-alcoholic beverages and personalized service.
The activities allow you to experience the life of the countryside and gaucho traditions, with horseback riding, rides in old carriages or simply relaxing in the park. There are also a variety of indoor entertainment: billiards, micro-cinema, library, tango lessons, wine tasting, cooking classes. Swimming pool, hiking, bird watching, barbecue, bicycles.
What distinguishes La Fortuna?
- The personal touch and attention to detail.
- Our own ‘Pulperia’ in the village of Berdier.
Are you ready to dive into this one-way trip? Which one will be your first choice?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to visit them all on the same trip. Plan calmly, establish your priorities, and let yourself be carried away by the unique experience offered by the best estancias in the Buenos Aires province.
Let the adventure begin and enjoy it to the fullest!
