The vast pampas region, which is comparable to the Great Plains of the United States, is an excellent place for horseback riding and is one of the most popular ways of exploring this region outside of Buenos Aires. The estancias listed below offer horseback riding for all levels and provide guided tours of their estates and surrounding acres. There are also opportunities to take moonlit rides to lagoons and go on overnight trail rides. Since these estancias are relatively close to Buenos Aires, it makes it easy to organize a memorable excursion that horse lovers will never forget.

El Ombu de Areco
This charming estancia is situated on 740 acres of land and the main residence being in the style of an Italian farmhouse dating back to 1890. It is located in San Antonio de Areco, which is 68 miles north of Buenos Aires. The sprawling land of the pampas with its many trees and wildlife is an ideal setting for a memorable horseback riding vacation.

Since it is so close to Buenos Aires, the El Ombu de Areco would make a great day excursion, or could be added to your intinerary for a few overnight stays. The staff encourages guests to observe and take part in daily ranch work such as milking, driving cattle to harness, etc. There is also 300 hectares of Argentinean heartland to explore by horseback. Take a guided tour by a seasoned gaucho and get an insider's view of the vast expanse of the pampas region.

In addition to horseback riding, there are some surrounding highlights that are worth checking out. On popular day excursion is the historic San Antonio de Areco where you can discover the silversmiths, leather craft and wood workshops, and a quaint chocolate factory.

They offer 6 comfortable rooms with a private bath and furnished with period pieces and gaucho-style fireplaces called "salamanders." The spacious living room features the usual amenities, including billiards, satellite TV, ping-pong, and metegol (table football).

The main residence is surround with the typical tiled-floors of the late-Colonial period, with cascaded steps that lead into the gardens of the park. Here you can stroll the park to find a beautiful array of plants such as centennial oaks, araucarias, palms, eucalyptus, casuarinas, and magnolias. The surrounding land is near the Areco River, which has natural lagoons and small tributaries running into it.

Guests can enjoy the daily meals of asado, (Argentinean barbeque) the finest beef in Argentina, and international and creole dishes all served with local wines. The ranch family will make you feel at home with their friendly hospitality.

In the summertime lunch is served al fresco in the shadow of the great ombú. Drinks and snacks are available at any hour, and, of course, guests are always welcome to share the famous Argentine maté with Eva and her family, their friends and the gauchos.

Dos Talas
This magical, historic estancia is ideal for your perfect horseback riding vacation. Dating back to the seventeenth century, Dos Talas has maintained it's legendary reputation of being one of the most important estancias in Argentina. It features a 98 acre park that surrounds the main residence and a French chapel which contains antique French art. It also has an extensive collection of books from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

It is located in Dolores, 127 miles south of Buenos Aires, and offers 4 rooms in a French-style mansion: 1 suite and 3 rooms with shared bathrooms. From your room you can gaze out to the beautiful gardens and cattle grazing in the seemingly endless expanse of the pampas. What makes this estancia so remarkable are the many broad avenues of huge trees that line the different corners of the grounds. The garden was designed in 1908 by Charles Thays, the French landscape architect.

It all started with the famous Basque-French pioneer Pedro Luro who came to Argentina at the tender age of seventeen without a penny to his name. Through hard work, determination and amiable character he became one of the most important land owners in the region. The estancia is still in the hands of the Luro family, which is the fifth generation to continue the tradition.

You have a range of activities available, including horseback riding, cycling, guided rides, and swimming, as well as a chance to try Argentinean-style barbeque and other local specialities. The best way to explore the pampas is by horseback, where you can spot hares, rheas, armadillos, foxes, and cattle of the ranch. Another highlight is taking a ride to the lagoon at sunset. There is also the option to ride along side the guachos as they round up cattle and perform other daily activities.

El Rosario de Areco
This colonial style estancia dates back to 1892 and is situated on 34 acres of land. It is located in San Antonia Areco, which is 68 miles from Buenos Aires. The estancia is still owned by the same family of patriots and pioneers. San Antonia Areco is also a great day excursion with its museums, and old world artisan and silversmith community.

All sixteen suites have been restored to resemble colonial style elegance and taste. They also offer 2 comfortable apartments for 2-3 people with a private bathroom and 6 double rooms with a private bathroom.

The rest of the 365 acres of the estancia is dedicated to agriculture and training and breeding polo horses. In fact, El Rosario has its own polo team and attracts famous polo players from all over the world. You will have the chance to take polo lessons or you can explore the pampas on trails with the gauchos.

The estancia also features relaxing activities if you're needing down time. There is a swimming pool, and horse carriage rides around the estancia. The abundance of flora and fauna also make it an excellent place for bird watching, spotting wildlife, and hiking.

Estancia Los Dos Hermanos
Located only 48 miles from Buenos Aires in the town of Zarate, Estancia Los Dos Hermanos specializes in horseback riding with overnight excursions and day outings. They have over fifty horses of all different types of breeds and a variety of saddles. Lessons are provided for people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you opt to take a day trip or stay overnight, all drinks and meals are included. The estancia offers five comfortable cottages that include maid service.

On a day outing a guide will take you on a two-hour ride covering the land of the estate. Afterwards you'll be treated to an asado (Argentine barbeque), and local red wine. Then you'll venture off the property to see the horse and cattle herds convening at the lagoon. There are also other types of rides available, including the very popular and magical moonlight rides. You can also participate in wagon rides and longer trips that cover over 100 km.

Estancia La Bamba
Dating back to colonial times, the Estancia La Bamba is located in San Antonio de Areco, just 68 miles from Buenos Aires. The beautiful colonial house was built in 1830, and has been used in the films "Camila" and "Las Cosas del Querer." They offer guests 11 rooms, a cottage for four, and a cottage for 8.

During the day you have your choice of memorable and relaxing activities, which range from horseback riding, swimming in the pool, carriage rides, fishing, and birdwatching. At night you will be treated to folk dancing shows, guitar playing and singing as well as an excellent dinner of international and local cuisine.

They also offer a week-long polo vacation which includes six nights with full room and board, polo lessons, and the opportunity to play matches for those with a higher skill lever.

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