Discover the best All-inclusives in Central Argentina including Hotel Luz y Fuerza San Bernardo, San Miguel Plaza Hotel, Estancia Los Potreros, Estancia La Bamba de Areco, Estancia La Granadilla, Estancia El Ombu de Areco.
Things to do in Central Argentina
4 based on 40 reviews
3.5 based on 333 reviews
We used to g go every year a few years ago. Now there was a long time and we went and stay only one day. Great rooms, view. Loved the golf course as usual and the kids zone with the Teacher Carolina. My daugter spend a great day with her a lots of activities. We are going back on November!
5 based on 133 reviews
An authentic working estancia offering unrivalled hospitality set in a stunning rural setting. We are famous for the quality of our horses and our trail-riding, and there is the chance to try polo or work with the gauchos. Out of the saddle there is rich and varied birdlife, excellent food and wine, and 6,500 acres of stunning countryside to discover.
Greeting us personally at the airport upon arrival, sporting his iconic red boina, angled over a kind smile, was our host Kevin. Travelling with my best friend Madeleine Bunbury, an artist, who specialises in painting horses life size, from life, meant we were taking oversized baggage to a new level with huge rolls of canvas and easels. This meant we had to rather precariously balance these upon the back of a pickup, Kevin using his ingenuity to even relinquish his jacket to help tie matters down! Following the first of many acts of generosity from our host, we began our journey towards the Estancia. As we drove deeper into the hills, leaving the populated towns behind, we realised the world was perhaps smaller than it currently felt after days of travelling and long haul flights, as in short journey to Los Potreros, it was established that Madeleine and Kevin actually had many mutual friends. I awoke the next day into paradise - rooms adorned with rich Argentinian textiles, warm yellow walls, and opened the double doors of my bedroom to be greeted by a herd of beautiful horses, mottled in the most wonderful variety of colours, gently grazing. On the veranda, amongst the collies and long dogs, we breakfasted and were introduced to the native ‘mate’, a particularly strong and punchy Argentine ‘green tea’, in the most beautiful little pot. Post breakfast, bubbly English manager Georgia (perhaps from all the mate) gave us the low down on the days events. Down to earth and amusing, Georgia knows the Estancia inside out, and has earned the respect of the Gaucho’s and picked up the Spanish language well. We were also introduced to Eight, a dog of questionable heritage due to his foxlike features, named as he was the last of eight abandoned puppies, who lucked out seeking refuge in the haven of Los Pots. Instantly, a feeling of overwhelming desire to explore overcame me, as far as the eye could see from every angle were dynamic, rolling green hills. Our horses for the morning were presented to us, bright eyed but incredibly quiet in nature. Tacked up, they adorned huge sheepskins on their saddles, intricate raw hide bridles, patterned girths and pads, culturally picturesque.. akin to the gaucho’s, wearing baggy bombachas (loose, workmanlike trousers), boinas (not dissimilar to a beret, but don’t call it that!) and neckerchiefs. Our young guides, charmingly named Franco and Frankito, had limited English, and we had limited Spanish, but this didn’t get in the way of a friendship forming through cheeky smiles and gestures. Rather peculiarly, our first expedition didn’t offer much opportunity to analyse the anatomy of the landscape, as we were met with a thick layer of fog. Almost like a soft launch, it gave hints of features such as walls built by the Jesuits, trickling streams and undulating hills. The fog hid the scale of the areas we were crossing, but created depth and highlighted the many layers of the hills. It meant the arrival at the cattle station for Los Potreros signature lemonade halfway, was a brilliant surprise as it emerged through the mist. As if the experience wasn’t romanticised enough already, Madeleine and I were told a charming story about the ‘Gaucho’ flower, little, delicate and orange in appearance, if this flower is presented to you it is symbolic as gesture of love. Naturally, we kept our eyes peeled, as two single girls with now hearts racing from dreams of Gaucho flowers, as well as adrenaline from galloping aboard our steeds. Unfortunately these flowers are hard found, unlike the abundance of thistles, which were the only things brushing our legs.. Carancho, the name of the first horse I was on board, is named after a bird of prey. The birdsong and opportunity for birdwatching is abundant, unlike Gaucho flower spotting, so if you have a penchant for wingspan you will be satisfied. Lunch, served by delightful Chef Pato, with the most beautiful smile, is placed upon table mats that feature vintage photographs of Kevin’s ancestors, each telling a story, as the place is steeped in family history. It is soon clear that storytelling is one of Kevin’s natural capabilities, keeping the table thoroughly entertained. Napkin rings are assigned to each guest, to keep the seating plans spontaneous, each ring featuring a name of a famous horse, which akin to the table mats, also have an intriguing story linked to each one. The evening ride was a stark contrast to the mornings - we swapped our steeds from the steady, sensible Criollo, not dissimilar to a small English hunter cob, to the Peruvian Paso. Electric, delicate, whippety creatures, they sport a ‘pacing’ gate, which is a high stepping and in-between a walk and trot. It is remarkably comfortable and fun. The fog had been long burnt off by the warmth of the sun, completely golden and hazy, with the softness inherent to South America. Suddenly we felt less like being on my present homestead of Dartmoor but now in the real deal. The scope of experience within one day was really surprising, the elements having transformed my perspective of the environment and the difference in horses. It’s hard to say which kind I preferred - the ambling, stoicness of the Criollo offered the ultimate time for mindfulness and reflection, as you felt completely detached from reality in the mountains. However the Paso’s were whizzy, punchy and brought out my inner Pony Club kid as we galloped around, saddle bags flapping, gaucho’s waving their boinas and ‘yupping’ and ‘yeeing’ as we raced around. I think this shows why guests who have very limited riding experience, or much experience, can all enjoy what the horses of Los Potreros have to offer. Evenings offer the perfect opportunity to chill and relax before supper, either by the pool or with a book, simply enjoying the company of the animals, or watching the foals being herded back into the safety of the confinements of the garden, protected from puma’s. Suppers were remarkably entertaining every night, as the stream of interesting guests came and went, conversation was never short of flowing, nor was the wine or laughter. Being at Estancia Los Potreros felt like visiting old friends, you were instantly ingratiated to be apart of the family, and felt so at home and at ease. You could do as much or as little as you liked, under no obligation, but there was opportunity for fun at all times of day. Saying that, it is an incredibly peaceful little bubble, a haven, that felt other worldly. Undoubtedly an experience that will sit vividly in my mind forever and firm friendships made for a long time. I can’t help but think that short of a trained therapist, this is the perfect retreat or refuge for heart broken horse girls!
5 based on 221 reviews
Estancia La Bamba de Areco, is one of the oldest estancias in Argentina. It is located only at 120 km from Buenos Aires and close to San Antonio de Areco in the heart of the Pampa. Has been renovated with great care as a boutique hotel, successfully combining luxurious comfort and colonial elegance. The spirit of the place is authenticity, the art of colonial luxury, history and tradition, attention to details, and people feel they are in a private house. La Bamba has recently become a Relais & Chateaux and a Virtuoso Member.
Words don’t seem quite enough to explain how great this little gem is. Worth the journey from Buenos Aires. Guillermo and team run a fantastic property. I had the pleasure of accompanying Eduardo on a sunset hack through fields and along the stream that abuts the property, which was truly a great experience. We had the place to ourselves which felt like a privilege beyond compare. It started with an Asado lunch al fresco with three other guests that were visiting for the day, followed by the horse whisperer giving us a demonstration that was truly breathtaking. Dinner with Guillermo in the main dining room and then the extra effort they went to to prepare breakfast for us the next day (despite our very early getaway) showed how pre-emptive they were and that nothing was too much trouble. I have travelled many countries and stayed at the big brands, boutique and standalone properties and this is without doubt one of the best experiences I have ever had. I cannot wait to come back again and wish the property continued success. The only disappointing thing was that we had to leave! Muchos gracias!
4.5 based on 44 reviews
The Estancia has 800 hectares of hills, valleys, streams and forests. The variations in altitude (between 950 and 1500 meters above sea level) create a plurality of landscapes and amazing views over the Condor Valley and the Argel Hill. More than 50 species of birds, high grasslands in the upper area, native trees and planted forests give the landscapes the most unique and diverse characteristics during the four seasons of the year. The Estancia is a horse and cattle breeding ranch. Guests are invited to observe and participate in certain rural work to experience the countryside life.
Do not look for luxury in this hotel...you have it already in the place where it is located...! It has all you need to do whatever you like! Horseriding, trekking in the mountains (sierras), excellent local food, Argentinian culture in the activities they do and people is invited to take part of it... The family that runs the place is super friendly and will help your stay to have the most of this experience. Trust me, this is a place where you always want to come back!
4.5 based on 397 reviews
Recreational activities: Guests can go horse back riding throughout the 300-hectare estancia accompanied by gauchos, enjoying the Pampa with its birds and animals and observing the cattle grazing or feeding their young or wander around the park among the ancient trees and scented flowers. There are several horse rides during the day.They last 1 hour or 1 hour and a half aprox. If you prefer longer or shorter rides, it can be arranged at the estancia. We have horses for both beginners and experienced ridersWe also offer rides in a sulky with a Gaucho driver for those not wishing to ride horses, and bird watching. There are several bycicles available that one can use to get to the river inside the estancia.We have a play room with games and a billard table, soccer and volleyball field And if it´s hot enough, two large swimming ools. Also a game room featuring a fireplace for winter, pool table, ping-pong, foosball, and various board games for children and adults.
Horse back riding through the cows and horses on this very large ranch was relaxing. Ground is level, cleared and easy. The unending barbecue lunch under huge trees was delightful and delicious. The music and dancing gave us an idea of gaucho life style. All our mouths dropped open in amazement at the Horse Whisperer. Don’t look at photos of this. Wait and be stunned.
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