The Pampas
The Pampas is a vast expanse of flat and fertile grasslands surrounding Buenos Aires. Dotted with small traditional villages, vast wilderness and rich in Gaucho heritage, it is the best place to see Argentina’s real-life cowboys in action, experience warm Argentine hospitality and soak up rural country life.
Stretching from the Atlantic coastline to the Andean mountain ranges in the south, the Pampas is a huge fertile land that offers sweeping vistas and a blend of relaxation and outdoor adventures. As the birth place of the Gaucho tradition, life exists as it did centuries ago. Gauchos roam the land herding cattle; they dance to the sounds of folklore music and indulge in a slower pace of life.
Numerous working cattle ranches and elegant country houses are scattered across these grasslands and form an integral part of Argentina’s history and culture. Staying on an estancia offers a glimpse into the true essence of Argentine life, where time is spent exploring the beauty of the rural pastures on horseback, helping local gauchos in their daily work, or trying your hand at a polo game, which is practiced at many of the Estancia’s. Asados (Argentine BBQ) and mate tasting are also a national pastime. Indulge on an Asado whereby meat is grilled 'the gaucho way' in an open fire and try Yerba Mate (pronounced ma-tay), which consists of 'Yerba' that almost fills a mate (a metal or wooden drinking vessel) when hot water is added to create a tea-like consistency. It is then drunk through a metal straw, usually passed around and shared.
Located only two hours or so from the capital, the Pampas is the ideal destination to relax before or after your Argentine adventure and get under the skin of Argentine culture. Imagine Latin America have paired up with a handful of authentic and secluded estancia’s that ensure you will make the most out of your stay.