Visiting an estancia ranch in Argentina

Argentina grew rich on its agricultural output, and a visit to a traditional ranch provides an insight into the gaucho's livelihood – and often, the chance to join in.

One of the options for a day trip from a city is a visit to an estancia (ranch). Many of these receive either day visitors or weekend guests, although most are also still active in their traditional livestock and agricultural work. There are a number of these establishments, particularly within a couple of hours’ drive of Buenos Aires. Most were founded early in the 20th century.

Estancia activities

Although agricultural methods have obviously changed since the 1920s heyday of the estancias, it is still possible to see traditional methods demonstrated for visitors. For those who can spare only one day for the outing, most estancias offer transport, and a traditional asado lunch composed of empanadas, grilled meat, sausage, and sweetbreads, usually accompanied by red wine.

Thereafter, most offer a gaucho display of horsemanship and roping in the best rodeo style; in many cases, it is also possible to go horseback riding or take a ride in a sulky (open carriage). Estancias near the coast or one of Buenos Aires’ many lakes may also provide fishing, and all offer fresh air, blue sky, green grass, and a glimpse of the endless pampas.

Tools of the trade

Argentine gauchos have always been proud of the tools of their trade, and these have become a highly decorative part of their wardrobe. The traditional gaucho knife (facón) is used for butchering, skinning, and even castrating animals, but also for self-defense and eating. The handle is usually of ornately carved silver.

Spurs may also be made of silver and – like the ornamental silver belt buckles – are designed to stand out as well as to serve a practical purpose. The wide crops are made of braided leather with a loop at the end to make a sharp cracking noise. 

The boleadoras, a set of three balls linked by rope, are used to capture and bring down livestock; the throwing of boleadoras was an indigenous art learned by the gaucho, and is a highly skilled task that requires infinite practice.

Also essential is the traditional mate gourd and bombilla (straw), used to drink the tea-like mate, though nowadays these are often made of ornately carved silver or alpaca.

Read more about what it is to be a gaucho...