Looking for an estancia near El Calafate to live out your Argentinian cowboy dreams? Look no further!
I stayed at an estancia on my three week trip to Patagonia and it was not only the highlight of my entire trip, but honestly my favourite overall travel experience to date.
I stayed in a cozy traditional farm house, dined on authentic Argentinian food and malbec wines, trotted horseback alongside real guachos and their farm dogs to herd the sheep in for the night, and admired the remote Patagonia steppe on horseback.
There are six incredible Estancias to choose from near El Calafate, each with their own unique offerings. Whether you’re looking for luxury, maximum adventure activities, or a more remote and off-grid experience, there is an estancia for you.
In this guide, I’ll include a full breakdown of each of the six estancias, including what they are known for, how far they are from El Calafate, the activities they offer on-site, and reviews.
My Top 2 Picks:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ 2 hour scenic boat ride to get there
✅ A generational family home and working ranch
✅ Luxurious amenities and guided tours to glaciers
Estancia Nibepo Aike
✅ Amazing horseback riding
✅ Generational family home
✅ Personalized attention and hospitality
1. Estancia Cristina – For the #1 Estancia
⭐️ RATING: 10/10 | ⏳ FEATURE: Scenic Boat Ride, Horseback Riding, Hiking to a Glacier and Fossil Canyon | ✅ Book it!
Location: Across Lago Argentina from El Calafate
Estancia Cristina was founded in 1914 and named after the owner’s daughter. It has been passed down through generations and remains family-owned. The estancia is only accessible by a scenic boat ride that is included in your stay. People rave about this stunning 2.5 hour cruise past mountains and icebergs on Lago Argentina, saying it completely sets the tone for the rest of the stay.
The lodge has only 20 rooms, spread across five buildings, all of which offer window-views of surrounding glaciers and mountains. The interior is decorated with antiques and family heirlooms. The meals are cooked with local ingredients.
Estancia Cristina has a number of excursions, like horseback riding, hiking to the Upsala Glacier lookout, 4x4ing across the Patagonia steppe, hiking through Fossil Canyon, and even fishing on Lago Argentina.
If you’re looking for pinnacle of Patagonia luxury, Estancia Cristina is it.
Con’s for Staying at Estancia Cristina:
- On the pricier end
- The remote location requires a boat ride, which may not be suitable for all travelers
“All was absolutely perfect. The landscape from the boat was amazing. The estancia is located in a pristine location in nature’s kingdom. You are nearly alone in the middle of nowhere. It is an incredible experience. The room is gorgeous. The staff incredible and the food delicious. The excursions are unbelievable, especially the full day canyon walk and the full day horse ride.” Michael from Belgium (Read more reviews)
2. Estancia Nibepo Aike – For the Personalized Touch
⭐️ RATING: 9.8/10 | ⏳ FEATURE: All-Inclusive of Dining and Activities, Lamb BBQ, Farm Demonstrations, Horseback Riding with Guachos | ✅ Book it!
Location: 50 km from El Calafate in Los Glaciares National Park
Nibepo Aike is a real working ranch in the remote wilderness of Patagonia. It is set in a traditional farm house built in 1912 and despite renovations to accommodate guests, still maintains its old school charm. In the morning we’d wake up, pull the lace curtains aside from the wood-framed windows, and peer out at baby lambs and white-peaked mountains.
Staying at Nibepo Aike is full-board, meaning all of your food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and snacks) and activities are included. You can join numerous horseback riding excursions that range from long 2.5 hour tours through the mountains to a thrilling horseback herding of the sheep into their pens.
There is hiking all around the property (some of the best hiking I’ve done in Argentina Patagonia), farm demonstrations like sheep sheering, lamb BBQs, and personalized boat tours to see Perito Moreno Glacier as an add-on.
Out of this entire experience, what stood out the most to me was the attention to detail and warm hospitality of the staff. Our bags were brought inside and tea with fresh biscuits was laid out just for us during check-in. Each of the meals is served in an intimate dining room. Tea and snacks were brought to us unprompted when we were journalling by the fire. It is an over-and-above type of place.
Con’s for Estancia Nibepo Aike:
- Farm demonstrations are open to non-guests so there can be a lot of tourists arriving to take part in them with you.
- Temperature control can be a little tricky in your rooms.
“The property is so special – a real authentic estancia with a family home feel. Felt so privileged to stay there.” Anna from the UK (Read more reviews)
3. Estancia La Estela – For the Views of Mount Fitz Roy
⭐️ RATING: 9.4/10 | ⏳ FEATURE: Transfer from El Calafate airport, views of Mount Fitz Roy, firing range with archery and cross bows | ✅ Book it!
Location: About 110 km north of El Calafate
Estancia la Estela is technically a hotel designed to look and feel like an estancia. It is 1.5 hours outside of El Calafate, but worth the drive for the views you’ll have of Mount Fitz Roy and Lake Viedma outside your window.
La Estela has minimalist yet comfortable rooms, focusing on the outer beauty that surrounds the lodge. You’ll enjoy traditional Argentine meals, like grilled meats, made from local ingredients. There are cozy fireplaces to relax by in the evening.
Activities include horseback riding tours like other estancias, but uniquely have visits to a nearby petrified forest, excursions to the shores of Lake Viedma, a firing range to practice archery and shooting cross bows, and mountain biking.
There are only five suites available, making Estancia la Estela one of the more intimate stays you can have.
Con’s to Estancia la Estela:
- Situated in a secluded area farthest from El Calafate, it may be challenging for guests without a car to access the estancia
- Not a true authentic working Estancia
Estancia la Estela was a dream location facing a beautiful lake and the Fitz Roy. The rooms were modern and clean and the entire staff was attentive and friendly. A special thank you to Fabio, Samuel, Nicole, and Juan, You made our trip one to remember. The staff goes above and beyond to prepare lunch for the hikes. The horse ride with lunch is a one of a kind experience with magnificent views, friendly horses, and delicious steak. Book as fast as you can!” Johan from Canada (Read more reviews)
4. Estancia Ranquilco – For the Sheer Remoteness
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ FEATURE: True remote, off-grid experience | ✅ Book it!
Estancia Ranquilco is a 100,000 acre working cattle ranch that offers a completely off-grid and remote experience. The lodge is handcrafted from stone and wood, so provides a rustic yet comfortable stay.
The journey to get to the estancia sums up the type of experience you’ll have at Ranquilco. It involves a drive, a pack trip on horseback, and a cable car ride over the Trocoman river. The estancia is in a completely remote part of Patagonia, meaning it is truly one-of-a-kind.
All the meat you’ll eat on your stay come from the estancia’s own livestock and the vegetables are grown on-site. You can try horseback riding, fishing, and hiking in some of the most remote wilderness accessible to man.
Because of how remote it is to get there, stays at Estancia Ranquilco usually last about a week or more.
Con’s for Estancia Ranquilco:
- Very remote and requires lengthy journey to get there which is unattainable for some travellers.
- The accommodations are very basic and may not meet the expectations of those seeking nicer amenities.
I’ve seen some remote places, but I’ve got to say Ranquilco Estancia in Patagonia is right up there in terms of wild and beautiful outposts of the world. A 6 hour drive from the small town of Neuquen, followed by a 4 hour pack trip on horseback and a thrilling cable car ride over the rapid flowing waters of the Trocoman river will land you at the secluded pocket of paradise.” Molly V (Read more reviews)
5. Estancia El Gapon del Glaciar – For the Closeness to El Calafate
⭐️ RATING: 9/10 | ⏳ FEATURE: Sheep herding, guided walks along Lago Argentino, private waterfront | ✅ Book it!
Location: 20 km from El Calafate
Estancia el Gapon del Glaciar has 16 rooms, all with massive windows overlooking Lago Argentino and the Andes mountains. They have a private waterfront and their own garden where they source ingredients for their gourmet on-site restaurant.
El Galpón del Glaciar has sheep herding demonstrations with trained kelpie dogs, sheep shearing, and guided walks along the shores of Lake Argentino and the Centinela River. They also offer mountain biking and carriage through the Patagonian wilderness.
Con’s for Estancia El Gapon del Glaciar:
- Some guests have noted that the rooms are basic and may not meet the expectations of those seeking luxury accommodations.
- Less remote (which for some is a plus) which can feel less immersive
“Amazing location overlooking Lago Argentino in stunning Patagonia . The staff are attentive but not intrusive. The estancia has a lot of land so you can walk along the lake or the interior . We had a wonderful tour of the estate on our 2.5 hour horseback trip” Luisa (Read more reviews)
6. Estancia Rio Mitre – For the Horseback Riding Focus
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 stars | ⏳ FEATURE: Guided horseback excursions, unplugged experience (no wifi), lamb BBQs, cabins | ✅ Book it!
Location: 50 km from El Calafate
At Estancia Río Mitre, horseback riding is central to the experience. You’ll embark on guided rides, traversing valleys and reaching the shores of Lago Argentino. The guides go into detail on the region’s history and geography to enrich the ride. When you return, you’ll enjoy a traditional Argentine BBQ to taste the local cuisine.
The estancia sits on elevated ground overlooking Lago Argentino. There are limited cabin options providing a more intimate stay with their own kitchens and private bathrooms.
Estancia Rio Mitre is a much simpler and authentic type of estancia stay, with limited connectivity and no wifi. Their rooms are simple and comfortable, with the main focus remaining on the stunning environment surrounding them.
Con’s for Estancia Rio Mitre:
- The estancia operates without Wi-Fi or mobile phone signal, which is tough if you want to stay connected.
- More basic accommodation so not for those seeking luxurious amenities
“Incredible experience even for weary long term travelers like us. We stayed for 2 days and wished we had more. The word “authenticity” is too often thrown around these days, but i guarantee this place actually deserves it…” Clem (Read more reviews)
FAQs About Estancia Tours in El Calafate
Are estancias in Argentina worth the money?
A million times YES! At first glance, it may seem expensive for the nightly prices. However, many estancias operate like an all-inclusive where your meals, transportation, and activities are included as well. When you break it down that way, it’s actually super affordable. Plus it’s the most authentic glimpse into the Argentinian cowboy way of life.
What should I bring with me to an estancia?
I’d bring comfortable clothing you don’t mind wearing around animals and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a pair of gloves (even if its summer) because the Patagonia wind can be cold on your hands when horseback riding. Pack layers!
Should I Stay in an Estancia to Explore El Calafate?
Some of the estancias on this list like Nibepo Aike offer personalized tours to see El Calafate’s top sights (Perito Moreno). However, they mostly offer their own set of activities, rather than the typical sightseeing in El Calafate. I’d recommend booking a night or two in town if you want both.
🤩 My #1 Choice of Estancias Near El Calafate is Estancia Cristina!
Conclusion – Where to Go Near El Calafate and What Else to Do
There you have it! Making your way to El Calafate to stay in a traditional Argentinian Estancia is one of the best things to do in Patagonia.
Some other incredible places to add to your itinerary near El Calafate are:
- El Chalten for the hiking around legendary Mount Fitz Roy and
- Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
El Chalten is just 3 hours from El Calafate and Torres del Paine is a direct 5 hour bus across the border.
I hiked the W Trek in Torres del Paine as part of a 4 day guided excursion and it came in a close second place to my favourite experiences in Patagonia (the estancia was #1). You can read about what I thought of it and if you should hike the W Trek too!
Plus if you’re travelling solo in Patagonia, here are my tips!
Read More about Planning Your Trip to Patagonia:
- Which is Better? Chilean Patagonia vs Argentinian Patagonia
- 27 Best Hikes in Patagonia: Day Hikes and Treks
- 23 Top Things to See in Patagonia (Plus Trip Guide)
- The Ultimate 3 Weeks in Patagonia Itinerary
- The Ultimate Guide to Female Solo Travel in Patagonia
Plan Your Trip - My Favourite Resources
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