Estancias in El Calafate: 5 Best Ranches for a Day Trip

There are experiences one believes to be dispensable until lived. The estancias of El Calafate are a prime example: places where Patagonian history blends with rural tourism, Argentine gastronomy, and a unique connection with nature.

Imagine vast stretches of Patagonian steppe where, more than a century ago, the region's first ranching families settled. On these lands, they built rustic-style houses, raised sheep and cattle, and produced raw materials—such as wool, meat, or timber—that traveled from southern Argentina to the rest of the world.

Beyond financial success, those families didn't just prosper economically: they also absorbed the culture and customs of deep Patagonia. However, over time, many of those estancias were sold or repurposed, and today some open their doors to tourism without losing their essence.

That is why, when a traveler arrives in El Calafate, one of the unmissable recommendations is to visit one of these old country houses. There, amidst stories, traditional meals, and immense landscapes, one can understand a little more of what this land is made of.

Of course, the essential excursions in this Santa Cruz city are those involving the famous Los Glaciares National Park, where you can go trekking on ice, take boat trips, go hiking, climbing, fishing, and more; or visit natural wonders such as the Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spezgazzini glaciers, Lake Roca, Mount Chaltén or Fitz Roy, and others. But spending a day or a night at a Patagonian estancia offers another way to get to know the area: more intimate, more authentic, and just as unforgettable as its landscapes.

Estancia Nibepo Aike

Our first recommendation is Nibepo Aike, one of the traditional estancias of the region immersed in the beautiful heart of Los Glaciares National Park, an hour and a half from downtown El Calafate.

The tour starts early with a transfer from the city. As you move away from the center, the steppe opens up, and the road becomes beautified with views of Lake Roca on one side and snowy mountains on the other. Upon arrival, noticing the warmth of the estancia and the silence of the area, it is impossible not to perceive that it will be a pleasant afternoon of rest.

The tourist proposal includes a country day with horseback riding, an experience that requires no previous experience and is enjoyed without haste. Guides accompany visitors along nearby trails, where you can see up close what the life of the ranchers and gauchos of the area was like: shearing, sheep herding, taming, and livestock care.

Lunch is another awaited moment. In the main quincho (barbecue area), a Patagonian lamb roasted on the cross (vertical spit) is served, accompanied by salads, homemade bread, and red wine. Eating while looking at the landscape is one of the most beautiful experiences in the entire country.

This attraction usually lasts between half a day and a full day, and is recommended for those looking to connect with the rhythm of the countryside and the calm of Patagonia. More than a tourist activity, it is a way to feel that one belongs, even if only for a few hours, to that immense landscape.

Estancia Cristina

On this occasion, we propose a tour that mixes adventure, history, and nature in a single day. The excursion starts early in the morning with a boat trip across Lago Argentino among icebergs and turquoise waters. Upon reaching the north arm of the lake, you disembark at the port of Estancia Cristina, located in a valley surrounded by mountains and glaciers.

The proposed tour includes a visit to the historical museum, installed in the old shearing shed, where tools, photographs, and period objects are preserved. Then, visitors can choose between different hikes or 4x4 tours through the nearby hills, with views of the Upsala Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Lunch is served at the estancia's restaurant, featuring local products and simple but tasty cuisine. The day lasts about ten hours, including the round-trip navigation.

Founded in 1914 by an English family, Cristina was for decades a difficult-to-access site, inhabited only by its owners and their farmhands. Today it is a highly valued tourist destination for its history and its natural environment. What surprises most about this experience is the feeling of isolation: at Estancia Cristina, there is no noise, no traffic, no distractions. Only the sound of the wind, the birds, and the echo of the mountains. It is a different way of understanding life in Patagonia, slower and more human.

Estancia Tierras Patagónicas

Not all rural experiences in El Calafate happen during the day. The Best Calafate Tours proposal at Estancia Tierras Patagónicas invites you to enjoy stargazing with dinner included, in an environment where the night sky unfolds with a clarity difficult to find elsewhere in the world.

The tour begins when the sun goes down, at dusk. Upon arrival, visitors are offered a hot infusion (mate, but if you don't like it, coffee, tea, or mate cocido) and delicious tortas fritas (fried pastries).

As the sun sets, the bonfire lights are lit, giving way to a talk about the southern sky, visible constellations, and the secrets of the universe that can be observed from the steppe.

The astronomical guide explains how to orient oneself by the stars and how the native peoples of the south interpreted them in their stories. Afterward, the Patagonian dinner arrives, with typical dishes that vary according to the season, accompanied by good wine and local music.

The activity lasts about four hours, but the experience leaves a deep mark. It's not just about looking at the sky, but reconnecting with the essential, with nature, and with silence. It is a different proposal, designed for those seeking a moment of calm.

Estancia 25 de Mayo

The history of Estancia 25 de Mayo dates back to the beginning of the last century when it was established as one of the first livestock operations in the area. It is one of the closest to downtown El Calafate, making access very simple and shortening the excursion duration.

The plan is to spend a country day with dinner and show. It begins with a guided tour of the historic center, where visitors can learn how rural life was organized, see the shearing sheds, and old tools. Then, a short walk along the Calafate stream is taken to observe the beauty of the surroundings.

At dusk, the group gathers at the estancia's restaurant to enjoy a traditional Patagonian dinner: empanadas, grilled lamb, salads, and homemade desserts. The evening continues with a folklore show of music and dance, inviting you to learn more about the cultural roots of southern Argentina.

Estancia Río Mitre

Estancia Río Mitre retains a simple and family profile. Founded more than 80 years ago, it is still managed by descendants of the pioneers who arrived to populate the area.

The excursion organized by Best Calafate Tours includes a guided horseback ride around the Río Mitre surroundings and panoramic views of Lago Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier. It is a tour designed for those who want to get close to rural life without losing the connection with nature.

During the ride, guides share anecdotes about the estancia's history, sheep farming, and local customs. At the end, a homemade lunch with lamb, side dishes, and wine is served in a relaxed and family atmosphere.

The experience lasts about five hours and can be done year-round, although the spring and summer months offer the best landscapes.