Being a Gaucho for a Day: San Antonio D’Areco Estancia

After my Patagonian Gaucho vacation, I thought it would be a crime not to complete the experience by meeting the gauchos of the pampas. So naturally, San Antonio d’Areco was my destination — known as the capital of gauchos and the birthplace of argentine traditions.
San Antonio d’Areco truly is the capital of gauchos, as well as being their birthplace.

Why visit San Antonio d’Areco?

To escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires to the open grasslands of the Argentine Pampas, a land rich in Argentine cowboy charm! This area is home to the best steak in the world, making it a foodie’s paradise. Here you can explore some of Argentina’s traditional cowboy culture, including impressive horsemanship and beautiful countryside views. The village of San Antonio de Areco is particularly worth a visit – one of Argentina’s oldest cities with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and plenty of local character! As you explore this unique slice of South American life, prepare for an adventure like no other.

Quite a contrast with Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has a wild side when it comes to safety – it’s not somewhere you want to be mindlessly scrolling through your phone while walking. Pickpocketing is one of the biggest crimes plaguing the city, so you should make sure your phone stays tucked away in your pocket or bag. But just 1.5 hours out of the big city lies San Antonio D’Areco, an area so safe that people don’t even bother to lock their doors – they keep them open! It’s a stark contrast to what may feel like chaos in Buenos Aires.

Dia del Campo or Gaucho for a Day in Argentine estancia

What is dia del campo?

it just means a day amongst the beautiful and bountiful estancias of Argentina. And, you’re in luck – the itinerary itself is as mouthwatering as it sounds; welcome drinks and empanadas as an appetizer, a full asado lunch for main course (who said Argentine culture isn’t delicious?) followed by horseback riding and gaucho games for dessert. And if that weren’t enough, some estancias offer displays of folkloric dance.

You may’ve heard about these everywhere in Argentina and Chile’s Patagonia regions – but the absolute birthplace of this rural oasis is found in San Antonio. Not only is it packed with the most authentic estancias around

capt. After my Patagonian Gaucho vacation in Argentina, I resolved to follow the traditional Argentinian storybook even further and see what it was like to be a gaucho for a day at an estancia.

What to expect from el dia del campo

Once you arrive at el did del campo, they will greet you with a welcome snack and beverage.

You have the option to take a horseback ride or a carriage ride, I personally chose the former and took in every breath-taking view that surrounded me.

Pro tip – save a bit of space for the best part coming at the end! And don’t forget to quench your thirst with free-flowing wine and beer. Once you’re stuffed, kick back and enjoy some traditional folk music and rural scenery.

Asado buffet

A visit to El Did del Campo in Estancia offers you the opportunity of the meatiest lunch of your life! As if sensing your cravings for a good bite, the gauchos constantly come to you with different barbecued meat. It’s no wonder – it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet and there’s practically no way to stop yourself from feeling more and more indulged. And what’s more – did somebody say unlimited beer and wine?

After a hearty lunch that had my stomach singing, I was invited to the cultural portion of the el did del campo in estancia experience. How could I say no to local folk music and dancing?

Horse Whisperer

It was soon followed by a workshop with a certified Chilean Horse Whisperer; as an avid horse person, I was soon enamored with the insight he shared and the bond between horse and rider.

San Antonio d’Areco

Museum Draghi

Museo Draghi may not be as big and well-known as other museums in the area, but its offerings are just as enthralling. With silverware dating back to the 19th century and contemporary pieces on show by the Draghi family, this hidden gem is worth seeking out. Visitors can peek inside Mariano Draghi’s workshop, admire his father’s silversmith work, and visit the old house of the very first silversmith.

The creations on display were seriously impressive, from collections of intricate silver jewelry to detailed sketches of polo cups and trophies. The best surprise, though? Getting to witness one of Mariano Draghi’s grandsons working his silversmithing magic right there in the back room. It was like getting an exclusive look at some of the most extraordinary projects he’d ever undertaken!
ot only that, the talented artist also brought out sketches of his work for the Queen Elizabeth polo tournament…

The hidden gem

The creations on display were seriously impressive, from collections of intricate silver jewelry to detailed sketches of polo cups and trophies. The best surprise, though? Getting to witness one of Mariano Draghi’s grandsons working his silversmithing magic right there in the back room. It was like getting an exclusive look at some of the most extraordinary projects he’d ever undertaken!
ot only that, the talented artist also brought out sketches of his work for the Queen Elizabeth polo tournament…

A hidden gem next to the workshop is a room of sketches and drawings full of Renaissance beauty. It’s like a private museum featuring creatures of myth, and ancient symbols. It works depicting the human form in all its glory.

cat -This area within the workshop boasts charming sketches, ranging anywhere from surprisingly realistic Renaissance-era human figures to fanciful representations of animals and ornamental designs