Argentina Estancia

What is an Estancia?

Argentina Estancia living is the best way to experience the Argentine countryside. The province of Cordoba is just a little bit northwest of Aargentina's capitol city, Buenos Aires. This province is known for it countryside panoramic beauty and natural settings, and has some of the finest Argentina estancias in the country. What exactly is an estancia? It's Spanish for something like a small country estate, or a country retreat with perhaps a farm or ranch. There are several lavish twenty-first century estancias in Cordoba and in other country provinces of Argentina which open their doors to guests. If you stay at one of these havens in Cordoba or elsewhere, you will be pampered with lavish, uniquely Argentine specialties such as dining on the freshest food possible, grown on site on a biodymanic farms, or sleeping in an antique four-poster bed in a room decorated with Argentine antiques.

El Colibri

If you like horses and riding, or even just the idea of horses and riding, you should consider treating yourself on your visit to the Argentina countryside. Stay at El Colibri and learn how to ride, or take in a polo match at any of their four polo fields. They have dozens and dozens of horses on the ranch and programs for riders of all levels of experience...including those who've only ever read about horses! The rooms are stunning antique, which means you'll find yourself in one of nine guest rooms an suites decked out in a mix of contemporary country antiques, a fireplace, and ultimate luxury. The main lounge has twenty-five foot ceilings and a huge open fireplace where you can relax and warm your hands as you gaze out at stunning views of Cordoba Mountain.

If you don't want to take part in equestrian activities, you can whittle the hours away at a poolside pink stone deck. Or, of course with all the mountains in the region, you can go for some of the best hiking you'll ever experience. The views here are simply stunning, with panoramic vistas in every direction and sweeping swathes of undeveloped, unspoiled country fields, hills, and plateaus. There are miles and miles of trails withing a short distance of El Colibri and you won't run out of hiking destinations while you visit this lavish estate. There are three golf courses near this estancia, as well as opportunities to take tango lessons and take part in some bona-fide gaucho ranching activities. This is the real Argentina countryside, and there is no place else on earth like it.

House of Jasmines

In another country province of Argentain called Salta, you will find the House of Jasmines. First let's set the scene for Salta: this province is situated at the edge of the Andes Mountains, has pipe organ canyons and neverending chains of mountains as far as you can see in every direction. This is the Andes, after all. House of Jasmines is a century old and yes, there are hundreds and hundreds of wild jasmine plants everywhere, along with cities of wild orchids and roses. There are three hundred acres and it's situated on the Arenales River so the necessary ingredients are here for the perfect estancia getaway. This is one of the top Argentina estancia. The owners, Robert Duvall and his wife Luciana, who is from Argentina, have added to the natural beauty of the estate and the historical beauty of the main house. The seven suites feature shabby-chic decor integrating antiques and comtemporary casual designs. Imagine white four-poster beds and wrought-iron light fixtures and exquisite Argentine antiques. Of course, this being the Argentine countryside, there is a paddock of horses. There's also a spa and a place to take a dip in the pool. Breakfast is included, too.

Estancia Colome

Also, in Salta province, about four and a half hours worth of driving from Salta City, you will find Estancia Colome. This is vineyard region, in the Calchaqui Valley, and this Argentina Estancia is a newcomer to the Argentine countryside collection of lavish estancia accomodations. This particular estancia is more modern than the others mentioned above, but it still evokes the true character of the Argentine countryside. The outbuildings where the guests stay feature tiled roofs and low adobe profiles. The desert-ey structures are furnished with contemporary decor on terra cotta floors. Colome has wine production on site as well as a biodynamic farm. You will eat and drink well at Estancia Colome. You can take a tour of the vineyard and winery whil you stay here, as well as go horseback riding, hiking or biking.

Posada La Caldera

Another Argentina estancia in the province of Salta is the historic Posada la Caldera, whose main house is two hundred and fifty years old. There are exquisite gardens and the entire estate has been in the same family for more than two hundred years. The town of La Caldera is historic as well, having been founded by Jesuit missionaries in the sixteenth century. The town is known for it hand-woven carpets, so if you can peel yourself away from Posada La Caldera's pool or hiking trails long enough, a trip to town is definitely worth the time.

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