Buenos Aires: Gaucho Farm Day Trip & BBQ Lunch Pickup

Summary

Gaucho traditions, village crafts and slow moments in the pampas

You’ll trade Buenos Aires’ noise for wide-open pampas on this small-group day trip to San Antonio de Areco—with village strolls, artisan workshops, and an estancia lunch with gaucho traditions. Expect laughter over shared asado and quiet moments under big skies. This tour leaves you feeling like you’ve borrowed someone else’s slower afternoon—and maybe you’ll want more of that.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we almost missed our pickup because I couldn’t find my other shoe (classic). But our guide—her name was Mariana—just laughed when we finally tumbled out of the hotel lobby. She spoke Spanish and English, switching between them so easily I felt a bit lazy about my own language skills. The drive out of Buenos Aires was longer than I expected, but watching the city fade into those endless green pampas was strangely soothing. There’s this moment where you realize how flat everything is—the sky feels huge. Mariana pointed out old estancias and told us stories about gauchos that sounded half-mythical.

We stopped first in San Antonio de Areco, which looks like it hasn’t really changed much in decades. The silversmith’s workshop smelled faintly of metal and something sweet—maybe mate? One of the artisans let me hold a belt buckle he’d just finished; it was still warm from his hands. Then there was a quick detour to a chocolate shop (I bought alfajores for later but ate them immediately). Walking down those cobbled streets with their faded shutters made me feel like I’d stepped sideways in time.

The estancia itself was quieter than I thought it would be. Horses grazing, some distant laughter from kids running around. We tried cold cuts and cheese under a big tree while someone poured us Malbec—honestly, the cheese alone would’ve been enough for me. Lunch was asado, smoky and rich, with that salty fat that sticks to your fingers. During dessert, a small folklore show started up; I didn’t catch every word of the songs but you could feel the pride in them. Later, two gauchos did this horse-whispering thing—one winked at us when his horse nuzzled his shoulder. It all felt oddly intimate for a group tour.

I keep thinking about how quiet it got just before we left—the kind of silence you only get far from traffic or phones buzzing. On the way back to Buenos Aires, everyone dozed off except Mariana who hummed along to an old tango on the radio. So yeah, if you’re after something polished or fast-paced this isn’t it—but if you want to see how slow life can move just outside the city…well, I’m still carrying some of that calm with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to San Antonio de Areco

• Drive from Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco
• Enjoy pampas views and guide commentary
• Visit traditional silversmith's workshop
• Stop at local chocolate shop
• See historic church foundation site
• Arrive at estancia for horse rides
• Enjoy traditional cold cuts and beverages
• Have typical Argentinian barbeque lunch
• Watch folklore show and gaucho skills

Top questions

How long is the gaucho farm day trip from Buenos Aires?

The tour lasts around 9 hours including transport from your hotel in Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco and back.

Is lunch included on this Buenos Aires estancia tour?

Yes, a traditional Argentinian barbecue lunch is included along with cold cuts, cheeses and drinks at the estancia.

Are hotel pickups available for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Buenos Aires are included in your booking.

What languages does the guide speak?

The local guide speaks Spanish, English, and Portuguese during the tour.

Is this gaucho farm tour suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s kid-friendly and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Do I need my passport for this Buenos Aires day trip?

A valid passport is required on the day of travel for all participants.

Are vegetarian options available during lunch?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking—just let them know ahead of time.

What activities are included at the estancia?

You can try horseback riding (optional), enjoy live folklore music and dance shows, see gaucho skill demonstrations, and relax with food and drinks.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Buenos Aires with a professional local guide who speaks Spanish, English or Portuguese; stops at a silversmith workshop and chocolate shop in San Antonio de Areco; all food—including cold cuts on arrival plus an Argentinian barbecue lunch with drinks; live entertainment with folklore music; plus time at an authentic estancia before heading back late afternoon.