Buenos Aires: Gaucho Ranch Day Trip & BBQ with Pickup

Summary

Ride horses, share mate & watch gauchos at a working ranch near Buenos Aires

You’ll leave Buenos Aires behind for a day trip into gaucho country—riding horses on an estancia, sampling fresh empanadas, watching skilled riders up close, meeting artisans in San Antonio de Areco, and sharing barbecue with locals under big open skies. It’s less about checking sights off a list than feeling what life is like out here—even if just for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off the city pavement and suddenly there’s just sky? That’s how it hit me, rolling out of Buenos Aires and watching the buildings fade into the Pampas. Our guide—Sofía—had this easy way of weaving stories about the land as we drove. I remember her pointing out a lone ombú tree and explaining why it matters to gauchos. The air smelled different out here—sort of grassy and sweet, but with a hint of wood smoke drifting from somewhere far off. I kept catching myself staring out the window like a kid.

First stop was this silversmith’s workshop in San Antonio de Areco. It’s not flashy—just a small room with tools scattered everywhere and hands that clearly know what they’re doing. The guy showed us how he shapes mate cups and buckles, all by hand. I tried asking about one piece in my bad Spanish; he grinned and answered slowly so I could follow. We wandered to a chocolate shop after (I didn’t expect that), where everything smelled like cocoa and old wood beams. I bought something for later but ended up eating it before lunch.

The church on Segundo Sombra Street felt almost frozen in time—cracked tiles underfoot, sunlight catching dust motes inside. Sofía told us there’s a time capsule under the door, which made me want to peek under every floorboard. Then we passed this old grocery store where locals still gather; you could hear laughter spilling out as someone argued over cards at the back table. There was this sense that everyone knew each other’s business, but nobody minded.

The estancia itself was wide open—horses grazing, dogs napping in patches of shade. We were handed empanadas straight from the oven (still too hot to hold properly) and cold drinks before choosing between horseback or carriage rides across the fields. I went for the horse; my saddle squeaked with every step and I kept thinking how quiet everything felt except for birds and hoofbeats. Lunch was asado—meat grilled over coals—and by then everyone at our table was swapping stories even if we barely shared a language. The gaucho show after lunch had this mix of skill and humor; one rider winked at me right before his horse spun in place like it was nothing. On the drive back to Buenos Aires, my shirt still smelled faintly of smoke and grass. Sometimes I catch that scent now and remember how wide the Pampas felt—like there’s always more space than you think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit San Antonio de Areco and Estancia

• Transfer from Buenos Aires to Areco
• Visit silversmith’s studio and chocolate shop
• See historic church on Segundo Sombra Street
• Pass by Don Segundo Ramírez’s grocery store
• Horseback or carriage rides at estancia
• Enjoy appetizers and drinks
• Have barbecue lunch
• Watch cultural show and gaucho skills

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco?

The tour lasts around 9 hours including travel time from Buenos Aires.

Is hotel pickup included for the gaucho ranch day trip?

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

Can kids join this estancia tour?

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

What activities are offered at the ranch?

You can ride horses or take a carriage ride, enjoy appetizers, watch a cultural show, and see gaucho skills demonstrations.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included—a traditional Argentine barbecue (asado) with drinks.

Do guides speak English on this tour?

The guide provides commentary in English during transfers and activities.

What should I wear for an estancia visit?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities on a ranch.

Do I need to bring my passport?

A valid passport is required on the day of travel.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Buenos Aires, transfer to San Antonio de Areco with local guide commentary along the way, visits to an artisan silversmith studio and chocolate shop in town, entry to your chosen estancia (El Ombu or another family-owned ranch), optional horseback or carriage rides through pampas fields, appetizers with drinks followed by a traditional barbecue lunch with live entertainment before returning to your hotel in the evening.