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Experience rural life in an authentic Patagonian Estancia. Ride horses, watch a sheep shearing demonstration, learn about sheep herding, and sit down to savor a delicious roast of Patagonian Lamb.

Highlights

• Discover the history of the pioneers of this recondite place
• Learn about a typical Patagonian Estancia
• Watch a sheep shearing demonstration
• Enjoy a delicious roast of Patagonian Lamb

Description

Depart from El Calafate and set off along the provincial Route 15, also known as 'The Road to the Estancias'. Keep your eyes peeled for condors, foxes, and hares along the way. Admire the scenery as you cross Rico River and watch as the landscape becomes more mountainous. Travel along the edge of Roca Lake and enter Los Glaciares National Park to reach the Estancia. When you arrive, be welcomed by your host and head into the rustic dining room. Have a hot drink (tea, coffee, or mate) accompanied by home-made cakes and pastries. Enjoy this good moment to pause and take in the magnificent view of the Andes mountain range. Then, start your walk around the main buildings of this typical Patagonian estancia which was formerly devoted to sheep rearing. Nowadays, it has become the most prestigious Hereford breeding ranch in the area, while still retaining a small herd of sheep. At the stables, enjoy an optional horse ride and go out to explore the surroundings accompanied by a guide. Alternatively, take a good long walk with excellent views of the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. Discover the diverse rocky outcrops eroded by glacial action and incredible geological formations. Follow the footpath through native woodland - a habitat for an abundant variety of native flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for caranchos, parakeets, hares, woodpeckers, and eagles.   After the walk or horse ride, meet the group at the shearing shed. See inside and learn about the work of the team through a shearing demonstration. Listen and watch as the process is described from the shearing of the animal to the baling of the fleece, ready for the wool to be stored and transported. Then, watch a horse-handling demonstration. During the day, also participate in the morning cow milking and in the afternoon sheep herding. Finally, return to the dining room and sit down to enjoy some tasty Patagonian roast lamb while enjoying the impressive view of the mountain range. Return to El Calafate at the end of the day where your tour concludes.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off from El Calafate Lunch or dinner (depending on start time) 3-hour or 45-minute horseback ride (depending on option chosen) Drinks during the meal Coffee Breakfast/tea Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking guide

Important Information

• This tour will not be canceled due to rain
• The road to the Estancia is all gravel
• Horseback riding is not allowed for children under 11 years old
• Keep in mind that at the Estancia, only cash is accepted
• The tour starting time may change in April and May to optimize daylight

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund