The tour bus picked me up in the morning and we headed out to the Pampean region about an hour outside of Buenos Aires to the Estancia Don Silvano, a former working ranch. Along the way, the guide explained gaucho life, including the work of the gauchos, the dress, the recreation and culture, and prepared mate for us all to try. It was interesting, somewhat like a bitter tea.
Upon our arrival at the estancia, gauchos welcomed us with meat and corn empanadas and local wine. We spent the rest of the morning exploring the ranch and enjoying the beautiful weather. Then, several tour groups joined us in a big hall for a fabulous meal of Argentine fare: steak, chicken, sausage, potatoes and carrot salad, and of course, more Argentinian wine! Musicians and costumed dancers delighted us with a folklorico performance, taking us through all the regions in Argentina with their local songs and dances. They included the audience in songs of their home country (for example, 'When the Saints Go Marching In' for America) and of course, a tango lesson. It was energetic and delightful!
We then went outside and sat on bleachers to watch the traditional ring races and troop rides. How one rides a horse through an arch and plucks a little ring with essentially a chopstick is beyond me! We spectators were enthusiastic and cheered them on, each in our own language, but one needs no words to see who won the contests.
The afternoon at the estancia ended with tasting traditional corn pies and more mate. After our return to the city, I walked around the Avenida de Mayo, Plaza de Mayo and poked around in little shops. Beware of the diagonal streets! I got lost more than once!
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks
Scott Sepsy
2 days ago
Amazing trip and the best customer service
Liz
3 days ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!
Kelly Mattingly
4 days ago
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.