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 has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner