Enjoy a full
day learning the aspects of the Gaucho's life in an ideal
opportunity to sample the traditional Argentine country
life the way it is
in the natural surroundings of the Pampas. You will depart
from the hotel and drive only 50 miles (80
km) from downtown Buenos Aires, to visit Don Silvano
Estancia
("estancias"
are a kind of ranch). which
is mainly devoted to agriculture
and cattle breeding.
Upon arrival a welcome
drink with empanadas (meat mini pies) will be served and you will be
given an introduction of the estancia and the life of the gauchos. Later, feast on a typical Argentine barbecue accompanied
by Argentine wine. Argentina is famous for it's beef. Millions of Angus
and Hereford cattle graze on the grasses of the Pampas, and the result
is beef of exceptional flavor, especially when grilled slowly over coals.
As you finish your lunch, enjoy a show with folk and tango music and dances.
The field day culminates
with an exhibition and mix-up of matched-together horse herds (tropillas),
and the autochthonous horseback sport called "carreras de sortijas"
(ring-races), all of which show the remarkable dominion exerted by the
gaucho upon his horses, where they put on an exhibition of bold, skillful
horsemanship.
Late in the afternoon,
a snack consisting of home made pastries, tea and
"mate" (an typical argentine
drink made of herbs) will be served. Horses and carriages are available
for rides. The strolls in typical one-horse carriages called "sulkies",
or just riding on horse-back, will show the visitors the enchantment of
the Argentine land, the beautiful landscape, its growing crops, and let
them feel the incomparable wild aroma in the air.
The
Gaucho
In the last century,
they were nomadic horsemen
and cowhand, roaming the Argentine grasslands, who hunted and traded cattle.
The gaucho's weapons are the
lasso, knife, and boleadoras (or bolas), a device made of leather cords
and three stones that is thrown
at the legs of an animal to entwine and immobilize it.
"The Gauchos,
or countrymen, are very superior to those who reside in the towns. The
Gaucho is invariably most obliging, polite, and hospitable: I did not
meet with even one instant of rudeness or inhospitality. He is modest,
both respecting himself and country, but at the same time a spirited,
bold fellow..."
Charles
Darwin
Important: This
is a nice tour but its only drawback is that it is done by
very large groups (in cruises season sometimes more than 250
people do this tour every day). Therefore, if you prefer more
exclusive tours we suggest requesting one of our specialized
private tours in Buenos Aires.
Duration:
full day
Guide:
group English/Spanish speaking guide
Transfer:
group vehicle
Includes:
transfers + Lunch with beverages and wine
