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Gaucho Traditions & Folklore of the Pampas
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 towards
Cardales neighborhood, only 57 miles (90 km) from downtown Buenos Aires, to visit
Santa Susana Estancia ("estancias"
are a kind of ranch). Santa Susana’s 3000 acres (1200
hectares) are devoted mainly to agriculture and cattle breeding. Important:
Estancia Susana does not operate every day, so on the days it does not operate
we will take you to other nice estancia called Don
Silvano. Upon arrival
a welcome drink with empanadas (meat pies) will be served at the Pulpería (Ranch's
Pub or Gaucho bar). 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 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 | 
