Patagonian Folklore, Tradition & Gauchos at the Historic 25 de Mayo Estancia (ranch)

• The beautiful Estancia 25 de Mayo, with the backdrop of lush tree and scenic mount

You’re cordially invited to learn first-hand all about living and working on a traditional Patagonian estancia (ranch).

You’ll be taking a step back in time as you enter through the doors of one of the oldest estancias in El Calafate: Estancia 25 de Mayo, which covers 17,000 hectares of beautiful, lush green countryside. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted by the estancia’s staff with a hot mate (a traditional Argentine herbal infusion, chopped up into a gourd and enjoyed through a special and traditional metal straw) and the local delicacy that is “torta frita” (fried pastry).

We’ll enjoy a scenic hike to Arroyo Calafate, the creek that runs through the estancia. We’ll then make our way back to the estancia to look over as a "gaucho" performs a traditional sheep shearing demonstration in the old shearing shed (‘gauchos’ are the Argentine equivalent of the North American cowboy, and are the traditional workers of the estancias). In the late 19th century, sheep farming expanded across the Patagonian grasslands, making the southern regions of Argentina and Chile one of the world’s foremost sheep farming areas. This complex effort between dog, horse, and man will be the perfect opportunity for you to ready your camera and snap some memorable shots to take home with you!

No doubt you’ll feel hungry by now, so our hosts at the estancia will delight us with a tasty and traditional specialty of Patagonian cuisine: the Patagonian lamb! This juicy and flavorful Patagonian local delicacy is known in Spanish as “cordero” and it is cooked by slowly roasting the lamb over hot coals.

While enjoying our traditional lamb dinner, we’ll also be treated to an entertaining folklore show.

As our day of nature draws to a close, we’ll prepare to head back to our hotel, with a camera overflowing with new memories to share!

Important: the tour’s exact itinerary and duration may change subject to weather conditions and decisions of the tour guide to optimize your tour experience.