Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
All the staff at our Argentina estancia are from the local area. Maintenance of the Estancia is carried out by people from the local community: bricklayers, plumbers, millers, woodcutters, mechanics, etc. Food is purchased in stores nearby (especially meat, vegetables, cheese, mushrooms, and marmalades). Cheese and marmalades are manufactured by local people. Honey is produced in the estancia.
The ranch forms part of one of UNESCO’s World Biosphere Reserves. Flora and fauna are preserved and no harmful activities are allowed such as tree felling, hunting or lighting fires. Nature is always protected. Cattle are fed by natural grass, and animals live all over the fields. Honey is made by our own bees.
Wood used for fireplaces and barbecues is taken from fallen trees, in order to avoid damaging the forests. Solar energy is used in some houses. The main house does not have electricity. Energy is provided by a generator. Guests are requested to minimise the use of electricity, turning off the lights and closing the doors in winter for more efficient heating.
Guests are requested to use the shower instead of the bathtub. Towels and sheets are changed every 3/5 days, or upon request. There’s a sign on bathrooms warning people of the need to save water, and to minimise the use of detergents when doing laundry.
Each gaucho, once they start their own family, is given a house. Their children (and children from other farms) attend the rural school of the Estancia, and in this way it is possible for them to have a good education. The building was lent by the Muniz Barreto family (of the Estancia) to replace the old one on Route 11 which was constantly vandalized. The Estancia also contributes to some expenses. Every day, the teacher picks up other students from neighboring farms and then takes them back home.
Gauchos are trained in all rural activities, even modern ones such as artificial insemination. Shells are taken from many of the quarries of the Estancia to improve the roads to the town and facilities nearby. We give guests information about local attractions & services. Guests get a deep insight into the “Gaucho” culture: their way of life, behavior, thoughts and daily activities.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
