Estancia La Esperanza is our local 'fairy tale' estancia, just 1 hours drive from San Carlos de Bariloche. The wild and beautiful 2800 hectare estate is home to utterly virgin pristine terrain and not another soul in sight...

It is situated on the eastern edge of the Cordillera de los Andes, thus to the west lies the Andes mountain range with Chile and the Pacific coast beyond, and to the east the beginning of the desert-like Patagonian Steppe, which stretches for 1000km all the way to the Atlantic coast... With such a setting, the Estancia's mountain peaks and ridges provide absolutely breathtaking views - for miles - in all directions, and its picturesque valleys are filled with flowers, birdsong and cool fish-filled streams.

Brimming with wildlife, it is an especially good place to watch condors (the Andean Condor being the largest flying bird on earth) and spot the Águila Mora eagle. It is home to a number of species of deer and on the path of the infamous and illusive  Puma. We also come across typical Patagonian forest of lenga trees, native to the Southern Andes range ('...it's just like Lord of the Rings!...') which turn brilliant green in summer and obscene oranges and reds in the autumn. It is undoubtedly a magical place.

A typical ride at the Estancia La Esperanza will often proceed as follows: 3 days (and 2 nights) allow us ample time to explore the estancia. We normally begin by riding to the Mirador de los Condóres ('Condor Lookout') which provides us with a chance to meet our horses and get a taster for what's to come... later returning to the comforts of the Estancia's modest farmhouse for our first night (two twin rooms). The following morning we set off into the estancia to reach the Estancia's mountain refugio, where we spend our second night (bunk beds). We return home on our third and final day.

The comfort of the rustic Mallín Grande Refugio (the estancia's private mountain hut) is a great advantage, whether we be unlucky enough to encounter rain (very uncommom in summer) or simply have a party less keen to camp. It is situated at 1450m in a pretty valley oasis ('mallín' in Spanish) with literally endless constellations overhead to study over a bottle of Malbec.

Spending some time in wild Patagonia at the Estancia La Esperanza is a great proposition, especially due to the  benefits of the amenities it boasts. It is possible to go directly there upon arrival at Bariloche Airport / Bus Terminal if you wish; then you can head over to Bariloche a few days later (IF you can drag yourself away!). Shorter options are available.

Please feel at ease to contact us for any further details, quotations or ideas.

Our Rides

Book Estancia La Esperanza