Patagonian asado at Estancia Nibepo Aike
Observe the working life of a sheep ranch in Argentine Patagonia, and round off your day with a delicious asado (traditional barbecue).
You can’t get much more of an authentic experience in rural Argentina than spending a day or more on a working ranch in the pampas, Andean foothills or here, in deepest Patagonia.
It’s a rough but scenic road journey from El Calafate to the traditional sheep ranch Nibepo Aike, which enjoys a remote and gorgeous setting beside Lago Roca within Los Glaciares National Park. The drive itself is extraordinarily beautiful, and you may well be lucky enough to spot endemic wildlife such eagles, hares and skunks en route.
While you are in the grounds you can absorb the daily goings on at the estancia: the herding and milking of cows in the morning; the shearing of sheep later in the afternoon. You may also take a walk or ride a horse to a viewpoint from which to survey sweeping views over the steppe to the craggy snow-streaked mountains beyond.
The scrumptious climax of any overnight stay or day visit is the savouring of an Argentinian asado: a Patagonian lamb barbecue served at the estancia’s quincho, a rustic semi-al fresco dining room warmed by an enormous open fire over which the meat is cooked on a cross stake until it is truly succulent..
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Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
