The Best Ranch Stays in South America

1. Estancia Los Potreros – Córdoba, Argentina

For a sense of family

Beyond a ranch, this is a home. Set in the rolling hills of Córdoba, Los Potreros has been in the same family for generations, and guests are warmly welcomed into that fold. Dinners are convivial and hosted in a different corner of the ranch each evening. The vibe is easy-going, the setting idyllic, and the hospitality heartfelt. Children over 10 are welcome, and part of the old stables has been transformed into a cosy games room.

There are 120 horses and the asados (Argentine barbecues) are worth travelling for, but as owner Kevin notes with a smile, “Many of our guests aren’t actually riders, and some are even vegetarian!” The food, much of it farm-grown, is exceptional. So much so that some guests choose to spend entire days with the chefs, learning how to make it. People come for the riding, yes – but more than that, they come for the character, the connection, and the charm.

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2. Hacienda Zuleta – North of Quito, Ecuador

For historic grandeur

Home to one of Ecuador’s most distinguished families, Zuleta was once the residence of a former president. “My grandfather may have been President,” quips current owner Fernando, “but it was my grandmother who really ran the show.” Portraits of her are among the many antiques that decorate the splendid interior.

The hacienda spans 1,600 hectares of pastures, forests, and even Incan ruins. There’s a working creamery producing 22 types of cheese, a trout farm, and a menu that celebrates local produce with fine flair. Horse riding is a speciality, with multi-day treks for those who want to go deep into the landscape. Not into horses? Learn Otavalo embroidery, try your hand at cooking local dishes, or let the new spa work its magic. This is a place of elegance, activity and quiet serenity, steeped in history.

3. Estancia Cerro Guido – Patagonia, Chile

For wildlife and wilderness

On the edge of Torres del Paine National Park, Cerro Guido is a working estancia with over 15,000 sheep and cattle, and interior decoration that nods to British country style. Ride across the plains to the foothills of the Sierra Baguales mountains, and explore corners of Patagonia that few travellers ever reach.

Cerro Guido is also a model for conservation. Once hunted by locals, pumas now thrive here thanks to a remarkable programme that retrained former poachers into wildlife guardians. Guests can join these now ‘leoneros’ as they track pumas and maintain the delicate balance between predator and livestock. The result is evident: the highest concentration of pumas in the region – and not a single livestock animal lost.

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4. Estancia Colomé – Salta, Argentina

For art and oenophiles

Set among the towering landscapes of northwest Argentina, Colomé is not only one of the oldest wineries in the country, but also home to one of the highest vineyards in the world. Here, malbec is king, and tastings are led by expert sommeliers.

You’ll also find a world-class art experience: the only museum dedicated to James Turrell, the pioneering American light and space artist.

Dine on seasonal, organic produce grown on the estancia and curated by a celebrated chef. This is high-altitude living at its most refined.

Hacienda Sazagua Reserva Natural, Colombia

For an enchanting setting

Nestled in the lush green Cocora valley near the charm of Colombia’s coffee towns, Hacienda Sazagua is a soulful hideaway. Ride or hike among the world’s tallest palm trees, which grow wild and spindly in the misty Cocora Valley. The ranch staff know hidden trails others miss.

One of the owners is a chef, so food is central to the experience – seasonal, creative, and crafted with care. Dine in unpresumptuous style at the ranch, sit around the fire for a barbeque, or picnic in the open, following a horse ride to waterfalls hidden deep in the valley.

• Sample Itinerary
• Testimonials
• Gallery

If you’d like to experience one of these properties as part of a seamless, tailor-made journey, get in touch. We’ll match the right place to your style of travel and plan every detail around what matters to you.