Head to Estancia Nibepo Aike 1.5 hours south-west of El Calafate to immerse yourself in life on a traditional family-owned Patagonian estancia that has reared sheep and cattle for more than a century. The original family came from Croatia and have never left this stunning place. You can visit the ranch for the day but, better still, stay for two nights or more. Still very much a working ranch, visitors have long been welcomed here with true Patagonian hospitality, a wonderful way to experience an original Argentine ranch with the gauchos.

The ranch offers its guests really cosy and well-furnished rooms in the original ranch house as well as a playroom for families and a peaceful library to grab a book and a drink by the fire. There is a classic outdoor quincho for alfresco asado barbeques and at the main dining table, enjoy old family recipes, traditional Patagonian lamb and fresh vegetables from the ranch’s own orchard. Your stay here includes full board and activities on the ranch, coordinated with your guide when you arrive. Top notch horse-riding on criollo horses as well as great hiking and farming activities are the main attractions here as well as good bird-watching and nature all around.