Estancia Nibepo Aike
El Chalten & Los Glaciares National Park, Southern Patagonia, Argentina
At a Glance
Truly authentic Patagonian estancia stay (still a working farm) hosted by fourth generation family owners
Remotely located within the National Park with dramatic mountain views. Feels a million miles away from the touristy town of El Calafate
Understand what it takes to be a gaucho and immerse yourself in a variety of tasks such as sheep shearing, cattle branding and milking (season dependent)
The unobstructed countryside offers picturesque riding and walking opportunities
Enjoy a typical Argentinean meat feast in the outdoor barbeque (quincho) area
For wildlife lovers - condors, eagles, flamingos, kaikén, black-necked swans (amongst other species) can also be spotted
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
November to April typically brings the best weather and there’s usually enough sun to get fabulous photographs with sunshine most days. In March and April, Autumn colours are spectacular, as the lenga on upper slopes of the mountains turns scarlet. The majority of the region is closed for winter June to August, when weather makes the area very inhospitable. December and January are high season and the glacier trips are at their busiest. September, October, November and March is a great time to visit, when there are fewer crowds, and the weather can still be beautifully mild. Bear in mind, though, that weather on the glacier is completely unpredictable all year round, since the winds coming over the Andes, are constantly changing.
Insider's View
The Estancia has a sheep sheering demonstration that happens at least once a day!
Expect wholesome, authentic Patagonia food and asados (barbecues) during your stay
To start planning your holiday to Estancia Nibepo Aike
Description
Set on a sheep-breeding farm, Nibepo Aike is an authentic 10 room estancia offering simple but comfortable accommodation with tremendous mountain views, and activities that range from horse riding to trekking. Immerse yourself in the real Patagonia!
Estancia Nibepo Aike is an hour and half drive from El Calafate in a scenic valley overlooking Lago Roca on the southern arm of Lago Argentina and backed by snow-capped mountain peaks; sheep, horses, and cows graze among purple lupines. For a truly authentic Patagonian adventure a stay on an estancia is not to be missed.
The Estancia's buildings are of typical Patagonian construction with gabled roofs and rustic-style furniture, restored and refurbished to make a cosy country guest house. You will receive a warm and open welcome from the staff, and feel truly cared for during your stay.
You are guaranteed to get an authentic understanding of the Gaucho life, the original characteristics remain in tact and daily rural tasks are carried out by the current owners from sheep shearing to cattle branding. Where possible the food is prepared from the estancia's own produce, including fresh bread and milk served every morning for breakfast. In the evening sample local Patagonian specialities including lamb and beef asado barbecues.
Accommodation
The 10 guest rooms (8 standard and 2 superior) are simply furnished in the typical Patagonian style with en suite bathrooms.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Estancia Nibepo Aike however the ranch doesn't have any specific facilities for children. Horse riding for children 10 years and upwards.
Activities
Estancia Nibepo Aike offers a fantastic chance to explore an unbeatable natural landscape, either by foot or horseback (all levels welcome). If you choose that latter, there is a variety of levels to choose giving you the chance to head off for long treks across woodlands and to glacier cut rock. There are woodland tracks for easier trekking and have an abundance of picnic spots to make use of en route.
Experiences
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Mini Ice Trek: Perito Moreno
An exhilarating mini-trekking adventure across the vast Perito Moreno Glacier. Set with ropes and crampons, hike on a sea of ice amidst lakes, lagoons and mountains for stunning views of the Patagonian wilderness.
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Perito Moreno & Mini Ice Trek
Kitted with ropes and crampons, you'll walk on the 20-storey high, 3-mile wide Perito Moreno glacier for spectacular views of the lakes and lagoons. Afterwards explore the walkways to gain new perspectives and take incredible panoramic shots.
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Perito Moreno Glacier - Full Day
Get up close to one of the world’s most famous glaciers on an unforgettable boat trip to Perito Moreno. This staggering ice form is viewed from extensive platforms which offer far-reaching views across the glacier to the snow-capped mountains beyond.
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Ranch experience at Estancia Nibepo Aike
Get to grips with life on a typical Argentinian estancia, learning about their traditions, the role the horses have to play on the farm and what it takes to be a genuine gaucho.
Holiday Ideas
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Ride Argentina
Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Argentine Patagonia, Las Pampas
from £4500 pp inc flights & transfers for 12 nights
- Delve into the history and traditions of Argentina on horseback and learn how these graceful animals have been an important part of rural Argentine life for centuries
- Explore Buenos Aires by bicycle, visiting many of the city’s classiest areas
- Escape the crowds in the often-overlooked province of Cordoba and ride alongside gauchos or even try your hand at polo
Location & directions
El Chalten & Los Glaciares National Park, Southern Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Nibepo Aike has a spectacular setting on the southern arm of Lago Argentino just 56 kms from El Calafate, in the Glaciares National Park
How to get there
Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, and then it's a 56km drive by road to the estancia
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
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