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FROM USD 155
Estancia Nibepo Aike Tour from El Calafate
Experience rural Patagonia through hands-on traditions and local cuisine.
Why Choose This Activity?
- Transfers from/to your hotel included
- English speaking guide
- Visit a Patagonia ranch
Enjoy a ranch day in the Estancia Nibepo Aike, a wonderful tour in the Argentinian Patagonia. Located in El Calafate, Santa Cruz.
OVERVIEW
Discover rural life in Patagonia with a visit to Estancia Nibepo Aike, a historic working ranch within Los Glaciares National Park, surrounded by mountains and the landscapes of Lake Roca and Lake Argentino.
After a warm welcome with traditional hot drinks and homemade pastries, explore the estancia, learn about its history, and observe rural activities such as sheep herding, shearing demonstrations, and traditional gaucho horsemanship.
The regular morning program includes a Patagonian lamb barbecue served with salads, dessert, and a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink.
Guests can also add an optional horseback ride for an additional cost. A short ride is available as part of the regular visit, while the extended horseback riding experience requires a longer program.
Regular departures operate daily from September 15 to May 15. Afternoon departures are subject to separate confirmation.
About Us
PeritoMorenoGlacier.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.
ITINERARY
8:30 AM | Pick Up from El Calafate
Your experience begins with a transfer from your hotel in El Calafate. Travel along the scenic Route 15, known as the Road of the Estancias, passing through Patagonian steppe landscapes before reaching the mountainous surroundings of Lake Roca.
10:00 AM | Welcome at Estancia Nibepo Aike
Upon arrival, the estancia’s guide welcomes you with tea, coffee, or mate, accompanied by traditional tortas fritas or homemade cakes.
Learn about the history of the ranch and the pioneering family that continues to manage it.
Guided Walk and Rural Activities
Explore the historic ranch buildings and surrounding countryside. Discover traditional livestock activities, including sheep herding and milking demonstrations when seasonal conditions allow.
Continue along scenic trails overlooking the southern arm of Lake Argentino.
Guests who have booked the optional 45-minute horseback ride will explore the estancia’s surroundings on horseback instead of joining the corresponding walking section.
Sheep Shearing and Gaucho Demonstrations
Visit the historic shearing shed and learn about sheep farming and wool production. Watch traditional shearing techniques and a demonstration of gaucho horsemanship, subject to the day’s rural activities and weather conditions.
Traditional Patagonian Lunch
Return to the ranch’s quincho to enjoy a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue, accompanied by fresh salads, dessert, and one glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage.
After lunch, enjoy some free time to appreciate the surroundings.
3:00 PM | Return to El Calafate
Depart the estancia and begin the return journey to El Calafate, arriving at your hotel at approximately 4:30 PM.
End of our services.
Operating schedule: Daily morning departures from September 15 to May 15. Hotel Pick Up is generally around 8:30 AM, with return around 4:30 PM. Exact times are reconfirmed before departure. The extended horseback riding option follows a longer schedule.
| Duration: | Half-Day |
|---|---|
| Cancellation Policy: | 72 hours before the date of your tour |
| Availability: | September 15 to May 15 |
| Starting Time: | 9:00 AM or 5:00 PM |
| Finishing Time: | 2:00 PM or 10:00 PM |
| Pick Up: | From Your Hotel |
| Drop Off: | At Your Hotel |
| Language: | English and Spanish |
| Maximum Group Size: | 20 |
| Minimum Booking: | 1 |
GALLERY
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Round-trip transfers from selected hotels in El Calafate.
- English- and Spanish-speaking guide during the ranch activities.
- Welcome with hot drinks and homemade pastries.
- Guided visit to the estancia and rural activities.
- Traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue with salads and dessert.
- One glass of wine or one non-alcoholic beverage.
- Optional horseback riding (available at an additional cost).
- Additional food and beverages.
- Tips.
OPTIONALS
CANCELLATION POLICY
If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.
In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:
a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)
b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.
FAQs
Is this tour available on Dec 24, 25, 31, or Jan 1?
Please check with us.
Does this tour have any age restrictions?
No, there are no age restrictions for this tour.
Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Please contact us prior to booking to confirm accessibility.
How does the booking process work?
After booking and finalizing payment, you will receive a confirmation of your purchase. Then, in less than 24 hours, you will receive the voucher that you can use to take the excursions.
If the reservation is for the next day, we will be attentive and send you the voucher before your excursion begins.
Is the lunch included in the tour?
Yes, lunch is included in the tour. It consists of a lamb barbecue with salads, dessert, and a drink.
What makes an estancia visit different from a standard sightseeing tour?
An estancia experience adds a cultural and rural dimension, connecting Patagonia’s landscapes with ranch history, local traditions, food and daily life.
Is the experience authentic or mainly staged for tourists?
Tourism is part of the operation, but many estancias have genuine agricultural and historical roots. Good visits explain the property’s real history and contemporary rural life.
Will I learn about gaucho culture?
Usually yes. Estancia visits often introduce regional riding traditions, livestock work, food and the historical role of rural workers in Patagonia.
Is the visit worthwhile for travelers who are not interested in horseback riding?
Yes. Estancia experiences can include scenery, walking, meals, demonstrations, history and relaxation, so riding is not the only reason to visit.
How much time is usually spent outdoors?
A significant part of the experience is outdoors, but the exact balance depends on the program and weather. Bring layers suitable for wind and changing temperatures.
Is this a good family activity?
Generally yes. The combination of animals, open landscapes, food and cultural interpretation can work well for different ages, subject to any activity-specific restrictions.
Can dietary requirements usually be accommodated?
Often they can if requested in advance. Because meals may be an important part of the program, advise vegetarian, vegan, allergy or other dietary needs when booking.
What should I expect from a traditional Patagonian meal?
Menus vary, but estancia meals often highlight regional ingredients and ranch-style cooking. Exact dishes should be confirmed in the product inclusions.
Is an estancia visit interesting in bad weather?
Yes. Weather changes the atmosphere of Patagonia, and many programs combine outdoor sections with sheltered or indoor elements. Severe conditions can still require operational adjustments.
Why combine an estancia with a glacier-focused itinerary?
The glacier shows Patagonia’s natural scale, while an estancia adds human history and regional culture. Together they create a more complete understanding of the destination.
Book Now!
BOOKING FAQS
How Do I Book?
Just complete the booking form. When you finish, you will be redirected to Paypal, where you can pay for the tour.
What Happens After Booking?
Once you’ve completed your booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the voucher you’ll need to participate in the activity.
If you’ve booked an activity for the following day, don’t worry. We’ll make sure to send you the voucher before your activity begins.
I Have Other Questions...
Just head to our Contact Page and send us your enquiries.
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