This 12,000-hectare former cattle ranch, in northeastern Argentina, has been transformed into a private nature reserve, offering characterful accommodation and wildlife activities.
The main estancia building, constructed by the ranch's founder, dates from 1896. Built in classic Spanish colonial style, it has been completely renovated, conserving the original design, so some interesting period features are still visible. The nine guest rooms are all different - each one furnished and decorated in unique fashion, and full of character.
The main building has six bedrooms, a living room, verandah, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a pool, while three adjacent bungalows have a living room and small kitchen in addition to a single bedroom; all rooms have en suite bathrooms with a shower, plus - in some cases - a bathtub. Meals are prepared using organic fruit and vegetables and free-range meats, served with good Argentine wines.
The lodge aims to provide an understanding of the local ecosystem, as well as an appreciation for the ecological importance of wetland and savannah ecosystems through a programme of activities that include boat trips, nature walks, horse riding and night safaris. Guided and self-guided nature walks are offered on easy-to-follow dirt roads and trails. You don't have to go far to see carpinchos, freshwater otters, alligators and marsh deer, and with patience and good luck you might even see the elusive maned wolf, howler monkey or sprocket deer.
In the evening many birds come in to roost, and a night drive with a spotlight invariably reveals literally hundreds of masked vizcachas, which become active as soon as the sun goes down, borrowing owls, crab eating foxes, brocket deer and Geoffrey's cats. Mountain bikes are also available for outings.
