Estancias in Los Glaciares
Estancias are the perfect place to disconnect: remote ranches offering a gaucho lifestyle, where you can explore their trails by day then sink into their rustic charms by night.
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Nibepo Aike has been family-run for generations. Even the name Nibepo comes from combining the nicknames of the original founder's daughters, and the rich history and culture is evident everywhere. From the sheep-shearing demonstrations to the black-and-white photos on the walls, you'll feel immersed in authentic Patagonia.
The building is original and the rooms have a certain quaint hotel feel to them. The reception, lounge and dining area are in the main house, built in 1912. More recently, they added the other rooms, all decorated in the original wooden style.
The ten guest rooms are all spacious but simple, though when your surroundings are this spectacular, you'll be spending most of your time out and about anyway, enjoying the beautiful landscapes on your doorstep, or taking part in the many excursions.
Triple room at Nibepo Aike
Nibepo Aike is especially good for families, with horseback riding, sheep shearing and a traditional asado all part of the experience.
There are a few trails in the grounds of the estancia which you can hike or bike on your own. These can take anything from 30mins to three hours.
You can also ask a guide to show you the best of the nearby sights.
The estancia is also a start/end point for some fantastic multi-day horseriding trips.
Activities at Nibepo Aike
Nibepo Aike is a 1¼-hr drive from El Calafate, or 1½hrs from the airport. Once you leave El Calafate you are on a gravel road, but the condition is good.
The drive is really beautiful, and for those interested in their Patagonian history. The route takes you past the memorial to the 1921 rural strikes, when hundreds of workers died.
The estancia can also be reached from Perito Moreno Glacier (1½hrs), Puerto Bandera (1hr), or El Chaltén (4hrs).
Pathway to Nibepo Aike
The Estancia is open from mid-September through to mid-May. Rates include full-board accommodation and activities run within the grounds. Transfers in and out of El Calafate are also included.
There are eight standard rooms and two superior rooms.
2023/24 season high season rates, per person per night are:
Standard Room: USD $274 single; USD $220 double/triple
Superior Room: USD $311 single; USD $253 double/triple
Sheep shearing at Nibepo Aike
4.6 out of 5
A real chance to experience the Patagonian life like a ranger, seeing crystal-clear lakes and hidden glaciers from the saddle and riding to remote corners from a traditional Patagonian ranch, spending nights in small rustic outposts. This complete program showcases…
The best part of our month long holiday. Our guide was brilliant, he knew so much about the local geography and wildlife as well as the history of the area. The food was fantastic, the best we have had all holiday and the scenery and unique places we got to see on the horses was incredible. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Rory Booth - UK
I loved this place, so quaint and it’s like stepping back in time in a truly amazing setting with mountains in the background. Hospitality was amazing. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2020
Anousha Fluck - Canada
Review:
Estancias are the perfect place to disconnect: remote ranches offering a gaucho lifestyle, where you can explore their trails by day then sink into their rustic charms by night.
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