The only working estancia inside Los Glaciares National Park, on the shore of Lago Roca. More than 110 years of Patagonian ranching history, real working days with sheep and gauchos, and a lamb asado to finish — with transfers from El Calafate.
Nibepo Aike is the only estancia inside Los Glaciares National Park — and the only one around El Calafate that still carries out, in front of visitors, the traditional tasks that made Patagonian ranches famous.
The day starts early with pick-up at your hotel in El Calafate. The route to the estancia is part of the experience: about 55 km along the old ranch road, with gravel stretches and sections that are really 4x4 tracks.
You cross the historic estancias Huyliche, Anita and Alta Vista, stopping at viewpoints that give unusual perspectives over the Andes and the Argentino and Roca lakes. Transfer time is roughly an hour and a quarter each way.
Horses on the estancia — and the optional ride along the shore of Lago Roca.
You are welcomed at the estancia with tea, coffee and mate, served with tortas fritas and homemade cakes. Then comes a walk around the old ranch buildings while your guide tells the story of the first settlers of the area and of sheep and cattle farming in Patagonia.
Founded more than 110 years ago and still breeding Hereford cattle, Nibepo Aike is a working ranch, not a re-enactment. Your guide stays with you throughout to explain the history, the geography and the local wildlife and plants.
The heart of the visit is watching the ranch at work: the milking, the sheep herding, a demonstration of hand shearing with scissors — the way it has always been done here — and a display of gaucho horsemanship and rein skills (destreza criolla).
There is also time to walk down to the lake shore or up towards Cerro Cristal, where on a clear day you get a panoramic view towards the Perito Moreno Glacier. Optionally, you can add a 45-minute horseback ride along the shore of Lago Roca.
The only estancia inside Los Glaciares National Park — on the shore of Lago Roca.
The day closes in the estancia's quincho with the classic of the region: Patagonian lamb roasted on the stake (al asador), served with salads and dessert. House wine and soft drinks are included, and there is an organic vegetarian option if you tell us in advance.
After lunch you head back to El Calafate along the same ranch road, arriving in the late afternoon.
Around 8:15–8:30 am from hotels within the urban area of El Calafate.
About an hour and a quarter through the steppe, with panoramic stops over the Andes and the lakes.
Welcome with tea, coffee and mate, then a guided walk around the historic buildings.
Milking, sheep herding, hand shearing and a gaucho horsemanship display. Optional horseback ride.
Patagonian lamb roasted on the stake with salads and dessert.
Return to El Calafate along the same road, back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Tell us your dates in El Calafate and we'll check availability, add the horseback ride if you want it, and send a free quote within 24 hours.
One dedicated specialist plans your whole stay — not a booking platform with a call centre.
We regularly compare our rates against the big international operators — and we've confirmed we're the most competitive.
The estancia only operates part of the year. We tell you straight away whether it works with your dates, and what to do instead if it doesn't.
The horseback ride and the vegetarian menu both need to be requested beforehand — we handle that for you.
We combine this day with the Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén or Ushuaia in a single, well-paced itinerary.
Professional guides who bring the history of Patagonian ranching to life.
A registered agency with two decades organising trips across Argentina.
The experience runs from 15 September to 15 May. It does not operate outside that period, so if you're travelling in the Patagonian winter we'll suggest alternatives around El Calafate.
About 55 km from El Calafate, on the shore of Lago Roca, inside Los Glaciares National Park. It is the only estancia located within the park, which is what makes the setting so special.
Roughly an hour and a quarter each way, along the old ranch road. Some stretches are gravel and some are genuine 4x4 tracks, and we stop at viewpoints along the way.
Yes. Lunch is Patagonian lamb roasted on the stake, with salads and dessert, plus a glass of house wine or a soft drink per person. There is an organic vegetarian option, but it must be requested in advance.
Yes, as an optional add-on: a 45-minute ride along the shore of Lago Roca. It must be booked in advance and the minimum age is 10 years; for minors, the guides assess riding experience and fitness before starting.
On a clear day, the walk towards the lake shore or up to Cerro Cristal gives a panoramic view in the direction of the Perito Moreno Glacier. It's a distant view, not a substitute for visiting the glacier itself — which we also arrange.
We pick up from hotels within the urban area of El Calafate. Hotels outside the urban area and the airport are not included in the regular transfer circuit, but tell us where you're staying and we'll find a solution.
Yes, it's a great day out for families. Children under 3 do not pay and travel free if they don't occupy a seat. The optional horseback ride has a minimum age of 10.
On 24 and 31 December only the morning day runs, and on 25 December and 1 January only the afternoon version operates (departing El Calafate around 4 pm, activities from 6 to 10 pm, returning around 11:30 pm). The optional horseback ride is not available on those four dates.
Yes. With a private service the timing at the estancia is from 10:00 to 15:00, and we adjust the pick-up accordingly. Just ask us for a private quote.
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More information →Patagonia was built on sheep. For a century, huge estancias shaped the landscape, the economy and the culture of this corner of Argentina — and Estancia Nibepo Aike is one of the very few places where you can still see that world working, rather than reconstructed for visitors.
Founded more than 110 years ago and still breeding Hereford cattle, it is the only estancia inside Los Glaciares National Park, on the shore of Lago Roca and surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. Getting there is half the pleasure: about 55 km along the old ranch road, past the historic estancias Huyliche, Anita and Alta Vista, with viewpoints over the lakes.
The day itself is unhurried: a welcome with mate and homemade cakes, a walk through the old ranch buildings with the story of the first settlers, the milking and the sheep herding, hand shearing with scissors and a display of gaucho horsemanship. Then the long lunch — Patagonian lamb roasted on the stake, salads, dessert and a glass of wine — before the road back to El Calafate.
The estancia opens to visitors from 15 September to 15 May. Tell us your dates and we'll check availability, add the optional horseback ride along Lago Roca if you'd like it, and fit the day neatly alongside the Perito Moreno Glacier and the rest of your Patagonian itinerary.
