Estancia Don Joaquin

Location: Northeast Argentina | Argentina

Price guide: £££££ £100-£200 per person per night

Estancia Don Joaquin is a boutique hotel on a working cattle ranch near Esquina, in Argentina’s Corrientes province. A beautiful country-style hotel surrounded by acres of unspoilt wilderness, a stay at this estancia is all about exploring the countryside on foot or horseback, meeting and working with real-life gauchos, and spotting caiman, capybaras and more on land and water safaris.

Perfect forA country retreat on an Argentine estancia

In the know

Immerse yourself in the life of an estancia
Meet genuine gauchos and see how they work
Learn to cook Argentine delicacies at cookery classes
Wine tastings showcasing regional and Argentine wines

Recommended for...

Cultural Immersion
Riding
Off the Beaten Track
Service & Hospitality

Hotel Overview

Sense of place

As well as the grasslands of the ranch itself, the estancia is surrounded by beautiful wetlands, lagoons and rivers ripe for exploration. The Solanet family, who own and run the ranch and hotel, go to great lengths to help you get the most out of your stay and imbue the place with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Rooms at Estancia Don Joaquin

The rooms and suites at Estancia Don Joaquin are each uniquely designed, but all are extremely comfortable while sharing a traditional, country-style aesthetic. Beds and furnishings are chunkily carved from beautiful dark wood, and the rugged adobe-style walls are painted in various hues of dark red, blue, and green. The ceilings are wooden, as are the window shutters, which open out onto views over the fields and the wetlands.

Food & Drink

In keeping with the rest of the hotel, food and drink at Estancia Don Joaquin meets high standards of quality while also reflecting countryside traditions; expect hearty portions of classic Argentine steak and barbecued meats, accompanied by local organic vegetables and washed down with copious quantities of red wine and mate. Cookery classes are also on offer, where you can learn to cook empanadas and other delicious Argentine specialities. Wine tastings are regularly held at the estancia, showcasing the best produce from the region and beyond.

Facilities

The estancia’s pool is perfect for a refreshing dip after a long horseback ride or safari. Spa treatments are also available by request, in the privacy of your own room; therapies include mud wraps, stone massages, and facial masks.

Activities at Estancia Don Joaquin

It goes without saying that horseback is the most popular way of exploring the countryside here, and you can enjoy working with and learning from the traditional gauchos who still look after the land and the animals. As well as listening to their stories over a mate, you can learn how to make a lasso and care for newborn calves. Another popular activity is fishing in the Corrientes and Parana rivers for the vast dorado, while safaris on water and land are on offer where you can hope to spot caiman, capybara, and other unique and beautiful animals.