04/18/2026
My first stop in South America was La Bandada, an estancia about 1.5 to 2 hours from Buenos Aires International airport, and honestly it was such a special way to ease into Argentina.
We stayed for 2 nights, which felt just right and seems to be the sweet spot here. It is all inclusive with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, while soft drinks and alcohol are extra. If you are just going airport to estancia and then back into Buenos Aires, they can arrange transfers easily. If you want to explore more of the area, I would absolutely recommend having a car.
A few things I think are really helpful to know before booking: we stayed in the Hornero Suite, which is the only room with air conditioning. For a lot of US travelers, that is worth knowing upfront. An empanada class, horseback riding, bikes, the pool, games, and a traditional gaucho show are all included in the rate, which adds a lot of value. The horseback riding at sunset was especially beautiful.
What really stood out most though was the hospitality. Grace and her team were incredible. They loaned my daughter riding boots and even made a pharmacy run for us when we needed a few things. That kind of care always leaves the biggest impression on me.
This is a working farm, so I think the key to loving it is going in with the right expectations. A lot of the experience happens outdoors, including meals, and dinner is served at a set time with a set menu. Breakfast and lunch are also at set times. If you are expecting polished city hotel energy, this is not that. If you want something warm, authentic, family friendly, relaxing, and full of character, it is a really lovely stay. Great for families, but I could absolutely see couples loving it too.
My honest travel advisor take: I loved it. The rooms were very good, though I do think the bathroom in the Hornero Suite could use a refresh. But overall, we had an amazing stay and I would absolutely recommend it to the right traveler.
This is exactly why I love seeing places for myself. The little details matter, and they are the kind of things that make all the difference when I am matching a property to the right client.