In the remote wilderness of Southern Patagonia, Estancia La Josefina sits isolated on the northeastern arm of Lake San Martín, 290 km from El Calafate. This off-grid mountain refuge is accessible only by foot or boat, requiring a 6-hour hike along turquoise lake waters after a rugged drive through endless Patagonian steppe on gravel roads. The estancia offers four geodesic domes strategically positioned for panoramic views of glacial lakes, snow-capped Andes, and vast wilderness where condors, pumas, and guanacos roam freely.
With no cell signal and limited internet, powered only by wind generators and solar panels, guests experience true disconnection from civilization. Activities include multi-day treks through lenga and ñire forests, horseback riding across untouched mountain terrain, and boat expeditions on the pristine binational lake shared with Chile. Meals feature authentic Patagonian flavors, including lake trout, garden vegetables, and traditional asados cooked over wood fires in historic kitchens.
Estancia La Josefina features four geodesic domes offering panoramic views of Lake San Martín, the surrounding mountains, and glaciers. Two secluded domes include private bathrooms. Two others are positioned within the protective walls of an old sheep pen, each with outdoor bathroom facilities, making them ideal for groups of friends or families. Each dome accommodates up to 4 guests and provides wood-burning stoves for heating, hot water, comfortable beds with quality mattresses, and soft linens for restful nights under Patagonian skies.
The estancia operates completely off-grid with 220V electricity from wind generators and solar panels. A separate dome serves as the communal dining room and living area where guests gather for meals. The culinary experience showcases authentic Patagonian cuisine prepared in traditional wood-burning kitchens, featuring barbecued meats, fresh garden vegetables, lake trout, homemade breads, and local specialties cooked over open fires or in woks. Two accommodation programs are available:
Regular Program – The all-inclusive package is designed for complete convenience. This program includes round-trip transfers from El Calafate, a 5-hour journey, eliminating transportation concerns. During this 3 or 4-night program (Monday-Thursday or Thursday-Monday), guests enjoy full board accommodation in geodesic domes, all scheduled activities, plus one horseback riding experience per person. A bottle of Malbec wine is provided daily, and all meals feature authentic Patagonian cuisine.
Estancia Program – The self-drive option for more independent travelers. Requires guests to arrange their own transportation to the property, which is only accessible by 4×4 vehicle. Help to coordinate the transfer can be provided. While it includes the same dome accommodation, full board meals, and most activities, horseback riding is not included (normally USD 100 per day) and must be purchased separately. Alcoholic beverages and sodas are also additional.
Both programs include luggage transfer by boat, guest boat transfers when weather permits, picnics for excursions, and personalized activity coordination. Neither includes tips, fishing equipment replacement if lost, or expeditions with overnight stays outside the ranch.
01
01
01
01
01
Staying at an estancia was the highlight of our trip to Argentina. The horseback rides through the hills were breathtaking, and the gauchos made us feel like part of their family. Truly unforgettable
Texas, USA
Staying at an estancia was the highlight of our trip to Argentina. The horseback rides through the hills were breathtaking, and the gauchos made us feel like part of their family. Truly unforgettable
Texas, USA
Gaucho Getaways is a booking platform that connects travelers with authentic gaucho experiences on Argentina’s working estancias. We offer horseback riding tours, ranch stays, and cultural adventures with authentic gauchos across verified estancias, spanning from the wetlands of Corrientes in the north to the mountain peaks of Patagonia in the south.
Booking is simple! Browse our curated ranches, select the one that suits your preferences, and follow the booking instructions provided on the ranch’s page. Our support team is here to provide any assistance.
Discover Argentina’s diverse ranch landscape with Gaucho Getaways: sophisticated hideaways near Buenos Aires, endless Patagonian sheep country, Mendoza’s wine-and-riding estates, and Salta’s Andean retreats. Our portfolio spans working cattle ranches to elite polo clubs, each delivering authentic gaucho culture through horseback adventures and hands-on traditions.
No horseback riding experience is needed! Gaucho Getaways welcomes beginners and experienced riders alike. Local guides and gauchos will tailor each ride to your comfort level, making sure you feel safe and confident on the trail.
Activities at the ranches include daily horseback riding with gauchos across pampas and mountains, authentic Argentine asado barbecues, cattle work experiences, and gaucho skills training. Estancias also offer polo lessons, birdwatching, fly fishing, trail hiking, sheep shearing demonstrations, mate ceremonies, folk music evenings, and stargazing by traditional fogón fires.
Experience real gaucho culture and horseback riding across Argentine ranches
Select your estancia and enjoy unforgettable adventures with real gauchos and nature
© 2025 Gaucho Getaways. All rights reserved.
