Argentina is well-known because of its vast farming lands as reflected by the weight of agriculture on the nation's economy.
 
Within the country's territory, agriculture and cattle breeding are concentrated around establishments of varying characteristics, depending on the type of operation, size and category, and which are accordingly classified into estancias (ranches), fields, farms and mixed farming units.
 
There are more than 900 ranches in Argentina, many of which date back to the 18th century and earlier. In some of them, ranch houses are magnificent, comfortable and richly furnished mansions built in English, French, Italian or Spanish Colonial style. When these establishments operate as guest ranches, it is the landholders' families who provide services to visitors.
 
Ranches and farms are scattered from the North to the South and from the East to the West of the 2,791,810 Km²-long Argentine territories within the American continent. They are mostly concentrated in the province of Buenos Aires and in the Patagonia. Farm sizes vary widely, there are establishments of over 100,000 Ha and also small homesteads built on 1 Ha estates.
 
Farm vacations' characteristic and options depend on the area's natural features; therefore you can choose from different climates and vistas - the subtropical north of the country (with or without dry season), mild climates in central Argentina, and sub-Antarctic cold in the south. You also have a wide range of recreational activities to choose from depending on the size, architectural style, available services and type of food, rural culture and farming activities of each of these establishments. Activities include fishing, hunting, horseback riding, walks, flora and fauna watching. You can also take part in ranch chores, cattle driving, cow milking, sheep shearing, lamb and cattle branding, equine events, gaucho rodeos, informal gatherings where folk music is played and danced, and games of polo or pato (Argentina's sport). In addition, country museums provide the opportunity of learning about the history of early settlers and their pioneering endeavors.
 
In a word, you are a guest who shares the life of an Argentine ranch with the landholders.