Lamb, horseback riding and much more at Estancia San José

Eating lamb like a king, riding on horseback with the family and enjoying an educational farm for children. Where? Minutes away from Puerto Madryn. A real must!

For many people, eating Patagonian lamb is a matter of state. Once we settled in the City of Puerto Madryn, we resolved to make this dream come true. Thus, we asked around for the best place and everybody led us to the same spot: Estancia San José.

After finding out information about local activities, we decided to make a reservation for the following day. We had already enjoyed the typical sea-lion and whale-watching tours that never fail to captivate visitors to Madryn. Now we had a new attraction to see.

We got up really early in order to make the most of the day. Half-way through the morning, we set out towards estancia San José, located at the 1,383th kilometer marker on National Route 3, just 20 kilometers north of the City of Puerto Madryn.

  • I dreamed of a place

    I dreamed of a place

  • Guided horseback riding or just a walk

    Guided horseback riding or just a walk

  • A demonstration of shearing

    A demonstration of shearing

  • Country restaurant

    Country restaurant

  • Children in contact with nature

    Children in contact with nature

  • Surrounded by a beautiful and pure air

    Surrounded by a beautiful and pure air

A giant sign and six flags mark the access to the estancia. The gate lies next to the sign and the path led us to the shell.

At first sight, we realized we were in front of the typical Patagonian estancia, resembling the constructions portrayed in the old episodes of the memorable “Little House in the Prairie”. Its owners, Walter and Mario, gave us a warm welcome and told us the story of this legendary venue dating back from 1922.

As we toured around the shell, we made out species like foxes, Patagonian hares, choiques, elegant crested tinamous and, to our children’s surprise, the guanacos called Quimey and Camila, who are already part of the staff and wander loose around the venue, came to greet us in very friendly way.

The typical educational farm is perfectly reflected through this “staff”, in which sheep, goat, horses, cows, ducks, turkeys, geese and many other animals contribute sound, color and joy to this place as they let both children and adults to stroke them.

The estancia has five thousand hectares and its main activity has always been sheep husbandry. However, at present its owners have opened the house to visitors who wish to see an unusual place close to the city.

Beyond the fact that everything turned out to be perfect, our aim continued to be to taste roasted lamb. As midday approached, the rest of the family joined us.

To our satisfaction, the steak house called La Vaca Atada is located nearby. In addition to tasting delicious Patagonian lamb and a complete wine list, customers may enjoy a live Argentinian folklore show. Excellent!

The lamb was a complete success and the service was impeccable. After lunch, we had a long pleasant chat accompanied by gatos and chacareras, the singing of the payador and the sheep shearer showing its skills live on stage.

After a well-deserved rest, Mario advised us to go on a horseback ride around the native woods made of piquillín, jarilla and molle, among other local bushes. Also, the trails showed us around the estancia and led us back to the old shell.

Walter told us that visitors may also rent bikes but we wanted to end the day drinking some mate under a shady tree. A divine pleasure.

We started our way back to Madryn before sunset. As we traveled along the rubble road that led to National Route 3, lying two and a half kilometers away, we promised to return to this magical site to breathe the Patagonian rural air again.

Autor Pablo Etchevers Fotografo Gentileza Estancia San José

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