Estancia Telken, on the Patagonian High Plateau

After traveling long distances across southern Argentina, National Route 40 had a surprise for us. Estancia Telken, typical rural venue, changes the inhospitable scene for a space full of life, work and recreation which captures whoever searches for rest and authenticity.

We were driving from Perito Moreno towards the Cave of the Hands when we made a stop at a grand wooden house hosted by very kind people. They made us feel at home from the very first minute. As we entered the venue, we were welcomed by a lit fire. After a few minutes of chatting, we left our belongings and set out on a hiking tour around the area in the company of the house owners.

We admired the delightful flowery garden in front of the house, where some old trees made contrast with the lupins, short bushes featuring large spikes of different colors, typical of the area. The dogs accompanied us on our tours from a close distance without bothering and knowing in advance that we were heading for the sheep sheds and the stables.

At this space, we climbed on the horses that led us on a short ride around the area. We saw the rocky ravines and the thin threads of water. We reached a clearing where we enjoyed some mate with homemade rolls. During that memorable moment, we learned something about the activities carried out at the estancia.

Those who choose to stay for a few days may go on 4WD rides or on horseback to the basalt high plateau at Lake Buenos Aires or the Cave of the Hands. This is supposed to be a fantastic experience where the slopes and the Pinturas River show their special charm. Once the 9,000-year-old cave paintings come into sight, visitors become aware of the primitive lifestyle of these men who dwelled in these lands.

We devoted a day to this magnificent experience. When we returned from that morning ride, we were welcomed by a delicious smell of homemade food and the usual invitation to make ourselves comfortable and move onto the dining-room.

During lunch, we learned that estancia Telken started its activities in 1915 and that for three generations it has devoted its efforts to sheep husbandry and horse breeding. A few years ago, it opened up to tourism, as it is a usual stop for travelers in all directions.

Some rooms are located in the main house and others in the proximity. All of them clearly show the southern rural architecture.

The main dining-room is usually the most popular site and the meals are shared with the owners of the house as well as with other visitors. This creates a nice atmosphere of comradeship and friendship that many times ends up in new visits to the venue in which old friends are reunited.

The politeness of the hosts and the good service stand out. Guests will take home a baggage of experiences, the memory of beautiful sunsets or the heat of the fireplace. Also, the certainty of a well-deserved prize called “Thousand Stars Estancia”, won by estancia Telken in 1995.