We got engaged at La Cinacina in October 2010 and had the most wonderful stay. The staff were fantastic helping my now husband plan our engagement! The animals from the horses to the dogs were all part of the family and helped us enjoy our stay (especially Homer & Honey). We made good use of the free bikes they have which you can use to cycle into town. We spent a morning horse riding with a gaucho and his dog Shola who was lovely. The BBQ and dancing was brilliant as was the gaucho horse show - a must see! There was free tea and delicious cake every day which our lovely host prepared for us.
Overall this was a truly magical stay, completely relaxing, tranquil and a place we will never forget.

I visited La Cinacina on an organised Sunday tour from Buenos Aires. The pick up went to plan (although a little later than scheduled) and the group were warmly welcomed at the estancia. It is a friendly place, the food is good and plentiful and the music/dance and gaucho shows were enjoyable. I would recommend this trip. The only negative point is that it didn't quite last long enough for me and we were taken back to Bs.As. too soon after the shows had ended. I would have liked to have stayed for an hour or so longer just to have some free time to relax and enjoy the quiet of the estancia before being taken back to the city.

The estancia, La Cina Cina, was amazing. It was one of the best Buenos Aires day trips that we have done.

Located just an hour and a half outside of Buenos Aires, there is a small town called, San Antonio de Areco. It is a sleepy town, steeped in history, estancias (ranches) and gaucho (cowboy) culture.

We arrived to La Cina Cina estancia late in the morning and were welcomed with a complimentary drink and a tasty empanada. After our snack, we walked around the picturesque grounds and the property was lovely. There were trails to walk, a bird watching tower, horse drawn carriage rides and a huge swimming pool.

After walking around a bit, we toured the massive bbq area and saw the master chefs in action as they prepared a feast for all of the guests. Upon hearing the cowbell, we took our seats in the dining room for a delicious lunch- steaks, chorizo, chicken, pork (all from the grill) plus salad and complimentary wine. During lunch, there was a music performance by local gaucho singers and dancers that featured the local culture and history. We even got up and danced!

After lunch, we took an easy horseback ride around the ranch (it was huge) and then watched the gauchos compete in traditional games. There was horse racing and some challenges where the gauchos showed off their horse riding abilities (standing up) as well as galloping at full speed and inserting a silver knife through a ring hanging from a cord. It was pretty amazing!

La Cina Cina is set in the countryside and home to over 50 horses and numerous cowboys. It was a perfect combination of a comfortable, rustic farmhouse, ranch as well as cultural show. With tasty food, excellent customer service and a warm welcome from the family owners- I would highly recommend a day trip (dia del campo) or an overnight stay. It is a great way to experience "the real" Argentina and discover the countryside and traditional culture of the region.

We booked our trip with Mariana at www.sayhueque.com and were very pleased with her customer service as well. She arranged our morning hotel pick up, transfer to the ranch and the return the next day to our hotel in Buenos Aires. Overall, a great experience.

Highly recommended. From BA hotel pickup to the comfortable bus, friendly and understandable tour guides and ultimately the 4-5 hours onsite, the trip was a great one. Wonderful onsite activities and tasty food throughout the day. Give it a shot and have a great time