La Margarita is simply one of the best estancias in Argentina. After a few hours bus ride from Buenos Aires, we spent three wonderful days here, relaxing in the beautiful gardens, swimming in the outdoor pool, cycling (very comfy bikes), milking the cows and of course riding the ranch’s lovely horses. The horseriding is perfect for experienced and non-experienced riders – the horses are willing and sweet-natured, and the gauchos, Lalo and Jonny, really take care of you. You can go on short rides or long rides through the beautiful Pampas, enjoying the peace and tranquillity – we opted for the longer rides as we couldn’t get enough of it.

We stayed in the catered house (there are also self-catering units – perfect if you’re on a budget but still want to get your fix of horseriding) and felt so at home. Rooms are cosy and pretty, and the food is absolutely delicious and very plentiful – as is the red wine! We tucked into tasty beef stews, wonderful quiches, salads and some amazing desserts.

Don’t miss this estancia – the staff are unbelievably friendly and welcoming, the horseriding is brilliant and the location is unequalled. Thank you so much for a fabulous stay La Margarita, we’ll be back!

We stayed 4 nights at the Estancia La Marguerita in Tapalque, having travelled 5 hours on a bus from Buenos Aires, and we were met
and driven the final 8 miles to the estancia. What a warm welcome from the staff there, Raquel & Cecilia indoors, Lalo & Jonny out on the
ranch. We were the only guests there the first 2 nights (early season I guess!) but it wasn't awkward at all, not having so much Spanish
between us was not an issue, we got by with a dictionary, gestures and rudimentary diagrams, and the sheer friendliness of the staff was
something that made us feel at home straight away! Home cooked locally grown and sourced food from Cecilia and Raquel was a delight,
and the local wine was excellent. Even me, a complete novice at horse riding, managed to be at trotting level before we left, a feat I thought
I would never aspire to, indeed a minor miracle, but we had Lalo and Jonny to thank for that, for skilfully reading the situation and allocating
a relaxed horse for my entire time there. Walks we did plenty, the wildlife and birds were an endless source of delight, and Fido & Jack,
the 2 resident Pointers, were always with us on our walks which made it even more special, doing their thing and causing endless partridges
to break cover. No phone, no mobile signal, no Internet, no TV, no problem! Huge fireplace in the living room, so not much to do in the evenings
after dinner but enjoy coffee and a little reading time, and an open fire in every bedroom.... Going to sleep with crackling logs, reminds me of my
Wexford Granny's house! As an avid stargazer, it was 'heavenly' for me too! The communal table for meals was not as painful as I thought, actually
it was excellent as we spoke to all the other guests, fascinating characters all of them, and they spoke English with us so we loved them!
David, the owner was present over the weekend and great to talk to, and we also have Claudia & Suzanna to thank for answering our queries by email
and even turning up at the weekend at the estancia to join us for a drink and a horse ride! We made some friends there, how often can you truthfully say that??
Mosquitoes were an issue, unusual for that time of year apparently, make sure you bring some Off! Reading some of the other reviews I'd say if you're planning to travel with kids, it's not Disneyland, but you'd spend quality time as a family in the Great Outdoors, which beats Mickey Mouse hands down.

So to recap, a great break from the mania of BA, excellent and super-friendly staff, worth every penny in my book

James

Susanna & Claudia were so patient with me while I was booking my stay. I had a million questions and they promptly replied to my emails and provided the information I requested. While in Buenos Aires my lack of Spanish caused problems at the Retiro and Claudia was nice enough to go pick up my bus tickets and hold them at her office for me to retrieve.

My husband and I chose the self cater option and were very pleased with our decision. The value cannot be beat. We felt welcome from the moment we arrived. The rooms are very comfortable, private, and clean. The staff checked in on us just enough to see if we needed anything and were easy to find if we had any questions. We rode horses twice a day, walked the beautiful grounds, played bocce, had asado, played with some of the dogs, and read by the fire. It was the most relaxing portion of our trip to Argentina and I highly recommend La Estancia Margarita to anyone trying to spend a little time outside of the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires.

I booked this estancia after a lot of researching and following a personal recommendation from my boss. I was not let down in any way.

From my initial enquiry on line, through my stay itself and to leaving to travel onwards, I was offered excellent and friendly service from all of the staff. The place has a number of individual bedrooms with real log fires and a really comfortable home style feel. With these you get all of your meals and drinks included, although you can buy wine and extras if you wish. You also get guided horse riding, milking the cows and the use of all of the facilities for no additional charge. There is a gorgeous and spacious lounge with crackling log fire at appropriate times of the year (while I was there the weather was great during the day - sunny and warm - but not yet ready for the swimming pool! But chilly at night, hence the fires). The large living room also has a dining area where excellent home cooked meals are served using produce from the estancia wherever possible.

The whole ambience is relaxed. Treat the place as your own home is a philosophy that is encouraged. It may not be luxury as in a 5* hotel, but the quality and cleanliness is excellent. You can just sit and rest or read in comfort in front of the fire or out in the extensive grounds. There are loads of walks you can take to enjoy the countryside and the animals - horses, cows, cattle, sheep, turkeys and chickens as well as wild birds and hares.

The surrounding areas has much to offer too, Tapalque, the old pulperia as well as a number of other sites to visit.

I have to say I was really impressed by the whole set up and the staff. The owner himself, David Cummings made efforts to say hi and engage with the guests despite having an entourage of staff to tend to your every needs and his business interests to run. He really wants people to enjoy themsevles and this passion is clearly seen in the place.

This estancia may not have the 'show biz' wow of some of the big names near BsAs, however it more than makes up for this with charm, excellent perosnal service and great food. It is authentic and the weekend I was there was the annual Gaucho Feria in Tapalque so you could really see how much Gaucho means in Argentian pampas life, with one of the staff taking part in the parade.

My boss had travelled with two small children and thoroughly enjoyed himself two years before and I can again recommend this place to anyone, solo traveller, couple, family or a group of all ages. You can even now stay in the self catering cottages that David has converted at the back of the Estancia. So if you are on a budget nd want to please yourself, you can still enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!