Traditional customs of Argentine ranch life are still celebrated at the handful of estancias near Buenos Aires. Your full-day country retreat begins with morning pickup at your city hotel in an air-conditioned van and a lovely drive across the pampas (plains). After arriving at Estancia Santa Susana, you’ll be welcomed at the ranch house with warm empanadas and wine. Take a tour of Santa Susana’s grounds, chapel and museum while hearing stories about this historic working ranch. Meet the friendly gauchos — talented wranglers and horsemen similar to cowboys of the American West. Climb astride a horse from the ranch stables or hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a ride through the surrounding farmland. When you return to the ranch, settle in at a rustic banquet table for a savory parrillada (Argentine barbecue) featuring many different cuts of expertly grilled meats and sausages served with salads and regional wine. Top off your feast with a sweet pastelito (pastry) and a cup of mate — a favorite Argentine drink made from steeped yerba mate leaves. As you dine, enjoy a performance of traditional folk music and dancing, plus a boleadoras show where gauchos perform impressive feats of weapon throwing. Head outside to the pasture where the gauchos will continue displaying their skills through daring horseman stunt tricks, animal herding, and the ring race known as la sortija. After your full day of ranch festivities, relax on the return drive to Buenos Aires to be dropped-off at your hotel/ship /appartment.