Estancia Santa Cecilia, Misiones

Location

30km outside of Posadas (Misiones, Argentina)

Description

The estancia is closed for refurbishment until further notice - last updated in January 2016.

A traditional family-run estancia overlooking the Parana river close to the state capital. You are really made to feel at home during your stay, and all meals are included. Surrounded by fields and trees, the pool is ideally situated to relax in the sun after a days riding. There are around 300 horses and 5,000 cattle, looked after by traditional gauchos.

Activities

Guests are invited to assist the gauchos with the day to day jobs on the estancia as well as gentle riding across the estancia. Visits to the Jesuit missions of San Ignacio can be arranged by hotel staff.

Accommodation

All rooms are traditionally decorated with high ceilings and hardwood floors. Family photos and antiques adorn the walls and surfaces throughout the property. There are rooms on the ground floor for disabled access. A separate building to the main house with two bedrooms, kitchen and livingroom is now available for families.

Our comments

A wonderful place to relax and get a feel for the working life of a gaucho. Silvia and her son Charlie strive to make the experience for each guest as personal as possible, eating meals together and riding alongside you ensuring you get the most from your stay.

Client comments and reviews

What a fascinating stay I had at Santa Cecilia, it could not have been better. The accommodation excellent, the food delicious, the environment remarkable. Sylvia is a charming hostess and our guide was excellent and informative as we rode round the Estancia and saw the wildlife and the work of the gauchos. I would like to return to Argentina just to stay there again. - JC (February 2014)

We loved Santa Cecilia, what a wonderful, warm welcome! It felt like staying with friends – nothing was too much trouble. Our room was lovely (as was the house) and dining on the lawn by candlelight was a highlight. Sylvia was the perfect hostess, and Jose an excellent guide. We had a bird walk, and a BBQ with the gauchos, as well as seeing a bit of their lifestyle and the work they do on the estancia. - JB (November 2013)

I loved Santa Cecilia and Silvia the lady who owns the place and her son Charlie who looks like someone from a Jilly Cooper novel.  The 2 days were great even though it absolutely bucketed it down for 6 hours on the second day; I did manage to get two days riding with the Gauchos (and unbearable saddle sores that are still with me!). - JK (October 2010)

At Santa Cecilia Sylvia away but we were taken care of by son Charlie who took us to a local polo match which was very special. - JW (February 2010)

An absolute highlight was staying at Estancia Santa Cecilia.  Sylvia the owner is a fantastic hostess and is insistent that her home becomes your home for the duration of the stay (if only my own home were as nice as hers....).  The hospitality and warmth that she and her team demonstrated was really outstanding.  The horse riding wasn't too bad either.  This was without doubt the best place we stayed at in Argentina in accommodation and service terms. - SW (February 2009)

Santa Cecilia was a real highlight. It was a delightful family environment to be in and Sylvia is a great hostess. The horses are wonderful and gauchos friendly and there is a great horizon pool. - PW (October 2007)