Estancia El Venado is a family run establishment located in the charming town of Pila, about 2 hours outside of the capital city of Buenos Aires.

Run by Patricia Walker Cendoya, Estancia El Venado boasts a long and welcoming history of receiving guests from all over the world to experience the tranquilty of "life on the farm".

Located 165 km from Buenos Aires, Estancia El Venado comprises 2500 acres on prime grassland in the fertile Argentine pampas. Rich in history and tradition, it was built in 1878. For four generations, it has been and continues to be a family owned and operated ranch. English speaking family members live on the ranch.

El Venado is a working ranch home to more than 1000 head of cattle, crops, and an active polo breeding and selling operation. Guests often decide to participate in farm operations such as cattle driving.

The hacienda has modern conveniences that provide a level of comfort difficult to match in the rural Argentine pampas. Each guestroom is furnished with in the traditional Argentine style and has extra tall ceilings and doorways and/or windows. Each guestroom also has a private bathroom and a private entrance onto the Gallery. Laundry and maid services are included, and we have recently added wireless internet service.

Guests can enjoy many activities at Estancia El Venado. Options include strolling through the large park, watching birds and plucking fresh snacks from the fruit trees; taking horseback rides around the Estancia on Argentine "Criollo" farm ponies; watching and sometimes participating in traditional Gouchos (Argentine Cowboys) perform ranch activities like sorting/rounding up the cattle and training young ponies; taking a swim in the pool or relaxing in the poolside lounge chairs; sitting under the Eucalyptus trees and watching the locals play polo; fishing in the Rio Salado (on the Estancia) or in the Laguna's de Chascomus (30 minutes away); and enjoying a traditional Argentine Asado (cook-out).

Guests can also arrange for horsemanship and polo classes.