Ranch Day at Estancia NIBEPO AIKE in Patagonia 🤠🐑 Ultimate Day Trip from El Calafate, Argentina 🇦🇷

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Hello and greetings from Patagonia! In today’s video, we’re going to be visiting Estancia Nibepo Aike, which is located within Los Glaciares National Park. This is one of the many excursions you can do from the town of El Calafate, and it’s a nice way to enjoy a day in the countryside, learn about the inner workings of an estancia, and enjoy a traditional barbecue while you’re at it. So let’s kick off another adventure! The estancia Nibepo Aike was founded by Santiago Peso, a Croatian immigrant who arrived in Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century. He settled in an area which today sits inside Los Glaciares National Park, where he raised sheep and cattle.

Originally, the estancia was named La Jerónima, but when Santiago fell ill with tuberculosis and eventually passed away, his wife renamed the estancia in honour of their 3 daughters. Their nicknames were Niní, Bebe, y Porota, so by grabbing the first 2 letters from each name, they got Nibepo, and then Aike which means place in the Tehuelche language. Estancia Nibepo Aike - that’s the name.

During our afternoon visit to Estancia Nibepo Aike, we got to enjoy an afternoon tea, walk along the shores of Lago Argentino, go on a short hike for panoramic views of the estancia, attend a sheep-sheering demonstration, and then enjoy a Patagonian barbecue. It was nice to spend a relaxed afternoon out in the countryside, and next time, we'll definitely opt for an overnight stay!

#patagonia #estancia #elcalafate

🐑 Patagonian Estancia Adventure: Nibepo Aike Day Trip | Sheep Shearing, Asado & Countryside Life 🇦🇷

🌄 Welcome to Patagonia: Estancia Nibepo Aike Experience

Hello and greetings from the heart of Patagonia, Argentina! In today’s episode, we take you on a classic Patagonian countryside adventure to Estancia Nibepo Aike, a historic ranch nestled within Los Glaciares National Park. If you’re visiting El Calafate, Santa Cruz, this is an excursion you won’t want to miss—perfect for those wanting to experience rural life, see traditional sheep shearing, and indulge in a legendary Argentine barbecue.

🚌 Getting There: Journey Through Patagonia’s Wild Landscapes

Our day began with pickup from our cabin in El Calafate for the scenic, 1.5-hour drive to the estancia. The journey itself is worth the trip, with jaw-dropping Patagonian scenery and endless dirt roads—pure eye candy all the way. You can book a morning or afternoon excursion; we picked the afternoon tour for that golden-hour light and sunset barbecue. As soon as we arrived, we gathered with fellow travelers for a traditional merienda: tea, coffee, and homemade cakes—a warm start on a windswept day!

🏡 History & Origins: The Story Behind Nibepo Aike

Next, our guide introduced us to the fascinating history of the estancia. Founded by Santiago Peso, a Croatian immigrant in the early 20th century, the ranch originally went by “La Jerónima.” After Santiago’s passing, his wife renamed the estancia “Nibepo Aike,” cleverly combining the nicknames of their three daughters. “Aike” means “place” in the Tehuelche language—a nod to the indigenous roots of the region.

🐾 Countryside Encounters: Animals & Calafate Berries

As we explored the grounds, we spotted friendly border collies, flocks of sheep with their adorable woolly coats, and even a local hare. A must for visitors: tasting the famous calafate berry. Local legend promises that eating this berry means you’ll return to Patagonia one day. Even if the berries are a bit green, it’s tradition—give it a try!

😂 Behind the Scenes: Lively Groups & Fun Moments

We joined a lively tour group (vodka in backpacks, party spirit included), and everyone mingled while snapping photos and sharing a laugh. The vibe at the estancia is casual and fun—expect to make a few new friends along the way.

🌊 Exploring the Land: Lagoons, Hikes & Sheep Shearing

Our afternoon continued with a walk down to the turquoise waters—milky blue lagoons that seem almost unreal—followed by a short hike through the ranch’s rolling hills. Soon, it was time for one of the main attractions: a sheep shearing demonstration. This unique, hands-on glimpse into Patagonian ranch life is a highlight for anyone interested in local traditions and sustainable farming.

🍷 Traditional Patagonian Asado: Wine, Lamb & Chorizo

After building up an appetite, it was time for the main event: the asado (barbecue). We sat down to bread, chimichurri (a zesty blend of herbs, olive oil, garlic, and vinegar), and Patagonian wine. The grill was loaded with sizzling lamb, chorizo sausage, and ribs, served fresh and steaming hot. The lamb was unbelievably tender—especially with a sprinkle of salt and a heavy pour of chimichurri.

Ranch Day at Estancia NIBEPO AIKE in Patagonia 🤠🐑 Ultimate Day Trip from El Calafate, Argentina 🇦🇷

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