Countryside hotels and ranches for a spring getaway: how much does it cost to spend the day or stay overnight?

With spring, the "high season" for country getaways begins. There's a need to get out of the city for a while and take advantage of the sun, the much more pleasant temperatures, and the brightness that characterizes these days; to get away in search of a good dose of greenery, nature, and a more open horizon .

Whether near or far, the province of Buenos Aires offers many options, from rural towns and villages that attract visitors with their quiet streets and historic buildings.

And there are country lodges, inns, and hotels that combine relaxation with the opportunity to immerse yourself in rural life.

Some estancias, for example, maintain their productive essence, with agriculture or livestock, while others have been completely transformed into sites dedicated to tourism.

In some cases, the Country Day package invites you to enjoy a full day, starting mid-morning and including lunch and activities ranging from horseback riding to regional production workshops. The day typically concludes with a picnic. There are also options to stay overnight and extend the experience.

Here is a selection of suggestions to consider.

The estancia is located in San Antonio de Areco , 20 minutes from the city center and 120 km from the capital. It has 300 hectares dedicated to livestock and agriculture , and a historic center dating back to 1880. Since 1934, El Ombú de Areco has belonged to the Boelcke family, who opened the gates to tourism in the early 90s . It offers Field Day programs and lodging for those who want to extend the experience.

From September to November, Field Day costs $150,000 per person and includes a barbecue lunch.

For those who want to stay overnight , a room for two people costs $600,000 and also includes a three-course set dinner. There are options for those with celiac disease, vegetarianism, veganism, or other dietary restrictions (+54 9 2326 49-2080; www.estanciaelombu.com/es/).

180 kilometers from the Capital, in Exaltación de la Cruz , the La Mimosa ranch invites you to eat delicious food and travel back in time .

The history of this property begins in 1869 , when Basque immigrant Ángel Vélaz acquired 1,000 hectares and established a grocery store that would become a meeting point for residents and travelers in the region. At the beginning of the 20th century, Ángel Vélaz's daughter, María, and her husband transformed the old mansion. The original structure was improved with a modern construction that incorporated an exotic garden and more amenities, turning La Mimosa into one of the most emblematic establishments in the area.

Today, the fifth generation of the family runs the ranch , which maintains its original charm. Its main garden features centuries-old trees, but the tallest palo borracho tree in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas stands out.

The ranch was also the setting for several films such as "Autumn Sun" and "The Lighthouse."

The Field Day event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes a reception with empanadas, a Creole lunch with barbecue and drinks (vegetarian options available), folklore activities in the afternoon, and a snack to conclude the day. It costs $48.00 per person . Children ages 4 to 12 pay $28.00 and must be booked in advance (estancialamimosa.com.ar).

A 15-minute drive from downtown San Antonio de Areco, this Country Resort & Spa has 30 rooms and is exclusively for guests over 18.

Ideal for a romantic getaway for two or a night out with friends, the property offers accommodation with a buffet breakfast, access to a heated indoor/outdoor pool, and an outdoor pool.

Its Los Federales restaurant offers lunch and dinner for a separate fee, and the Aguaribay Spa offers a variety of treatments.

In September, a room for two people starts at $185,000 + VAT per night on weekends (minimum two-night stay). On weekdays, it starts at $154,000 + VAT per room per night. They offer 3- and 6-month interest-free installments (pampasdeareco.com/).

Located in General Las Heras, 70 km from the city , the Santa Elena ranch covers 150 hectares, including 10 hectares of a wooded park with centuries-old trees. Its historic center dates back to the late 19th century and belonged to the family of General Pueyrredón.

They have a soccer field, volleyball court, soccer tennis court, bocce ball, tejo, and playground equipment for children. On the ranch, you can ride horses, bicycles, or hike the "Pinocchio" trail, which runs through the ranch's forest. In summer, you can use the pool and sundeck.

The Field Day is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has five stages : a picnic, a starter, a main course (barbecue), dessert, and, at 5 p.m., a snack to round out the getaway. It costs $60,000 per person, and children under 10 pay half price. Advance reservations are required (+54 9 11 6190-1489; https://www.estanciasantaelena.com.ar/).

“Disconnect from routine and connect with what's essential to give your soul/heart a break,” is how HM Campo presents itself, a “peaceful haven” in Saladillo , 170 km from the capital.

It has six cabins (12 rooms) and a pool, as well as a large multipurpose space. It offers a variety of options: from spending a day in the countryside to staying overnight in one of the cabins or renting the entire complex.

"We want our visitors to feel at home," says Alan Heineken, its founder.

The Field Day includes a reception, lunch, snacks, and field activities such as horseback riding, target shooting, and a farm tour. The cost is $70 per person.

For those who want to extend their stay at the camp, a night for two people costs US$170 on weekdays or US$200 per night on weekends. It includes full board and access to the various areas of the complex (www.instagram.com/hmcampo/).

With 120 rooms of different categories, the Howard Johnson hotel is surrounded by two hectares of park and has a great view of the Chascomús lagoon, 120 km from Buenos Aires .

Among its attractions are a spa, heated pool, gardens, restaurants, and activities for the whole family (weekend recreation during the low season; daily recreation during the high season). It's also pet-friendly.

The hotel offers a variety of options , whether for a day trip or a stay. For example, the Day Use by Hours package, from Sunday to Thursday, includes a room from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a snack per person, use of the facilities, and a spa circuit (one 30-minute session per person). It costs $70,000 for a double room.

For accommodations, the hotel offers a discount for Clarín 365 members : 15% off during low season and 10% off during high season (www.hjchascomus.com.ar).

In San Miguel del Monte, 120 km from the city , the La Bandada ranch offers a variety of programs for spending the day.

For those looking for a more traditional experience, the Gaucho Field Day is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes a reception with soft drinks, wine, and empanadas (and a class for those who want to learn how to make them), a hike, horseback riding, a barbecue (with a variety of meats, grilled vegetables, and salads with garden vegetables), a demonstration of gaucho skills, and Pampean tea (in addition to tea and coffee, mate and Creole pastries are also available). It costs US$140 per person, with children ages 4 to 11 paying half price.

There are also options that include polo lessons or a polo match, or birdwatching trips, for example (www.labandada.com.ar).

Yes, it's the "famous Route 2 castle" that belonged to the Guerrero family. It's in Castelli , at km 168 of Highway 2 and the Salado River, and it's open to tourism to offer an "Open Field" experience: visitors can enjoy a day surrounded by nature and culinary traditions, with shared tables, as well as a botanical and historical tour.

Lunch is a wood-fired barbecue with a variety of cuts, a fresh salad bar, and typical spiced sauces.

In the afternoon, when the sun begins to set, a Creole snack arrives, with fried cakes, homemade pastafrolas, coffee and tea.

The field day begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends after the snack is served at 5:30 p.m. It costs $70,000 per person, and children pay $35,000.

“It's not just a lunch in the countryside; it's a journey through time , through the land, and through the stories that connect the past with the present,” says La Raquel (+54 9 11 3012-5000).