Estancia Rincon del Socorro

A luxury eco-estancia in a spectacular nature reserve covering the vast unspoilt wetlands of northeast Argentina

Travel across flat, unexceptional lands, then board your boat at the private jetty to plunge you into another world. In the seemingly limitless laguna, you’re in a watery paradise of reflected sky and floating islands, surrounded by an incredible array of birdlife. Herons rise around the boat, quaint chajá birds screech, and capybaras cavort with their young. Within striking distance, alligators bask on rocks. Best of all, your bilingual guide makes even the clueless feel like expert twitchers.

Rincón del Socorro is the ideal base for all this because it’s not just an exclusive retreat, it's also the chance to participate in Douglas Tompkins’ ambitious conservation project. Immaculate and strikingly stylish, the 6 rooms in sepia tones preserve the original feel of the 1896 estancia, and give guests an intense contact with nature. Add tasty organic food and great hospitality and this is one of the most relaxing and interesting spots in Argentina.

Highs

• Stylish accommodation: the most luxurious way to see the Esteros del Iberá, but with a relaxed atmosphere
• An extraordinary conservation project: Douglas bought this 12,000 hectare former cattle estancia to reintroduce extinct species
• Welcoming hosts, Leslie and Valeria, lovely staff and brilliant guiding
• Excellent food: organic, delicious, and produced from the biodynamic land. All meals and soft drinks are included
• Nature begins outside your door: ñandues and capybaras roam freely, and astonishing birdlife flies past as you swim in the pool
• Wonderful night-walk safaris to see vizcachas, owls and other nocturnals

Lows

• It’s a long way from civilization, but you’re unlikely to miss it thanks to great hospitality, phones, and communal TV for those who need their fix
• Remote location means it's a hike to get here: either an overnight bus and transfer or plane from Buenos Aires and long drive
• It’s not the cheapest place to stay, but it's luxurious and good value when you consider what’s included