Estancia La Ernestina

La Ernestina is an historic 15,000-hectare estancia (ranch) with 20 kilometres of private coastline that now offers guest accommodation. It has typical Patagonian architecture with 6 en suite rooms, and a separate family dining room and library with fireplace.

The estancia has been in the Copello family for four generations and was until recently a Merino sheep farm until it was decided to open the property to guests wishing to experience the unique wildlife of the Valdes peninsula.

Electricity is provided by a generator which is switched on in the morning and evening. Due to the remote location there is no mobile phone signal.

There are six warm and comfortable en suite rooms with attractive bedspreads and bright, colourful Argentine décor. In the dining room delicious meals are served: farm-bred lamb and mutton BBQs (asados), local fresh fish and vegetable dishes, pasta, paella, home-made desserts and fine regional wines.

Juan Copello, the owner, host and guide, is the great grandchild of Santiago Copello who bought the estancia in 1907 and named it after his wife. Juan has dedicated his life to orca watching in particular and participates in scientific programmes to study the orcas’ behaviour. During March and April Juan’s only focus is the orcas, and guests gladly adapt their day around the unique wildlife phenomenon of the orcas mounting daring raids onto the shore to snatch sea lions from the shallows.