Buenos Aires Province

Buenos Aires stands on the edge of the Pampas, a vast sweep of grasslands converted into estancias (ranches) and rich farmland. Fluffy tufts of pampas grass still punctuate the wilder patches. This is the home of the Argentine cowboy, the gaucho, and the area around San Antonio de Areco in particular maintains strong ties to its gaucho heritage. As in certain other fortunate parts of the world — Greece, Provence — the quality of the light here can be extraordinary, casting a golden glow around the native ombú trees. Each November, the town hosts the Fiesta de la Tradición, when gauchos from across the region gather for a rodeo-style festival.