Welcome to Estancia Banda Grande

We look forward to welcoming you to 'Estancia Banda Grande' in the northwestern Argentinian province of Salta. Situated at an altitude of 2000 meters (6500 ft) above sea level in the high Andean mountains, the estate spans an area of approx. 30.000 hectares (> 74.000 acres) and is part of a nature reserve (the 'Canyones de Acsibi'). It has been privately owned since the age of the Spanish Conquistadores.

In the heart of the high Calchaqui valleys, this agricultural and livestock farm is nested between the historic villages of Molinos and Seclantas, right on the mystical Inca Trail. We produce a variety of ecologically sound and traditional crops like alfalfa, onions, peppers, cummin, maize, quinoa etc. There are also a couple of vineyards with Torrontes and Malbec grapes. The livestock consists of cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats.

The private nature reserve

Within the property of the Estancia we harbour a private nature reserve where its 'Canyones de Acsibi' reaches an altitude up to over 4000 meters (>13.000 ft). 'Acsibi' meaning 'red earth' in the extinct Cacan language.

The lodge

From the comfort of the main house, guests have direct private access to the fields and vineyards and the nature reserve. The main house or 'sala' dates back to the 18th century and is typical of the colonial building style of the great landowners of that era in the Salta province. The center courtyard is build around an old pepper tree ('aguaribay'), as was tradition in those days, and is surrounded by traditional galleries. At night, starry skies replace the modern world's light pollution with that of a glittering Milky Way and Southern Cross. The interior is testament to the cultural melting pot that characterizes the region. Indigenous arts sits within a colonial setting, while Dutch and Flemish master paintings hang alongside old family portraits of the imperial counts of Limburg Stirum, the owners of the estancia and nature reserve.

Activities

We offer various activities:

MAPA